Liverpool vs. Manchester United: 5 key matchups

FILE PHOTO (EDITORS NOTE: GRADIENT ADDED - COMPOSITE OF TWO IMAGES - Image numbers (L) 630799888 and 619016290) In this composite image a comparision has been made between Jose Mourinho, Manager of Manchester United and Jurgen Klopp, Manager of Liverpool. Manchester United and Liverpool meet in a Premier League match on October 14,2017 at Anfield in Liverpool. ***LEFT IMAGE*** STRATFORD, ENGLAND - JANUARY 02: Jose Mourinho, Manager of Manchester United looks on during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Manchester United at London Stadium on January 2, 2017 in Stratford, England. (Photo by Ian Walton/Getty Images) ***RIGHT IMAGE*** LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 29: Jurgen Klopp, Manager of Liverpool looks on during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Liverpool at Selhurst Park on October 29, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Ian Walton/Getty Images) /

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1. Mkhitaryan vs. Coutinho

Manchester United has been blessed by Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s creativity this season. The Armenian has five assists in his seven appearances and has been a game changer under Jose Mourinho. After a year of unfilled hype and disappointment, Mkhitaryan has quickly become a fan favorite and a consistent performer in the United team.

With all the drama of the summer transfer saga behind him, Liverpool ace Philippe Coutinho has settled back into his spot in the team. He has scored in three consecutive matches and looks to have regained his form from last season rather quickly. Coutinho’s inclusion will be vital against United and, much like Mkhitaryan, is more than capable of influencing the match with just a single pass.

With Mane set to miss the match due to injury, Coutinho will likely fill his spot as a left winger. Coutinho’s willingness to drift inside will often find him in a similar position to Mkhitaryan, making for a great battle the whole match. Shutting down either man will require more than one player, so stopping the service to these two danger men could be the key to victory for either side.

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