da spicy bet： Four key questions Mourinho has to answer before United face Liverpool
da prosport bet： The North West derby is fast approaching, and although Monday night is an unfamiliar time for a game of the magnitude of Manchester United’s trip to Merseyside, a kick off under the Anfield lights will surely add spice and verve to an already mouth-watering fixture.
The beauty of this Premier League season is that, so far, we have absolutely no idea who will win the league, and although one or two teams are standing out as more impressive than others, it’s clear that this will probably end up being one of the most open seasons in recent years.
Liverpool and Manchester United’s rivalry has always been based on the fact that both clubs have at least some claim to being the most successful club in England. But this season is one of the few in modern times where, after a period of decline, both clubs are perhaps battling each other not just for geographical supremacy, but for the chance to march on to a league title.
The fact this is a Premier League game being played on a Monday night tells you something about the recent successes of both clubs compared to what they once were, but this is a battle between two of the foremost teams in the land managed by two of the foremost coaches in the league: this will be as interesting a tactical battle as it it will be a derby day slog.
Jurgen Klopp will pose Jose Mourinho some big tactical problems – and here are four key questions Jose Mourinho will have to answer before Monday night….
How to find the comfort zone?
The most impressive thing about Liverpool this season isn’t flowing attacking play or an excellent defence (though they do have one of those things…), it’s the intensity and energy to their high press. They work together as a team, closing down the man on the ball before he gets the chance to settle, and they’ll look to unsettle United when they get on the ball.
Mourinho will need his team to get comfortable on the ball quickly and not get rattled by Liverpool’s pressing, especially at the back, otherwise they could be in for a rough night.
To break or not to break?
Jose Mourinho’s gameplan is so often to sit deep, soak up the pressure and identify weaknesses his team can exploit in the opposition, especially on the break.
That could well turn out to be a solid gameplan away from home against Liverpool, given their inability to break down Burnley earlier this season shows they are vulnerable to a well-organised defence and quick counter attacks.
But this could have its drawbacks, too – as we’ll see in the next two headaches:
Who should start in midfield?
Liverpool’s high pressing game will make it imperative that United find the right balance in midfield. There will be times when United have the ball in fairly uncomfortable situations, and Liverpool’s pressing will be an issue if players aren’t comfortable on the ball.
In that respect, the likes of Daley Blind and Ander Herrera could be favoured by United as they’re the kind of players who will still be able to pick passes, even under intense pressure. It could also be a blessing in disguise as a midfield three of Herrera, Marouane Fellaini and Paul Pogba might help to get the most out of Pogba when United do get the chance to attack.
Who should start in the forward line?
If that 4-3-3 does happen, then Jose Mourinho will need to think deeply about what kind of forward line can do Liverpool the most damage. We’ve seen Liverpool try to play out from the back numerous times this season, and against Leicester City they gave up a goal from some sloppy passing around their own box. We’ve also seen how vulnerable they can be to direct attacks through the middle and counter attacks.
With that in mind, will Mourinho be gutsy and start the likes of Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial to provide pace and a pressing threat of their own? Especially given the lack of mobility you get from Zlatan Ibrahimovic up front? Or will he look to load up his physical presence by playing Marouane Fellaini and Paul Pogba in advanced roles in the midfield with Juan Mata or even Wayne Rooney placed in the creative role in behind Ibrahimovic?