Expose so Danny Higginbotham: Manchester United should play Ander Herrera so they do not get exposed by an in-form Liverpool side

THIS game could hinge on whether Georginio Wijnaldum and Adam Lallana are fit, because they are so crucial to the way Liverpool will want to attack United.

When Wijnaldum and Jordan Henderson are operating as holding midfielders, Lallana has the freedom to link up with the front three – and to exploit the space they create.

Liverpool will be hoping they have Adam Lallana fit for Manchester United’s visit

Georginio Wijnaldum will cause problems for Man United if he is fit to play

Ander Herrera will give Man United some stability in midfield

Their movement is so good you don’t know where the threat is going to come from. When they drop a little deeper, and take defenders with them, Lallana is tremendous at taking full advantage.

The way United line up is also going to have a huge bearing on how things pan out. If they go with Ander
Herrera just in front of the back four – as I think they should – they may just present enough of a barrier to stifle Liverpool.

Regardless of whether Liverpool go with Daniel Sturridge up front, or decide on the ‘false number nine’, they will aim to pull United’s central defenders out of position.

But with Herrera in front of the back four, United can keep their solid shape at the back, and they will not be so exposed to players drifting in and out of position.

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Everyone talks about United operating a 4-2-3-1 system – but from an attacking point of view they look more threatening when they play 4-1-4-1.

Having the extra man sitting deep allows the full backs to bomb forward more. With Liverpool looking vulnerable to crosses – especially from set pieces – United need to get the ball into the box for Zlatan
Ibrahimovic as often as possible.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has a knack of scoring in big games

I think United will be cautious and allow Liverpool on to them and allow them the possession without leaving gaps in between the defence and midfield. Then they will look to counter with pace in particular in the wide areas.

Both teams need to start well. If Liverpool score in the opening thirty minutes I think it will give them the confident to boss the game, and run out comfortable winners.

But if United can frustrate them in the early stages – and push them back for good periods – I think they willet stronger and stronger as the game wears on.