Although Liverpool didn’t win any trophies last season, their run to the Capital One Cup final and Europa League final left the fans feeling optimistic about the future of the club under Jurgen Klopp. The 2016-2017 season started with a confidence boosting 4-3 win against Arsenal at the Emirates stadium but the fact that it was followed by a disappointing defeat at Burnley, proved that there was still a lot of work left to do for the German. However, since then Liverpool have gone on an excellent run and are currently 4 on the table with 5 wins out of 7. Their next game is against Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United at the Anfield stadium.

United have struggled in recent weeks, as their draw against Stoke City left a huge dent in their confidence. Klopp will know that Liverpool are favourites going into the match but will do well to keep in mind the quality of players United have on their roster. Liverpool’s attacking trio are in deadly form but their weakness lies in defence, Klopp must keep his back-line organised otherwise it won’t take time for Ibrahimovic or Pogba to split open their team.

Here are the 3 players that must surely start against Manchester United:

Joel Matip

The summer signing will be expected to continue in central defence, as he has done well there and could be a very important signing for Liverpool over the course of the season. Against United, he will be in charge of looking after Ibrahimovic, who has been in superb form this season. Matip will need to be at his best to get the better of the Swede, it will be important that he is strong aerially otherwise, Ibrahimovic could really hurt Liverpool.

Coutinho

The Brazilian midfielder has been key to Liverpool’s attacking lethality this season, he is the chief creator in the side and will be crucial on Monday if Liverpool wanna dominate the midfield. United’s defence still looks shaky, therefore Coutinho will have the perfect the chance to pull the strings from the middle. His performance not only for this match but over the course of this season could prove to be the difference between a good season and a successful season.

Sadio Mane

Probably the signing of the summer for Liverpool, Mane has been in devasting touch since moving to Liverpool from Southampton. With United still unsure about their centre-back pairing, Mane directness could prove to be the key that unlocks their back-line. The former Southampton midfielder has flourished against top teams this season, therefore will be expecting to carry on in the same way.