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Manchester United take on Liverpool in a rematch of the epic FA Cup quarter final of three weeks ago.
The Red Devils came out on top 4-3 to open the final international break of the season in the perfect way.
However, United’s return has been poor to say the least, with a 1-1 draw at Brentford and a ludicrous 4-3 defeat to Chelsea on Thursday.
Today’s match will be the 242nd instalment of the great North-west derby and both sides need the win as the Merseysiders aim to return to the top of the table and United requiring the points to build their advantage on the chasing pack of Newcastle, West Ham and their conquerors on Thursday night, Chelsea.
Here are some storylines to whet the appetite.
How will Willy Kambwala perform?
In a recurring theme of the 2023/2024 season, the Red Devils have numerous centre back options unavailable. In the past two matches, United have lost Raphael Varane, Victor Lindelof, Lisandro Martinez and Jonny Evans all to injury.
Therefore, the Old Trafford side have no choice but to field a defensive pairing of Willy Kambwala and Harry Maguire.
The young Frenchman has not disappointed when he has been called upon but starting against Liverpool is always a big ask.
Kambwala was surprisingly thrown into the first eleven against West Ham just before Christmas to partner Jonny Evans due to another injury crisis in the defensive department.
He did not disappoint as he stood up tall and played 84 minutes of the tie. Despite being a regular member of the matchday squad, the Frenchman has only actually played in four more games, for a total of 47 minutes. However this did include 21 minutes at the Etihad and 24 minutes at Stamford Bridge.
He is clearly highly rated among the United squad as his compatriot, Raphael Varane, claimed that the defender will have a “great future” at the club.
How he handles the pressure will say a lot about the Red Devils’ chances of picking up anything from the match.
Will there be a 250th academy debut?
In a season of despair for United, there probably have only been two real bright spots. Reaching the semi-final of the FA Cup and also the play of young players such as Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund.
The season has also seen debuts for academy products Kambwala, Omari Forson and Dan Gore.
This has placed the Mancunian side on the impressive number of 249 academy players to make their debut for the senior side.
With no available left back, it has been reported that United will draft in summer signing, Harry Amass, to the senior squad.
The talented left back has enjoyed a very successful season with the all-conquering under 18 side but was left out of yesterday’s 1-9 demolition of Liverpool, as he is likely to be part of the senior match day squad.
This has naturally led to speculation on whether the player will start or even get a few minutes under his belt. Even if he just sits on the bench, to soak in the atmosphere and be part of the changing room on such a big day will be of immense experience for the youngster aiming to break into the first team setup.
Can United avoid more unwanted history?
According to the BBC, United’s 12 Premier League losses this campaign is their joint most since the league began in 1992.
These occurred in the 2013-2014 and the 2021-2022 season, where both managers David Moyes and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer ended up sacked.
If the Red Devils were to lose this match or in fact, any of their remaining seven matches after today’s contest, the 2023/2024 edition of the side will have lost more games than any United team in Premier League history.
The Red Devils have already made unwanted history this week as they became the side with a lead at the latest stage of a game, 99 minutes and 17 seconds, and still go on to lose the match.
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