Prediction: Manchester United vs Liverpool

Verdict: Away win

Best odds: 8/13

Bookmaker: Betfair

Three weeks after a captivating FA Cup quarter-final clash, perennial rivals Manchester United and Liverpool meet again on Sunday at Old Trafford in the Premier League.

In the previous encounter, Erik ten Hag’s side emerged victorious with a 4-3 win after extra time as the two giants clashed in a knockout setting. However, in a surprising turn of events, the Red Devils found themselves on the losing side of a seven-goal thriller in their recent midweek fixture against Chelsea, while Liverpool racked up a 3-1 win over Sheffield United.

Manchester United

It was March 17th when Amad Diallo, rarely seen on the pitch, ignited pandemonium at Old Trafford with a last-minute winner, propelling Manchester United into the FA Cup semifinals at Liverpool’s expense. This victory shattered Jurgen Klopp’s hopes of departing with four additional medals in his suitcase.

However, the Red Devils experienced a stunning reversal on Thursday evening, receiving a taste of their own medicine in a seven-goal thriller against Chelsea. Despite seeming poised for a 3-2 triumph at the end of an intense battle, Cole Palmer’s second penalty of the night was followed by an extraordinary 101st-minute clincher, marking the latest winning goal on record in the Premier League.

As Chelsea celebrated, Manchester United found themselves disheartened, having set an unwanted Premier League record – no team had ever lost a game in the competition after leading so late. Thursday’s defeat may be the most significant setback yet for Erik ten Hag.

With Sir Jim Ratcliffe closely monitoring his every move, the embattled Ten Hag has limited time for recovery with Manchester United, currently sixth in the standings, trailing nine points behind Tottenham Hotspur and facing an 11-point deficit to Aston Villa, albeit with a game in hand.

Despite a strong start in February with four consecutive top-flight wins, Manchester United return to Old Trafford to face a disheartened crowd, having secured just one victory in their last five Premier League matches, accumulating only four points in that time. Nevertheless, they have already defied the odds once against Liverpool in 2024.

Team News

Thursday’s result was undoubtedly painful for Manchester United, and Erik ten Hag’s defensive woes deepened as the hosts lost two more center-backs to injury in Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans. Evans, who came on as a halftime replacement for Varane, was subsequently withdrawn due to injury as well.

While Ten Hag couldn’t provide a definitive update on the availability of Varane and Evans for the weekend, 19-year-old Willy Kambwala is likely to step in alongside Harry Maguire. This comes as Victor Lindelof (thigh) and Lisandro Martinez (calf) were recently ruled out for a few weeks.

Adding to the concerns is the uncertainty surrounding Casemiro’s availability after his forced withdrawal 15 minutes from time on Thursday. Additionally, Tyrell Malacia (knee), Luke Shaw (thigh), Anthony Martial (groin), and Altay Bayindir (muscle) remain unavailable for selection.

Liverpool

While FA Cup glory remains an unfulfilled dream this term following last month’s thrilling quarterfinal loss, Liverpool still maintain control over their Premier League title prospects, thanks to an expected victory over Sheffield United. However, the win didn’t come as easily as anticipated.

A bizarre Darwin Nunez opener was nullified by a Conor Bradley own goal, temporarily punishing Liverpool for their lacklustre performance. Nevertheless, Alexis Mac Allister’s powerful strike injected renewed energy into the Anfield crowd before Cody Gakpo secured maximum points.

With their third consecutive home victory across all competitions, Jurgen Klopp’s team heads into the weekend maintaining a two-point lead over Arsenal and a three-point advantage over Manchester City. However, both title rivals have the opportunity to surpass Liverpool in the standings with victories on Saturday.

Liverpool haven’t played away since their FA Cup disappointment in March, but their recent Premier League away record is impressive, with six wins in their last seven rival turf encounters.

It has been over a year since Klopp’s side failed to score in a top-flight away fixture. Furthermore, despite being held to a dull goalless draw by Manchester United at Anfield earlier in the season, Liverpool haven’t failed to score in both of their Premier League meetings with the Red Devils since the 2007/08 season, providing hope for immediate redemption against their arch-rivals.

Team News

Wataru Endo was unavailable for Liverpool’s match against Sheffield United due to the knock he sustained against Brighton & Hove Albion. However, Klopp has expressed optimism, stating that the Japan captain has a “big chance” of returning for the weekend fixture.

Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for long-term absentees Joel Matip (knee), Ben Doak (knee), Stefan Bajcetic (calf), and Thiago Alcantara (muscle). Additionally, the upcoming fixture will come too soon for Diogo Jota (knee), Trent Alexander-Arnold (knee), and Alisson Becker (thigh), although they are expected to return to team training at some point next week.

Endo’s potential return could see Ryan Gravenberch return to the substitutes’ bench, allowing Mac Allister to operate in a more advanced position. Moreover, the fit-again Andy Robertson is poised to reclaim his position from Joe Gomez on the left-hand side of the pitch.

Conclusion

Liverpool’s struggle to keep clean sheets may provide optimism for Manchester United, who have already scored four goals against them in 2024. However, the potential return of Endo could bolster the visitors’ defensive stability against their fatigued opponents.

The psychological impact of Thursday’s defeat may still linger for Ten Hag’s side. While it’s unlikely that either goalkeeper will keep a clean sheet, we believe in Klopp’s team to exploit their hosts’ depleted defensive lineup and maintain control of the title race.

Verdict: Away win

Best odds: 8/13

Bookmaker: Betfair