Manchester United will face one of their biggest tests this season when they travel to Anfield to face Liverpool on Sunday. The Red Devils are winless in their last four away matches against their arch-rivals. But, they are coming into this game on the back of two successive wins in all competitions, and it will be interesting to see how they fare this time out.
Liverpool, in contrast, are well on their way to securing their first-ever Premier League title. The Reds are sitting comfortably at the top with 61 points on the board, leading second-placed Manchester City by 14 points. A win this weekend could not only help them extend that lead but also send a message across the English top flight.
Talking Tactics
Liverpool
Jurgen Klopp is likely to retain his preferred 4-3-3 shape, with the free-flowing front three of Roberto Firmino, Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane looking to make full use of United’s vulnerable backline. The lack of pace from the likes of Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof could become problematic for the visitors and Liverpool will be well aware of that. Expect the Reds to have the lion’s share of possession.
Manchester United
Ole-Gunnar Solskjaer, in contrast, could employ a deep defensive block, almost a “park the bus” system to prevent Liverpool from taking full use of the pace of their attackers. And with Paul Pogba still out, the Red Devils are likely to play a direct brand of football in Solskjaer’s traditional 4-2-3-1.
Team News
Liverpool
The likes of Dejan Lovren and Fabinho are all back in training for Liverpool. But, none of them are expected to feature against Manchester United this weekend. That means Jordan Henderson could retain his place in the holding midfield role while the defence could also remain unchanged. Alex Oxlade Chamberlain, however, might start, especially with James Milner and Naby Keita both ruled out.
Predicted Liverpool XI (4-3-3): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, van Dijk, Robertson; Oxlade-Chamberlain, Henderson, Wijnaldum; Salah, Firmino, Mane.
Manchester United
Scott McTominay, Pogba and Marcos Rojo have all been ruled out due to their respective injuries. Marcus Rashford is a doubt heading into this game, with Daniel James in line to replace him in case the English international fails to return to full fitness. The attack will be led by Anthony Martial while Juan Mata could make way for Andreas Pereira in the final third.
Predicted Manchester United XI (4-2-3-1): de Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Maguire, Williams; Fred, Matic; James, Pereira, Rashford; Martial.
Key Men
Liverpool
For Liverpool, all eyes will be on Chamberlain as he looks to fill in for the absence of both Milner and Keita. The ex-Arsenal star has a point to prove after missing a chunk of his Liverpool career due to injuries. And with Takumi Minamino pushing for a start, his performance against United will be key towards determining the outcome of the contest.
Manchester United
United, on the other hand, will rely on Brandon Williams to stop the tricky Salah on the left flank. The young left-back has impressed the onlookers with his consistent performances in recent weeks. But, he could face the biggest challenge of his career as he looks to stop the Liverpool winger from making an impact this weekend.
Odds
Manchester United = 8/1
Liverpool = 7/17
Draw = 41/10
