Liverpool vs Manchester United: Three key battles

This will be the first time that United’s marquee number nine will face the Virgil van Dijk test in the Premier League. While the Dutch have been a dominant force aerially and positionally, facing Sesko has its own problems.

The former Leipzig man is equally potent in frame and has that strength to hold off and get better like players like VVD. And then he is growing high in confidence, given he has scored in back-to-back games. Sesko will be expected to test the ageing Dutchman’s sharpness and mobility at the back.

If Sesko can end up stretching the Reds’ backline or even end up pinning Van Dijk deeper than usual, then it can have a domino effect. It will end up opening up space for runners like Cunha and Mbeumo. But if Van Dijk ends up neutralising him easily, United will need to find another way to get an upper hand in the final third.

Ryan Gravenberch vs Bruno Fernandes

If we talk about his abilities in the middle of the park, Gravenberch has been showing a bit of everything for the Reds in past months. He is not only physical but also moves with a kind of feint which can get better if structured. And he has lately unlocked that ability in front of goal as well.

When talking about his abilities in the middle of the park, Gravenberch has that physical ability which can end up troubling Bruno Fernandes. The Portuguese has that creativity and intensity in the second phase, which has to be integral if United are to get the better of the Reds’ backline.

Gravenberch does have the ability to disrupt United’s rhythm by denying Bruno time to dictate play or find space between the lines. But if we look at this the other way, if Bruno overcommits upfront, then the Dutch midfielder can hurt on transitions given his big strides.

Cody Gakpo vs Amad Diallo

Given his performance vs Sunderland, Amad is expected to start for Man United in that right wing-back role.

This one can shape up to be an interesting battle out wide. Knowing Gakpo, he will try to get Amad in a one-on-one situation. The Dutch wide forward has those sharp movements and frame which make him dangerous both in and around the box. While for Amad, he needs to stay in the game defensively. If Amorim does want him to go forward at times, he will have to get that balance right because the Reds have been lethal from that left flank every time Gakpo has started there.