It's Manchester United v Liverpool at Old Trafford this evening and with both sides not going into the international break in satisfying form, there is plenty of intrigue.
Blind v Benteke
There is a 10cm difference in height between the re-assigned Man United centre-back and the powerhouse Liverpool striker.
Assuming both players start, it would not be a surprise if Benteke tailored his runs to target the Dutch defender in order to attempt to bully him physically.
That's if Blind is isolated one on one. But if Liverpool are too cautious and do not give Benteke enough support from midfield, Man United can nullify some of the threat provided by Benteke if Chris Smalling is not pressurised away from being able to rush back and cover.
Benteke has won just over 10 aerial challenges per match, the highest rate in the Premier League and a full three aerial challenges per game more than the next best exponent (Rudy Gestede of Aston Villa).
Blind on the other hand has won two aerial challengers per game, half of Smalling's number. So, United may well do well to try and close down Simon Mignolet and any of the other long ball providers for Liverpool this evening.
Lucas Leiva as an option
Given that Liverpool are away from home and also have a doubt over Jordan Henderson's fitness, Lucas Leiva could be an option to sit alongside James Milner and attempt to protect the back four from the line of three behind Wayne Rooney, who have flattered to deceive so far this season.
The Brazilian has been involved in Liverpool's last two games against Arsenal and West Ham, playing the full 90 minutes in the disappointing loss to the Hammers.
A natural holding midfielder, he has averaged more defensive actions than any other Liverpool midfielder this season.
Full-backs vs United wingers
Thus far, Nathaniel Clyne and Joe Gomez can be regarded as successes as Liverpool's new full-backs. Clyne is likely to be up against Memphis Depay whereas Gomez could well line up against Juan Mata.
Both United widemen prefer to drift in more centrally which presents an interesting challenge for the Liverpool full-backs: to tuck in a bit and squeeze the channels or not. Perhaps with Lucas there in front of the defence, it reduces that need to an extent and gives Clyne in particular more opportunity to break forward.
Man United v Liverpool kicks off at 5.30pm.
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