Four key battles that could decide Man Utd vs Liverpool in the FA Cup

Sunday will see England's two most successful clubs do battle in the country's oldest cup competition, with Liverpool travelling to Manchester United in the quarter-final of the FA Cup.

The Reds will be favourites for their trip to Manchester this weekend given the underwhelming performances of Erik ten Hag's side this season, but it will be a challenging match-up for Liverpool regardless.

In fact, the Red Devils are the only side to stop Liverpool scoring this season during the goalless draw at Anfield in December, with Man Utd also welcoming back some important players from injury ahead of Sunday's game.

With a place at Wembley in the semi-final up for grabs, here are four key battles that could decide the clash at Old Trafford.

MOHAMED SALAH VS VICTOR LINDELOF

Mohamed Salah has scored 12 goals in 13 games against Man Utd. You would be brave to bet against him adding to that tally on Sunday.

The Egyptian may have only just returned from injury but he produced a goal and three assists during the 6-1 victory against Sparta Prague on Thursday, taking little time to settle back into his familiar position on the right flank.

The 31-year-old has had some great battles up against Man Utd full-back Luke Shaw in previous years, but he will face Victor Lindelof this Sunday as the centre-back fills in on the left-hand side of defence.

The Swedish defender has struggled out of position in recent weeks, especially in games at Old Trafford, and Salah should get plenty of joy against him this weekend.

If Salah can expose his lack of pace, Liverpool could get great joy down the right wing - especially if Conor Bradley is on the overlap.

ALEXIS MAC ALLISTER VS CASEMIRO

The brilliance of Wataru Endo has not only had a direct impact on Liverpool's midfield, it's also enabled Alexis Mac Allister to operate in more advanced spaces.

The Argentine has scored three goals and laid on four assists for teammates in his last seven games, with his ability to knit play together in central areas key for Liverpool.

The midfield has been a significant weakness for the Red Devils this term, with Casemiro's disappointing performances having left their defence mightily exposed.

Casemiro's inability to cover ground in the engine room should be preyed upon by both Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai, who will be aiming to stretch the Brazilian's legs.

DARWIN NUNEZ VS HARRY MAGUIRE

Darwin Nunez's electric form shows no signs of slowing down and Man Utd's defence will not be looking forward to coming up against the chaotic Uruguayan.

The former Benfica striker has scored seven in his last nine appearances and looked sharp once again on Thursday against Sparta, showing his ability to link play up as well as provide the finishing touch around the penalty area.

Ten Hag has confirmed that Harry Maguire is likely to return for Man Utd this weekend and it will be a physical and athletic mismatch between him and Nunez this Sunday.

Nunez's pace and willingness to play on the last line of the defender will keep Maguire honest from first minute to last, and he will hopefully be able to continue his ruthless streak in front of goal at Old Trafford.

JARELL QUANSAH VS RASMUS HOJLUND

Unfortunately for the Reds, Ibrahima Konate seems extremely unlikely to line up at Old Trafford. That means that young Jarell Quansah will be tasked with partnering Virgil van Dijk once again.

The centre-back was able to keep Erling Haaland at bay last weekend alongside his skipper, but he will have to be similarly focused when facing Rasmus Hojlund.

Ten Hag revealed that the Dane is likely to start this weekend having missed the past few matches with injury, but the £72m man had hit a rich vein of form prior to his latest setback.

Hojlund shares similar qualities to Nunez in terms of his pace, power and relentlessness up top, with Van Dijk needing to help guide Quansah through Sunday's game up against the 21-year-old forward.