Prediction: Liverpool vs Manchester United

Verdict: Liverpool

Best Odds: 4/7

Bookmaker: bet365

Two of England’s arguably biggest rivals go head to head on Sunday at Anfield as Liverpool look to extend their undefeated Premier League record this season. Manchester United are going through a difficult patch at the moment but history teaches us that current form plays a minor role in the North West Derby.

Liverpool

Confidence is high in the Liverpool camp ahead of the big game against Manchester United. Liverpool sit top of the Premier League table and are coming off from a morale-boosting 1-0 win over Napoli which saw them clinch qualification into the Champions League knockouts.

Despite the positive momentum, Klopp’s men are going through, Reds face a real risk of suffering a crash landing back to earth as their records against Manchester United say they failed to beat their nemesis in past eight league encounters. Liverpool’s lethal trio of Roberto Firmino, Mohamed Salah and Sadio mane have found it extremely difficult to score against Manchester United of late.  The situation ahead of the great North West Derby has been further complicated by an injury crisis which leaves Klopp short of options at the back. The Reds will, however, draw inspiration from what’s been their best-ever start to a Premier League season. They have avoided defeat in 17 games on the trot and will be eager to extend the run and maintain their advantage ahead of Manchester City.

Team News

Joe Gomez is ruled out with a broken leg whereas Joel Matip has joined him in the treatment room this week with a fractured collarbone he suffered in the win over Napoli.

Dominik Solanke is recovering from a groin injury whereas Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain remains a long-term absentee. Nathaniel Clyne is also unavailable.

Manchester United

Manchester United returned to winning ways in the league with a comprehensive 4-1 beating of relegation-threatened Fulham but the midweek action brought another disappointment in a 2-1 Champions League defeat at Valencia.

Red Devils face comparatively little pressure having already qualified for the knockouts but another setback will have only highlighted the problems Jose Mourinho has experienced this whole season. With only two wins in their last seven competitive outings, Manchester United are under huge pressure ahead of the trip to Anfield. Mourinho has suffered chronic criticism over the style of play and tactical solutions and the Portuguese is once again expected to park the bus and wait for his shot at a counter. Such a premise becomes even more possible given that Manchester United are facing a selection crisis of their own which only deepens the defensive troubles. United have conceded 26 goals in 16 Premier League matches this season but their last two visits to Anfield resulted in goalless draws and that’s a result Red Devils would gladly settle for.

Team News

Victor Lindelof and Chris Smalling are both injured, whereas Jose Mourinho is also likely to be without Matteo Darmian, Luke Shaw and Diogo Dalot as well.  

Alexis Sanchez is suffering from a thigh injury which is the same problem troubling Anthony Martial.

Key Factors to Consider

• Liverpool remain the only unbeaten side in the Premier League this season
• Reds won their last five home matches across all competitions
• Liverpool failed to win (and score) in last two Man United clashes at Anfield
• United are winless in their three matches on the road
• Red Devils trail huge 16 points behind league leaders, Liverpool

Conclusion

Both Liverpool and Manchester United are experiencing injury problems ahead of the big game at Anfield this Sunday but the North West Derby is nevertheless expected to be a highly entertaining affair. Liverpool are looking to extend their unbeaten run in the league while Manchester United will do everything in their power to maintain a positive record against Reds. Unpredictable as ever, the forthcoming derby is poised to be a cracker.

Verdict: Liverpool

Best Odds: 4/7

Bookmaker: bet365