Second-placed Liverpool will play hosts to Manchester United on Sunday night for what is meant to be a top-of-the-table clash. Having secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Burnley in midweek, the Red Devils will be heading into the match in high spirits hoping to add to their lead of three points at the top. On the other hand, Jurgen Klopp’s men fell prey to the Saints as they struggled to find the back of the net in a shambolic 1-0 defeat at the St Mary’s last week.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will probably opt for the 4-4-2(diamond) formation, a set-up he has used in big games this season. Moreover, the Norwegian coach is expected to make a couple of tweaks for the upcoming away encounter. Scott McTominay might get the nod over Nemanja Matic whereas Fred looks likely to make his way back into the starting XI.
4-4-2 Manchester United Predicted Lineup Vs Liverpool
Defence
David de Gea will continue to operate in between the sticks for the visitors. The Spanish shot-stopper secured a clean sheet against the Clarets, and he would be hoping for more of the same this weekend.
Harry Maguire will resume his centre-half partnership with Eric Bailly at the heart of United’s backline. The latter has been in fine form lately, saving his side from all sorts of troubles in the defensive half; however, the match against Liverpool might turn out to be the ultimate test for the Ivorian defender.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka is a guaranteed starter at the right-back spot whereas Luke Shaw will fill in on the other flank, as the left-back. Up against the likes of Mohammed Salah and Sadio Mane next, the English full-backs will be expected to stay compact and keep their shape at the back.
Midfield
As mentioned earlier, Scott McTominay might return to feature alongside Fred in the holding midfield position. The duo will be assigned more of a defensive role to protect the visitors’ ‘back-four’.
Having scored the winning goal vs Burnley in midweek, Paul Pogba is expected to retain his position at the centre of the park. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will need the Frenchman at his best if he wishes to retain his position at the top of the points table.
Bruno Fernandes has failed to produce a goal or an assist in any of his last two games; however, the Portuguese playmaker will be determined to return to his goal-scoring ways at Anfield on Sunday.
Donny van de Beek will have to settle for a place on the bench but might come on in the second half if needed.
Attack
Marcus Rashford could partner Anthony Martial to lead Solskjaer’s attack up top. The duo will fancy their chances of getting their names on the scoresheet when they face off the Liverpool defence that has kept just two clean sheets in the last six league games. Even though Martial hobbled off in stoppage time at the Turf Moor, he is expected to start against the Reds.
Edinson Cavani might be brought on to influence the game in the latter stages.
