In what is easily the biggest rivalry, not just in England but also in world football, Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool travel to Old Trafford, to take on Manchester United, with both clubs separated by just two points in the league table, 29 games into the season.
Jose Mourinho decided to frustrate Liverpool at Anfield and earned a draw from that fixture earlier this season but will look to snatch all three points and open up a five-point gap over the Reds in this tie. But the Portuguese tactician has won just one of eight meetings with Jurgen Klopp and is another record he will want to put right this weekend.
The last four outings between these two teams, in all competitions, ended in stalemates but both teams are expected to fight for all three points from this tie. But the Reds have lost more league matches against Manchester United than any other team in the league and will look to turn things around at Old Trafford.
Mourinho will be torn between setting up his team to attack Liverpool or to sit back and defend but if he does not get his system right, Liverpool are in devastating form and can embarrass the Red Devils on their home turf.
Klopp’s men played out a 0-0 draw against Porto earlier this week having rotated his front three and have only once before failed to score in consecutive games under Jurgen Klopp. They will not be easy to stop but Mourinho has shown the world how to on the last three occasions. This could be a totally different game from the recent ones and here is the team news, predicted lineups, predictions and betting odds for this tie:
Team News
Manchester United:
In early team news, the Red Devils will be without their midfielders Michael Carrick, Ander Herrera and Marouane Fellaini, all of who are nursing injuries. Daley Blind, Phil Jones and Zlatan Ibrahimovic are also ruled out while Marcos Rojo and Anthony Martial are doubtful for this tie.
Liverpool:
The Reds are not missing any of their first team stars for this game. Nathaniel Clyne is not match-fit and may not make the bench but the likes of Andrew Robertson and Jordan Henderson, both of who picked up niggles recently, are expected to be back in action. Georginio Wijnaldum, suffering from an illness, is still a doubt for this weekend.
Predicted Lineups
Manchester United (4-3-3):
De Gea; Valencia, Bailly, Smalling, Young; McTominay, Matic, Pogba; Lingard, Mata, Lukaku
Liverpool (4-3-3):
Karius; Arnold, Lovren, Van Dijk, Robertson; Henderson, Can, Oxlade-Chamberlain; Salah, Firmino, Mane
Key Players
Manchester United:
Romelu Lukaku has been showing signs of consistency in the last couple of games, which has helped his side to win things from the most adverse of situations. Mourinho would like him to do the same once again. Lingard, who has been coming off the bench to score decisive goals for the Red Devils might also have to play a very important role in this match.
Liverpool:
The Reds will be dependant on their attacking spearhead Mohamed Salah, who has been in outstanding form this season so far. His pace and ability to finish things in a jiffy can spell doom for any side’s defence and Manchester United should brace themselves for some of that. Virgil Van Dijk will also have to play an important role in fending off attacks for the Merseyside club.
Odds:
Manchester United – 8/5
Draw – 23/10
Liverpool – 13/8
