Man Utd vs Liverpool: 5 Key Battles That Will Decide The Game

2. Shinji Kagawa vs Martin Kelly

United fans have been virtually screaming at David Moyes to put Shinji Kagawa into the side and could well get their wish tonight with the Japan international set to make his first appearance of the season. Ashley Young was easily the worst player on the pitch for United against Manchester City at the weekend and is unlikely to retain his spot in the starting XI here. And that could see Kagawa taking up a position on the left-wing, where he excelled during his days at Borussia Dortmund. If Kagawa gets the nod, he is likely to square off against another player making a rare appearance, Martin Kelly. Kelly has had to settle with being an unused substitute in recent weeks while manager Brendan Rodgers opted to play four centre-backs against Southampton. The addition of Kelly to the side will afford the Reds with more natural width and support down the right flank, which would see him come into direct competition with Kagawa, who will be hoping to bring the likes of Danny Welbeck and Javier Hernandez into the game. Liverpool struggled last weekend when they played without a recognised fullback while United have huffed and puffed with Young and Antonio Valencia in the wide areas. The addition of both of these players to proceedings could then be very important.