Manchester United travel to Anfield on Monday night as they take on Liverpool in what is sure to be one of the games of the season so far, and the punters in the Tavern cannot wait…
The Red Devils will hope they can re-find winning ways having been held to a 1-1 draw with Stoke during their last fixture, however, they will have a tough task as they take on a Liverpool side who are in fine form and are now undefeated in seven.
Both sides had relatively poor seasons last time-out, but heavy investments over the summer from both clubs and indeed a change in management at Old Trafford means things are looking up and both will be hoping to challenge for at least the top four come the end of the campaign.
It has been an hit-and-miss season thus far for Jose Mourinho, as fine results such as a 4-1 win at Leicester City have been dampened by poor performances against the likes of Watford and Feyenoord, leaving fans waiting for their new look side to hit their top form.
Results are still (just about) going United’s way, however, so if their star men can find their shooting boots the coming season still looks promising.
At the Tavern, our landlord thinks this could be the week they really kick-start their season, and could walk away with a vital three points from Anfield if they line-up like this. Do you agree?
GK – David De Gea
David De Gea certainly hasn’t had his best start to a Manchester United season having put in some shaky performances so far especially in the 3-1 defeat to Watford.
The Spaniard remains the best keeper in the League however and is in no danger of receiving the Joe Hart treatment from Mr. Mourinho just yet.
RB – Antonio Valencia
Valencia has displaced Matteo Darmian on the right hand side of Man Utd’s defence – and Jose Mourinho’s men look better for it.
CB – Eric Bailly
Eric Bailly has made an excellent start to life in Manchester, and will continue in central defence.
CB – Chris Smalling
Chris Smalling is continuing his resurgence under Mourinho, and is forming an excellent partnership with Bailly.
LB – Daley Blind
In Luke Shaw’s absence, Daley Blind will come in.
The Dutchman was expected in the Tavern to leave over the summer, but he has found a new lease on life under his new boss.
DM – Paul Pogba
Paul Pogba finally seems to have got his engine running, even if he hasn’t quite got out of first gear yet.
His goal for France on international duty will do him the world of good however and he will want to kick on from that for his club.
DM – Morgan Schneiderlin
Fellow Frenchman Morgan Schneiderlin should start alongside him, as he will give his midfield counterpart Pogba the freedom to venture forward where he is most dangerous – whilst still providing the stability within the middle of the park.
RW – Marcus Rashford
On the right is Man Utd’s golden boy, Marcus Rashford.
In reality, Rashford deserves to play in his preferreded positon – but the form of Ibrahimovic makes him undroppable at this point.
CAM – Juan Mata
Ahead of them sits Juan Mata, who is soon proving to be one of Jose Mourinho’s key players despite rumours that the pair did not see eye-to-eye.
LW – Anthony Martial
Out-left is Anthony Martial who is looking to build upon his recent good form, after an excellent first season in Manchester.
ST – Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Ibrahimovic is United’s undisputable first choice striker.
The rest of United’s midfield operate more effectively with the multi-dimensional Ibrahimovic in the side, as his energy and dynamism mean he can run in behind or come deep and have others play off him.
