Trent Alexander-Arnold set for match-winning duel with Man United rival

Liverpool’s world-class star, Trent Alexander-Arnold is set for a match-winning duel against a Manchester United rival later today.

Liverpool face Manchester United at Old Trafford later today - one of the biggest games of any season. But it has particular meaning this time around as the first major test of Arne Slot's team.

The Dutchman will face a compatriot of his in Erik Ten Hag, and one he has an interesting record against.

But that's not the only 'duel' to watch out for today. One happening on Liverpool's right flank could be match-winning, in fact, as Trent Alexander-Arnold contends with Marcus Rashford.

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The pair will directly come up against one another, assuming they're both picked, but with contrasting ideas. Alexander-Arnold wants to attack and so does Rashford - but they can't both do it at all times.

How they manage that will define the game.

Trent Alexander-Arnold vs Marcus Rashford

Alexander-Arnold has arguably been Liverpool's best player this season. Yes, it's only been two games but the Scouser has run each of them, drifting across the pitch to break down defences.

He's delivering the kind of displays that saw him labelled 'world-class' in the summer, despite his lack of gametime.

Rashford hasn't been that effective. In fact, he was picked apart in punditry after United's defeat to Brighton. The forward was repeatedly caught offside as he tried to force the issue against the Seagulls, ruining his team's attacks.

But he may not need to force the issue against Liverpool. Alexander-Arnold will want to push on and Rashford should have quite a bit of space to counter into.

Liverpool's right-back must balance himself properly, making sure Rashford is kept in line while picking the right opportunities to get forward and influence things. Give Rashford too much space and he will hurt the Reds - it's when he's robbed of that space that he struggles.

It does go both ways, though. Rashford can't afford to be too forward-thinking or Alexander-Arnold will dominate the game. But if he isn't forward-thinking enough then Alexander-Arnold has less to worry about when defending and can push forward more - which is what he wants to do.

It's a delicate balance and one that could ultimately decide who wins this one. Or Rashford isn't picked and Liverpool have arguably won that battle already.

Just a few more hours to find it all out.