New Manchester United forward Anthony Martial (Photo : Reuters)
Old rivals Manchester United FC (2-1-1, 7 points) and Liverpool FC (2-1-1, 7 points) are set to clash in a high-profile 2015-2016 Premier League matchup at the Old Trafford on Saturday, September 12.
This match is crucial as the two teams will try to bounce back from their devastating first losses in the current season. No one among Louis van Gaal and Brendan Rodgers would want to suffer a second straight defeat this early in the year.
United lost to Swansea City, 1-2, in come-from-behind fashion during their August 30 match at the Liberty Stadium, as per Bleacher Report.
Spanish midfielder Juan Mata opened the scoring right after the halftime break but the Swans forward duo of Ghanaian André Ayew and Frenchman Bafétimbi Gomis found the net at the 61st and 66th-minute marks to overtake the hapless Red Devils.
Liverpool's 0-3 loss to West Ham United is even more heartbreaking as Rodgers' boys could not find the net in the lopsided affair.
BBC Sport noted that it was the first time the Irons won at Anfield since 1963, which may have rubbed salt to Rodgers' wound, so to speak.
Meanwhile, reports were out that 19-year-old new acquisition Anthony Martial might play his debut game for van Gaal. Martial is a welcome addition for resident striker Wayne Rooney, who badly needs scoring support up front.
The predicted result is a 3-1 victory for Manchester United. Rooney will finally have a break out game with Martial behind him.
Manchester United starting lineup (4-2-3-1 formation): Romero; Smalling, Blind, Shaw, Darmian; Mata, Depay; Schweinsteiger, Schneiderlin, Martial; Rooney
Liverpool starting lineup (4-3-3 formation): Mignolet; Gomez, Skrtel, Lovren, Clyne; Can, Milner, Leiva; Ibe, Firmino, Benteke
