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If the world survives to see another sunrise, we are pretty much set to witness another derby in the premier league. This time it's from two of the most important cities of England. It's Medlock vs Mersey, it's Manchester United vs Liverpool. On the most fierce top of the table derby in premier league history. All that drumroll for a team which is currently 19th in the table. Not that the other one is on top either. Liverpool are also in mid table. But the season has just begun. And at the beginning the table remains heavily sarcastic every year untill it eventually takes shape by mid season. Anyway, regardless of where they are right now. This game always attracts a different type of attention. Let's give it a thought what the result might turn out to be.
Manchester United under Eric Ten Hag have been good in preseason but just as bad in the league. Part reason is David De Gea. Ten Hag's tactics require buildups from the back. This requires the goalkeeper to have enough passing skills to pass the ball around a few times and maybe beat a forward or two. But De Gea like many others is static. He is a very good shot stopper but a horrible passer. So is Eduard Mendy. Just saying. But Man United have loaned out Dean Henderson which i believe is an adequate mistake to repent upon. So yes, they have to start with De Gea, regardless. In front of him is a shaky defense line with a Varane who has injured for the most part. A newbie in Lisandro Martinez, and Harry Maguire. Maguire and Lisandro might start. On one side Dalot will play because Wan Bissaka is below average. While on the left new signing Malacia might start. Casemiro won't be unavailable for this game so it's going to be another Fred, Eriksen, Bruno midfield. Which is good in creating but bad in defending. Up front maybe Sancho and Rashford on both flanks and Cristiano through the middle. You need his qualities for a tense game like this. Even though things haven't been the smoothest between the player and the club.
While Liverpool have another injury crisis on their hands. Two of their top three center backs injured. Konate and Matip. So it will be Van Dijk and Phillips again. Alexander Arnold and Robertson stay in their place. Overall good defense. Alisson also is in good shape. Midfield is where Liverpool lack. Their only defensive midfielder Fabinho is having a dip in form. And the most creative midfielder Thiago Alcantara is also injured. So it will possibly be a Milner, Henderson and Fabinho midfield. This midfield is opposite to United's. Good defense zero creation. Up front another injury as Jota is unavailable and Nunez is serving a red because pulled a Zidane headbutt. Mane is enjoying Bayern. So all Liverpool are left with and may start with is a Salah Diaz and Harvey Elliot trio. Firmino can also be introduced.
Manchester United's defense will have a hard time dealing with Liverpool's front three. But Liverpool's midfield is vulnerable. If the United midfield can pass through the channels United might have a chance if the convert their chances. Running in behind the advancing Liverpool fullbacks will be key. The game will mostly be played in the very center of the field and in the wide areas. Chances for United are very slim as of now. But Liverpool aren't lethal either. This is the premier league, today's 3-3 score between Newcastle and Manchester City might just convince you that, anything can happen.