Manchester United vs Liverpool: FOUR key battles at Old Trafford including Rooney and Skrtel

Manchester United welcome Liverpool to Old Trafford this weekend in one of English football’s most eagerly anticipated clashes.

Both teams go into the game on the back of disappointing defeats before the international break and Saturday evening’s showdown is shaping up to be a spectacle.

Three points will be on the minds of Louis van Gaal and his opposite number Brendan Rodgers, but which other battles are likely to decide the game?

Take a look at where this match can be won or lost:

Memphis Depay vs Nathaniel Clyne

The highly-rated Dutch winger has shown glimpses of his undoubted quality with a stunning brace in Europe last month, but is yet to take off in the Premier League and will face a tough test against another debutant in this fixture.

Clyne has arguably been the pick of the summer signings for Merseyside outfit so far and him looming battle against Depay looks intriguing.

Christian Benteke vs Daley Blind

On paper this duel looks to be a mismatch as the Belgian striker should win this battle with ease if he can pull onto the Dutchman for the majority of the game as Blind struggled with the power and pace of Bafetimbi Gomis against Swansea City last time out.

Benteke has only scored once since his big money move from Aston Villa this summer, but his presence could be the key to all three points for the visitors.

Roberto Firmino vs Bastian Schweinsteiger

With Philippe Coutinho suspended for this clash after picking up two yellow cards against West Ham United last time out, his compatriot Firmino will likely be handed the task of being their chief creator at Old Trafford.

The Brazilian is yet to find his feet in English football since his arrival in the summer, but playing in his more favoured central role should enable him cause United problems with his creativity and the German international captain will have to be on his toes to nullify the threat of the Reds no.11.

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Wayne Rooney vs Martin Skrtel

Fresh off becoming the record goalscorer for the England national team in midweek, Rooney will be looking for his first Premier League goal in 10 games and scoring against the Merseyside outfit would be perfect for the former Everton striker.

Standing in his way is Liverpool’s best centre-back and Skrtel’s experience of this fixture will be key in his side’s hopes of keeping a fourth clean sheet of the season.