Sky Sports’ Phil Thompson, Paul Merson, Matt Le Tissier and Charlie Nicholas have their say on who will be the key players at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Phil Thompson — the defences
“I think in this game it will be which side defends better. Both attacks are so good on their day, even though United have some injury concerns, so then it will be who defends best. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will stick to the virtues of United and have a go and Liverpool will enjoy that and have a bit more space than they did against a Jose Mourinho side.”
Paul Merson — Van Dijk, Shaw, Salah
“I think Virgil van Dijk will be key for Liverpool, but also the front three. They look tense and it’s not as great to watch as it was earlier in the season. But United’s strengths are going forward so Van Dijk has to play a role in stopping that. Then for United it would be Luke Shaw against Mohamed Salah. If he can keep Salah quiet then you don’t see too many stepping forward for Liverpool at the moment.”
Matt Le Tissier — Salah, Mane and Firmino
“I think the game will be fairly open and attacking. I don’t think Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be parking the bus which might have been the case with Mourinho. I think the outcome of the game will be decided by the attacking players. Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino know each other inside out, so they will take serious beating.”
Charlie Nicholas — De Gea
“David de Gea for United, they are fourth because of people like him. Paul Pogba and Marcus Rashford have been great and Jesse Lingard has scored goals, which has improved United, but De Gea has been keeping it going all along. He will be the key to what Liverpool will throw at them. If he can keep them in the game then United will think they can nick something.”