3. Michael Carrick vs. Steven Gerrard
These two midfielders pull the strings for their respective sides and are crucial in both defensive and offensive play. Carrick is known as one of the best short passers in the league, whilst Gerrard can ping a ball forward with staggering accuracy. The Liverpool captain also has tremendous shooting accuracy from long distances, and look for him to test the 'keeper from around 30 yards. Carrick's performance against Chelsea was somewhat questionable in comparison to the immense form he was in last season, but look for him to put this behind him in this game at Anfield. Gerrard will undoubtedly receive love from the crowd whenever the ball is at his feet and his influence to the game can be seen by anybody, with strong challenges, heart and passion being some of the traits that Liverpool fans love the most about the Scouser. Carrick can similarly be the difference between victory and defeat for United and when he is in his element, there a few better midfielders in the world. The talismastic skipper Gerrard and United puppet-master Carrick have the same passing accuracy in the first two games on this campaign at 87.9%. That shows not only how accurate both players are, but also how similar they are in terms of influence.