Liverpool vs Manchester United: Preview, Team News, and Prediction
Manchester United travel to Liverpool on Sunday to take on Liverpool in a top of the table Premier League clash of monumental proportions.
The result could make or break the title challenge for either team. A win for Liverpool will see them overtake us on goal difference while a victory for us will see us pull six points clear at the top.
A stalemate will see the chasing pack narrow the gap to both teams at the top.
The Red Devils go into the match in excellent form. In contrast, Jurgen Klopp’s side is going through a slump and is as vulnerable as it has been in recent times.
The form usually goes for a toss in such matches, especially between these two arch-rivals. United lost the corresponding fixture last year 2-0. The match ended with Liverpool fans singing ‘We’re gonna win the league’. A chant that proved prophetic.
Hopefully, the roles will be reversed this time. A positive result could pave the way for our first league title in eight years. It proves to be a cracker of a match on Merseyside.
Liverpool are unbeaten at home in the league since 2017. It is as good as any time to end that streak.
Team News
United will wait until Saturday before making a call on both Anthony Martial and Nemanja Matic. Both players appeared to suffer muscular injuries midweek against Burnley.
Brandon Williams and Phil Jones will not feature and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admitted that there are a few issues with unnamed players.
Newboy Amad Diallo could be set to make the trip to Anfield. Solskjaer has not ruled out the teenager playing his part in the game.
Manchester United Predicted XI
David de Gea (GK)
A no-brainer. United’s number one keeper will be expected to start this mother of all clashes.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka (RB)
Andy Robertson has been Liverpool’s most consistent player this season. With Trent Alexander-Arnold suffering from a confidence crisis, the onus could fall on the Scotsman. Wan-Bissaka is United’s best right-back and will be expected to stop runs down the flank.
Eric Bailly (CB)
The Ivorian has formed an excellent partnership with Harry Maguire and is expected to start once again.
Harry Maguire (CB)
The skipper is an obvious starter for the game. A lot will depend on him not getting turned by Roberto Firmino or Mohamed Salah.
Luke Shaw (LB)
Perhaps lucky not to be sent off against Burnley. He has emerged as a dependable player in recent weeks. Solskjaer’s go-to left-back for the big games.
Scott McTominay (CM)
The Scot has been an athletic presence in the middle of the park. His high-octane pressing and energy will be needed against an industrious Liverpool midfield.
Fred (CM)
The Brazilian is yet another athletic presence in the midfield. Can be the engine in midfield and has a good understanding with McTominay.
Bruno Fernandes (AM)
United’s best player over the last year. The Portuguese has had a silent couple of games of late. Hopefully, he is just saving his best for this weekend.
Marcus Rashford (RM)
With Sadio Mane and Robertson down on the right, Solskjaer will need someone who is disciplined but also effective in attack. Rashford could be the man for that.
Paul Pogba (LM)
Pogba has at times started on the left and cut inside when needed. One of our most in-form players.
Edinson Cavani (CF)
A no-brainer given Martial is a doubt. The Uruguayan is a powerhouse in the air. With Virgil van Dijk and potentially Joel Matip absent, it is something United should look to take advantage of.
More Manchester United News
- Ronald Koeman increasingly confident of landing former Manchester United star Memphis Depay
- Nemanja Matic backs Manchester United title credentials ahead of Liverpool clash
- Team News: Anthony Martial in contention to feature for Manchester United against Liverpool
Formation (4-2-3-1)
