Photo: AFP

When Liverpool and Manchester United clash at Anfield on Sunday, there will be more at stake than just the usual bragging rights.

Iran PressEurope: The bitter rivals are engaged in a battle for the Premier League title, with leaders United sitting three points clear of second-placed Liverpool, AFP reported.

AFP Sport takes a closer look at three duels that will define the vital showdown:

Jordan Henderson v Bruno Fernandes

Bruno Fernandes has played a major role in transforming Manchester United from also-rans to title contenders.

Widely credited with reviving United with his fierce will to win and positive attitude, as well as his classy performances, the Portugal playmaker's next mission is to stamp his authority on the biggest game of his time with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side.

Fernandes, signed from Sporting Lisbon last January, will head to Anfield as the first star to win the Premier League Player of the Month award four times in a calendar year after earning the prize for December.

Overall, he has 15 goals and nine assists in all competitions this term, making it 27 goals and 17 assists in 48 United appearances.

No wonder Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is a huge admirer and will task Reds captain Jordan Henderson with subduing the midfielder on Sunday.

"He's an outstanding player. Before he joined United, we played against Sporting in the USA on the tour and in that game already you could see, 'Wow!'," Klopp said.

"He is settled, he is a very influential player for United obviously, involved in a lot of things. So, yeah, a good signing, unfortunately, for United."

Mohamed Salah v Eric Bailly

With 17 goals in all competitions this season, Mohamed Salah will pose the biggest threat to United, but the Egypt forward can expect a stern challenge from the revitalized Eric Bailly.

Bailly has struggled for form and fitness throughout his United career, but the Ivory Coast center-back has been key to their winning streak.

In six games with Bailly in the team, United have won five and drawn once, conceding just three goals.

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