The Dugout Discussion – Sunday

The Gameweek rolls on courtesy of a clash between two old foes. United host Liverpool in an Old Trafford cauldron to provide a tumultuous start to the day’s action which concludes with Tottenham’s visit to the Liberty Stadium to face Swansea.

This afternoon is all about events in Manchester, however, as old rivalries are renewed against a backdrop which finds both sides battling to maintain a challenge for a top four place. United’s lot is much improved following five straight wins, whilst pressure on Brendan Rodgers mounts following a string of poor results and hollow performances.

The team news finds Louis van Gaal tinkering once again. It appears that the Dutchman has reverted to a 4-4-2, recalling fit-again Phil Jones and Jonny Evans to his defence, with Marcos Rojo sidelined with a training ground injury. Despite Falcao’s availability, James Wilson comes into the attack alongside the revived Robin van Persie, with Wayne Rooney presumably adopting a withdrawn role or even deployed in wide areas.

Rodgers also makes changes – big ones at that. Simon Mignolet is the fall guy after an assortment of abject displays between the sticks: Brad Jones is the beneficiary as the Belgian drops to the bench. He’s joined by Rickie Lambert and the returning Mario Balotelli, as the Liverpool boss looks set to give Raheem Sterling a run in attack, deploying the likes of Adam Lallana and Philippe Coutinho to buzz around him in support; an intriguing set-up.

The Old Trafford clash is followed shortly after by our tea-time fixture as Spurs drop in on Garry Monk’s Swansea – a scenario which will have Fantasy managers willing Gylfi Sigurdsson to raise his game and return points against his former employers.