The Liverpool vs Manchester United rivalry is one of the biggest in world football and when the players from the two teams set their foot on the pitch, a high-intensity game is a given.
Apart from the players giving it their all, the respective managers, Brendan Rodgers for Liverpool and Louis van Gaal for Manchester United, will know what is at stake as well as Manchester United host Liverpool in this crucial encounter on Saturday at Old Trafford.
Things cannot get any bigger in the English Premier League with two of the most decorated teams in the EPL eager to get back to winning ways, after their disappointing losses before the international break. Liverpool's 3-0 loss against West Ham and Manchester United's 2-1 defeat to Swansea have left them with identical results of two wins, one draw and one loss so far.
However, both the teams have not been at their best in any of the matches played so far. Their performances have been below par, though, they have showed glimpses of quality.
Maybe, a match of such magnitude will help players from both the teams show their club's title pedigree.
Manchester United assistant manager Ryan Giggs believes facing Liverpool after the international break is a good thing for the club, as the players and fans are waiting for the mega clash with utmost interest.
"Liverpool is the perfect game to have to come back to after the international break," Giggs told Manchester United's official website. "Old Trafford will be bouncing for a late kick-off. All the players are looking forward to it and I'm sure the fans are too.
"Liverpool is always a special game and it's even more special when you win, so we can't wait."
Apart from the identical records this season, both teams are still coming to terms with their new signings.
Christian Benteke and Roberto Firmino, who were the major summer signings for Liverpool, have not hit top gear, while Manchester United's new recruit, Memphis Depay, is yet to justify his No. 7 Manchester United shirt.
Both the Reds and Red Devils have a huge decision to make for this crucial fixture.
Will Van Gaal opt for David de Gea under the bar after his deal with Real Madrid fell through in the last minute?
Rodgers has an important decision to make with Philippe Coutinho being ruled out of the game after an unfortunate red card against West Ham. Danny Ings could start in place of the Brazilian or Firmino could be used in the role behind the striker. This could be an ideal chance for Firmino to showcase his skills at the 'Theatre of Dreams' and justify his price tag of £29million.
Else, Liverpool are expected to go with the same team that lost against West Ham with regular skipper Jordan Henderson still in doubt for the game.
Michael Carrick and Phil Jones are also doubts for Manchester United. The Red Devils will look to the services of their influential striker Wayne Rooney to deliver the goods, while fans will be eagerly waiting to see what their latest recruit -- Anthony Martial -- has in store after signing for the club in a whopping £36m deal, which could rise upto £58m.
Expected lineups: Manchester United : De Gea; Darmian, Smalling, Blind, Shaw; Schneiderlin, Schweinsteiger; Mata, Herrera, Memphis; Rooney.
Liverpool: Mignolet; Clyne, Skrtel, Lovren, Gomez; Can, Milner, Lucas; Firmino, Benteke, Ings.
Schedule
Manchester United vs Liverpool
Date : 11 September
Time: 5:30pm local time (10pm IST, 12:30pm ET)
Venue – Old Trafford
