Thursday 14 January 2016 15:55, UK
One of the Premier League’s most notable fixtures kicks off on Sunday afternoon, with both managers in search of a much-needed win.
Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool have been inconsistent at best since the German's arrival in October whilst Louis Van Gaal will be hoping his Manchester United team can provide both points and entertainment.
Key to the result could be the form of two players who have been mainstays for both clubs in recent times.
While Liverpool have struggled for consistency this season, one of the names regularly penned on the team sheet has been that of Emre Can. The midfielder has played in 20 of Liverpool's 21 Premier League games this season and only Nathaniel Clyne and Simon Mignolet have played more minutes. His only absence this season was due to a suspension for receiving five cautions.
The 22-year-old, who celebrated his birthday on Tuesday, spent most of his first season with Liverpool playing in defence but has remained steadfastly in midfield this year, so much so that it has been Lucas who has dropped back when Liverpool's injury crisis has deepened.
Klopp's reluctance to switch Can's position could be due to the Germany international's passing stats in midfield this season - he has attempted and completed more passes than any other Liverpool team-mate.
His energy levels are also impressive - only Clyne and James Milner have covered a greater distance for Liverpool this season.
While Can has been one of a number of regular names in the Liverpool team this season, his appearance record is beaten by Juan Mata, who is the only Manchester United player to have played in all 21 Premier League games this season and had started every one before coming on as a substitute at Newcastle on Tuesday.
In fact, since Van Gaal's appointment as United manager, Mata and fellow Spaniard David de Gea have played the most Premier League games for the club (54) and only De Gea and captain Wayne Rooney have played more minutes in the League.
Mata is well-known for his creativity and offensive abilities and heads United's charts for assists (three) and has created 30 chances in the Premier League this season, eight more than any other United player. In terms of goalscoring, only Rooney and Anthony Martial (both five) have netted more League goals than Mata's four.
But like Can, his energy levels this season have also been impressive - the Spaniard again tops his club's charts for total distance covered and sprints.
Manchester United have won their last three games against Liverpool since Van Gaal's arrival, and if Mata, who has scored three and assisted two of Utd's eight goals in those victories, can win his midfield battle with Can, that run could be set to continue.
