The mouthwatering English Premier League fixture between high flying Liverpool and a resurgent Manchester United is sure to light up Anfield this evening.
The Jurgen Klopp-led Liverpool are about the most in form team this term with series of spectacular performances lately.
The Anfield club have lived up to expectations and are tipped to win the EPL for the first time if they can maintain current momentum.
Liverpool’s new form is coming at a time when the Red Devils are yet to find their feet in the league.
However, the fact that there’s a certain Jose Mourinho on the bench of the Old trafford’s club means that the Anfield landlords are not likely to have it rosy in tonight’s encounter.
WuzupNaija brings to you three reasons Mourinho’s team might not suffer defeat at Anfield tonight:
1. Mourinho’s super record against Liverpool:
The Portuguese is not always welcome at Anfield not only because of his seemingly bullish comments before and after games, but his ruthless record at the stadium.
With his eight wins, one draw and two losses against Liverpool in the EPL, the special one is certain to intimidate the YNWA faithful during this encounter.
Since Liverpool secured an emphatic 3-0 win at Old Trafford in March 2014, the Reds have lost all four league showdowns with Manchester United.
Although Klopp has been fully integrated into this Liverpool side, he has his work cut out when he comes face to face with the former Real Madrid gaffer tonight.
2. Mourinho is a ‘veteran’ of the Premier League
Forget his recent unsuccessful exploits at Chelsea, Mourinho is one manager who has mastered the way football in England is being played.
With three EPL, one FA Cup, three League Cup, one Community Shield trophies in Mourinho’s cabinet, Klopp sure knows that he is up against one of the MOST successful managers in English football in recent years.
Mourinho does know how to win games when the chips are down and he is unlikely to falter, especially as his team has started gelling after an initial faltering start to his career in Manchester.
3. Liverpool are likely to get complacent
After their recent wins and the manner of the victories, the Anfield side may capitulate under the stern challenge of Manchester United.
Although the return of Daniel Sturridge is seen as a major boost in attack for the home team, they are likely to lose focus in their quest for premier league glory.
Complacency is a huge factor Liverpool would need to be wary of because the Special One sure knows how to punish when one least expects.
4. Mourinho factor:
While Mourinho‘s short reign at Manchester United so far can be called “streaky,” the former Chelsea boss knows exactly how to stop a free-flowing Liverpool. He was able to spoil Liverpool’s part in 2013/14, and there is no reason why he can’t do it when the two sides meet tonight.
Johan Cruyff once said: “Jose Mourinho is a negative coach. He only cares about the result and doesn’t care much for good football.”
Mourinho might operate defensively. Like any good coach, he will tinker his tactics to curb a very offensive Liverpool side. He may get the result in a “negative” fashion. While this manner won’t be liked by many, the three points are all that count at the end.
