Manchester United and Liverpool tactics compared
Sunday 15 January 2017 11:07, UK
Ahead of Manchester United v Liverpool on Sunday, we look at how the two teams' playing styles compare.
Manchester United host Liverpool live on Sky Sports 1 from 3.30pm on Sunday and we have looked at the two clubs' contrasting tactics ahead of the blockbuster fixture.
Liverpool started the season as they have gone on - outscoring opponents - with a 4-3 win at Arsenal in August.
But the red of Merseyside have slipped up against unlikely opponents, losing 2-0 to Burnley after the Emirates goal-fest and a 4-3 defeat to Bournemouth in early December.
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Jurgen Klopp's men have also drawn five games, against Tottenham, Manchester United, Southampton, West Ham and Sunderland, which has left them second in the Premier League table - five points behind league leaders Chelsea.
Jose Mourinho's reign at Old Trafford began impressively with three back-to-back league wins. However, the winning momentum ended abruptly after successive league defeats to Manchester City and Watford.
Despite thumping champions Leicester 4-1 at Old Trafford, United drew their following two fixtures before suffering a humiliating 4-0 loss at Mourinho's former club Chelsea in October.
However, United have hit form since early December and are currently on a six-game win streak in the Premier League and are among a 'big six' of genuine title contenders with Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham, City and Arsenal.
But how do the two clubs compare in terms of playing style this season? We have looked at the league stats to find each side's strengths and weaknesses...
Attack
Liverpool have been free-scoring this season and surpass United in the majority of attacking stats.
Despite both teams averaging around six shots on target per game, Liverpool have been far more effective at finding the back of the net.
The Merseysiders have scored 42 goals this term compared to United's 31 and are almost twice as dangerous from range, scoring seven from outside the box compared to their rivals' three.
Liverpool are also five times more likely to win a penalty, having won five in the Premier League this term. In contrast, United have only been awarded one spot-kick, converted by Zlatan Ibrahimovic during their 2-0 win over Southampton in August.
Jurgen Klopp's men also edge their rivals for headed goal threat and creating chances, while United have missed the target and been caught offside more frequently.
Defence
While Liverpool have possessed a greater attacking threat, United have recorded superior defensive stats. Klopp's side have leaked 23 goals in the league but the Red Devils have only conceded 19.
Simon Mignolet has re-established himself as the No 1 goalkeeper at Anfield after Loris Karius was dropped following errors leading to a goals in back-to-back games, while team-mates Dejan Lovren, Nathaniel Clyne and Lucas have also gifted goals to opponents.
So Liverpool are more likely to concede than their opponents on Sunday and are also more than twice as prone to making errors leading to goals.
David de Gea has made more saves per game than his Liverpool counterparts - despite conceding fewer goals - and has also kept seven clean sheets compared to Liverpool's six.
United narrowly surpass Liverpool for duels won, aerials won and interceptions per game. However, Mourinho's side are also more likely to find their way into the referee's book, with 46 yellow cards and one dismissal compared the Liverpool's 30 yellows.
Passing and work ethic
Liverpool have recorded a higher number of touches than United across the majority of the pitch, with the exception of the left flank and the defensive midfield area where Ander Herrera, Paul Pogba and Michael Carrick can operate.
Jurgen Klopp's men have completed 2,342 km in the Premier League this season and 11,941 sprints - more than any other team. Conversely, United have covered a league-low 2,128 km and 15th-fewest sprints with 9,939.
Both sides complete similar levels of successful passes, dribbles and possession but United have had considerably more crosses with an average of 4.6 a game compared to the Liverpool's 2.8.
Will Jose Mourinho look to shut out free-scoring Liverpool or will he look to take advantage of defensive frailties?
Watch Manchester United v Liverpool live on Sky Sports 1 from 3.30pm on Sunday
