It's Monday midnight, you have to work the next morning. But those are rather trivial concerns when there is a potentially epic match lined up - Manchester United versus Liverpool, at Anfield.The rivalry is deep-rooted, with fans fiercely passionate about their clubs. Whether its the strong display of emotion by the Red Devil fans or the intense chants of the Merseyside club, this is one game nobody would want to miss!
LIVERPOOL (Manager – Juurgen Klopp)
The Reds have had a good run recently and will be looking to make use of their home advantage to capitalise on Manchester United's struggles in maintaining consistency.
However, Manchester United have won their last four Premier League games against Liverpool, a run Liverpool would sure love to break. Where better to do that than their home, Anfield.
As far as form goes, they have pulled wins against Chelsea, Leicester City, Hull City and Swansea.Adam Lallana and Geroginio WIjnaldum might have to sit this one out, as they are still recovering from their injuries.
Player to watch out for - Phillipe Coutinho:Coutinho has been one of Liverpool's strongest front-runners and he tends to deliver his best during the big games. He is fast and creative, and is capable of scoring and assisting equally.
Predicted Liverpool line-up (4-3-3): Karius; Clyne, Matip, Lovren, Milner; Henderson, Emre Can, Philippe Coutinho; Firmino, Sturridge, Mane
MANCHESTER UNITED (Manager – Jose Mourinho)
Manchester United have had a season inconsistency so far. They started on a high note but faltered as the season progressed. They also lost the coveted Manchester derby, which sure would spur them into putting all their efforts into not repeating the same mistakes against their arch-rivals Liverpool.
Standing 6th in the EPL table, the Red Devils should be hungry for a good win at Anfield.
Poor performance in the season so far might cost Wayne Rooney this game. Midfielder Marouane Fellaini has been crucial in the last four EPL games where United won against Liverpool, and manager Jose Mourinho will want to utilise the Belgian's skills to his full potential.
Phil Jones will miss this match due to injury, while Luke Shaw and Henrikh Mkhitaryan have also been struggling for fitness.
Player to watch out for - Zlatan Ibrahimovic:Their inability to defend aerial attacks has always been one long-standing issue for Liverpool. Ibrahimovic, strong at targeting shots aerially and on ground, is thus key to United's fortunes in this game. His accuracy and experience will also come into play, which should propel United to a good start.
Predicted Manchester United line-up (4-2-3-1): De Gea; Valencia, Smalling, Bailly, Blind; Fellaini, Pogba; Martial, Mata, Rashford; Ibrahimovic
PREDICTION
Given the form that Liverpool has been in, the Reds are most likely to win this game. Jose Mourinho and his men have their share of troubles, and this might just prove to be a bigger hurdle for them. The expected outcome is a 2-1 victory for Liverpool.
Also, here are a few other big games to look out for over the weekend!
•Chelsea vs Leicester City – 15th October at 5pm
•Manchester City vs Everton – 15th October at 7.30pm
•Arsenal vs Swansea City – 15th October at 7.30pm