Arguably one of the biggest rivalries in the world of sport takes centre stage this Saturday as Jurgen Klopp takes his Liverpool side to Old Trafford, for a lunchtime kickoff in the Premier League. The Reds, who marched into the QF of the Champions League earlier this week, will be high on confidence but have not been able to beat United in any of their last three tries.
Jose Mourinho has managed to negate Liverpool’s attacking threat in each one of those games but the visitors have not been as fluid as they are at the moment. They have scored more goals than any other team in England, playing away from home and will certainly fancy their chances.
United, who came back from 2-0 down to steal all three points against Crystal Palace last weekend, cannot afford to be complacent, but it will be interesting to see the tactical approach Mourinho has in his mind for this game, especially with a crunch Round of 16 clash against Sevilla waiting, just a few days later.
With City running away with the league, Liverpool and United, who are separated by just two points in the 3rd and the 2nd place in the points table respectively, will play a six-pointer, which could have a huge effect on their league position, come the end of the season.
Liverpool are fresh from a 0-0 draw vs Porto and were held goalless in the reverse fixture at Anfield, earlier this season. But all that goes out of the window as two teams, who will settle for nothing less than three points, put in a fierce performance in this game. Here is the team news, predicted lineup, predictions and betting odds for this game:
Team News:
Manchester United:
Jose Mourinho revealed that Marouane Fellaini is back to full fitness but might not be risked in this game. Marcos Rojo, Ander Herrera, Anthony Martial and Daley Blind, however, are all ruled out for this game.
Expected lineup (4-3-3):
De Gea; Valencia, Bailly, Smalling, Young; McTominay, Matic, Pogba; Mata, Lukaku, Sanchez
Liverpool:
The Reds have no new injury issues ahead of this tie. Nathaniel Clyne, who is only coming back from injury, might not be risked in this game but the likes of Jordan Henderson, Georginio Wijnaldum and Andrew Robertson, who have all picked up problems recently, are all expected to be back in action this weekend.
Expected lineup (4-3-3):
Karius; TAA, Lovren, Van Dijk, Robertson; Henderson, Can, Ox; Salah, Firmino, Mane
Betting Odds:
Manchester United – 7/4
Draw – 12/5
Liverpool – 7/4
Prediction:
Manchester United 2-2 Liverpool