EPL SPOTLIGHT: The clash of the reds

MATCH TO WATCH: Liverpool v Manchester United (Tuesday, Oct 18, 3am)

Before the international break, Jürgen Klopp's side were in terrific form winning four straight games in the Premier League.

On the other hand, Jose Mourinho's expensively assembled side have been inconsistent.

A 4-1 thumping of champions Leicester stopped a two-game losing streak in the league.

Unfortunately, the following week, United followed that up with an embarrassing draw against then bottom-placed Stoke City.

So will the charismatic German cast his shadow over the Special One?

PLAYER TO WATCH: Jordan Henderson (Liverpool v Manchester United)

Yes, his attempted no-look pass against Slovenia when he was on international duty for England was terrible.

 

 

Actually, the 26-year-old is a decent passer of the ball.

He currently tops the Premier League with 589 passes.

While that alone does not mean anything, coupled with the fact that he has made 29 tackles for Liverpool (highest in the team), means Klopp has a very able midfielder in his team.

Let's just hope he looks before he passes.

TEAM TO WATCH: Tottenham Hotspur (v West Brom, Saturday, Oct 15, 10pm)

Spurs are in red-hot form. PHOTO: REUTERS 

Spurs' current form is red-hot - four wins on the trot in the Premier League.

They are second in the table and second in the number of goals scored (12).

Their 2-0 win against Manchester City on Oct 2 really underlined their status as title contenders.

While the words "title contenders" were whispered around White Hart Lane last year, they failed to deliver on their promise.

This season, however, manager Mauricio Pochettino has built a squad which has the capability to deliver the title.

Look for them to continue their winning streak.

MANAGERS TO WATCH: Mark Hughes, David Moyes (Stoke City v Sunderland, Saturday 10pm)

Running out of time. PHOTOS: REUTERS

It's the battle of the cellar dwellers as Sunderland (20th) take on Stoke City (19th).

Stoke City gave their manager, Mark Hughes, a lifeline when they rescued a point against Manchester United in their last fixture.

Similarly, Sunderland earned a point against West Bromwich Albion to halt a three-game losing streak.

That certainly gave their embattled manager David Moyes much-needed breathing space.

But the teams better start winning. Otherwise the managers will be looking for jobs soon.