We're now less than 24 hours away from the greatest show the Premier League has to offer - Liverpool vs Manchester United.

Indeed, neither club's current incarnations may boast the success or talent of their predecessors but this fixture still grabs the imagination not quite like any other and traditionally claims the largest global audience of any Premier League match-up.

Most people view the Reds as the favourites for this one, boasting home advantage and a run of five straight wins across all competitions. But you can never rule out a squad as expensively assembled as United's or a Jose Mourinho side away from home.

Therefore, it's more than likely Monday's game will come down to which side dominates the key individual battles to help gain their team-mates a foothold in the match.

With that in mind, Football FanCast have taken a look at FIVE we think will decide the outcome under the Anfield floodlights.

PAUL POGBA VS JORDAN HENDERSON

Liverpool's midfield isn't exactly overloaded with power - in fact, quite the opposite - although injuries could see Jurgen Klopp call upon the somewhat physical Emre Can.

That could result in a field day for United's Paul Pogba; although many are unconvinced by his deep-lying midfield role, he'll be the strongest player in either engine room on Monday night by quite some distance - something Jose Mourinho is almost certain to use to his advantage.

In that regard, Jordan Henderson has to try and match the world-record signing as much as possible. Whilst he's not as strong as Pogba in terms of upper body, he's got the legs, the energy and the grit to stop him running riot.

That being said, Henderson's habitual holding duties might limit his freedom to go toe-to-toe with the United powerhouse.

ROBERTO FIRMINO VS ERIC BAILLY

Roberto Firmino is one of the most awkward strikers to face in the Premier League, simply because he's not a striker at all.

Indeed, the Brazilian combines the qualities of a midfielder and a forward to operate as Liverpool's false nine - a style of play and a role that epitomises the Reds' flexibility, mobility and movement in the final third.

That poses real problems for defenders; do they drop off and hold position or come tight and potentially leave space in behind? No Premier League defence has really found an answer yet and that could spell trouble for United's Eric Bailly, who still lacks experience despite an impressive start to his Red Devils career.

In that regard, he could be the weak link on Monday night. Consequentially, however, Chris Smalling must marshal the 22-year-old as much as possible, whilst communication with the midfield is equally vital to stopping Firmino develop those awkward pockets of space.

WAYNE ROONEY VS PHILIPPE COUTINHO

Unlike the rest of the battles on this list, Wayne Rooney and Philippe Coutinho won't be lining up directly against each other on Monday night - working on the assumption United's skipper will be brought back into the starting XI after a few unhappy weeks in the shadows.

Rather, this battle is between the respective 'No.10s' whose primary objective will to be create a moment of magic - be it a killer pass or rasping effort at goal - that eventually decides the game.

Based on current form, Coutinho is the more likely to do so, boasting three goals and two assists in seven Premier League outings this season. He also scored that unforgettable goal against United in the Europa League last term.

But only a fool would write of Wazza Roo, even amid his current malaise, and he'll not only feel he's representing United but also boyhood club Everton on Monday night. Some motivation, that.

SADIO MANE VS DALEY BLIND

Sadio Mane's been sensational since his summer move from Southampton, adding even more dynamism, energy and flexibility to Liverpool's high-pressing, lightening-paced forward line.

Indeed, the Senegal international's proving worth every penny of Liverpool's £34million investment and he's the Premier League's top performer at home this season according to Whoscored, with two goals and one assist in two Anfield outings.

Daley Blind's been as solid as expected at left-back in recent weeks and whenever his lack of natural athleticism is discussed as a potential weakness, the Dutchman always silences the critics with a showing of mind over matter.

That being said, whether Blind can handle the ferociously quick right winger in such a rich vein of form remains to be seen.

ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC VS JOEL MATIP

Summer signing Joel Matip has brought some improvement to Liverpool's defence in comparison to last season, the Reds being yet to concede more than one goal per match with the Cameroon international in the starting line-up.

But Zlatan Ibrahimovic represents the biggest test he'll face in the Premier League this season and having not found the net since the Manchester derby in early September, he'll be desperate to get on the scoresheet against United's Northwest rivals.

There are certainly more strings to Zlatan's bow but the crux of this battle will be in the air. United look set to deploy a more direct style away from home and the Reds lack height throughout their starting XI.

With that in mind, it's imperative Matip, who measures in at 6 foot 5, asserts his aerial dominance early on - potentially forcing Jose Mourinho into a rethink.