In-form Manchester United host Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday (4pm kick-off) as both sides return to the league after varying success in the cup competitions.

Jose Mourinho’s United thumped Reading 4-0 in the FA Cup last weekend, and then took a big step towards the League Cup final by beating Hull 2-0 in their semi-final first leg at Old Trafford on Tuesday.

Contrastingly, Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool have had a tricky week, as they were first unable to see of Plymouth Argyle in the FA Cup last weekend, drawing 0-0 with the Pilgrims, and then they produced a flat performance and were deservedly beaten 1-0 by Southampton in their League Cup semi-final in midweek.

Clearly, both sides are coming into this one in vastly different form, with the Red Devils having won their last nine games on the trot, six of which have been in the league, while Klopp’s Reds have yet to win in 2017, although they did end 2016 with four straight victories.

Nonetheless, it is set up to be a fascinating encounter on Sunday, and here are the THREE key battles which could decide the outcome at Old Trafford…

Ander Herrera vs Adam Lallana

Paul Pogba’s growing influence in the Manchester United midfield is sure to be key to their chances on Sunday, but the battle between arguably the two teams’ best players this season could determine the outcome.

Ander Herrera has been sensational for Mourinho’s side since he was trusted with a central midfield spot, and it was actually the game against Liverpool at Anfield which announced him as United’s answer to their midfield conundrum.

Alongside Michael Carrick, the Spanish international has been hugely influential both going forward and defensively, but he’ll come up against an ever-improving Adam Lallana on Sunday.

The England international has become a key player for both club and country this season after several excellent performances, and he’ll be looking to pull the strings in the Reds’ midfield three at Old Trafford.

Many Premier League games are won in the centre of midfield, so which one out of Herrera and Lallana can dominate and get the better of the other could be crucial in deciding which team gets the three points on Sunday.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan vs James Milner

A lot has been made of Liverpool’s defensive vulnerabilities this season and, with United’s forwards in great form, it could be a long afternoon for Klopp and co on Sunday.

With Zlatan Ibrahimovic doubtful due to illness, one key battle could be down the United right, where the resurgent Henrikh Mkhitaryan could look to exploit James Milner’s defensive limitations.

The Armenian international had a slow start to his United career, which was of course well documented, but since he came into the side at the end of November, he has proven why he was so highly-rated at Borussia Dortmund.

The 27-year-old has scored twice and laid on three assists in his last five home games, and he has consistently been one of their highest performers over recent weeks.

Milner has taken to the left-back role reasonably well this season, and deserves great credit for doing so, yet Mkhitaryan is a clever footballer who, although not blessed with great pace, is extremely adept at reading the game, as well as taking players on and indeed getting crosses into the box.

Winning that battle could be key for both sides on Sunday.

Philippe Coutinho vs Antonio Valencia

Should Philippe Coutinho be fit enough to start, he’ll likely slot in on the left-hand-side of the Liverpool front three, which means that he’ll be monitored by United’s right-back Antonio Valencia.

Liverpool’s Coutinho returned from injury in their defeat at Southampton in midweek and, although he was clearly lacking a bit of match sharpness, he still made a difference in the final third and looked a goal-threat.

A few more days training and preparing for Sunday could see the Brazilian international return to the starting line-up, which means that Valencia, who has improved notably as a defender over the last few months, will have a busy afternoon.

The Ecuadorian international’s defensive work has been praised by many this season, and he’ll have to be at his best to thwart and frustrate Coutinho.

It will be up to Valencia to stop Coutinho cutting inside, something he likes to do, and getting the shot off, while the United man will also have to curb his attacking instincts somewhat, as Coutinho can be devastatingly good on the counter attack.