Prediction: Manchester United vs Liverpool

Verdict: Both teams to score – yes

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: Bet365

Football fans are burning in anticipating ahead of Sunday’s six-pointer at Old Trafford where the in-form Manchester United will play host to one of their greatest rivals Liverpool. Red Devils are hoping to cut the gap behind the Premier League title chargers and join the race for the trophy.

Manchester United

Jose Mourinho’s men are heading into one of the biggest games of the season feeling extremely positive and optimistic following a brilliant spell. The Red Devils have notched nine wins in a row and are on a 15-game unbeaten streak across all competitions and Mourinho’s men will be extremely keen to continue with their rich vein of form. The Sunday’s clash with Premier League’s fiercest rivals represents a wonderful opportunity for Jose Mourinho’s men to cut the gap and enter the top four in the league. Liverpool are only five points ahead and possible three would mean that Manchester United could effectively join the Premier League title race. Manchester United will be hoping their key striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic will be able to continue with his impressive goalscoring exploits which saw him score 13 thus far in the season. The forthcoming game will be of particular importance for Wayne Rooney who could go on to break sir Bobby Charlton’s all-time goalscoring record. Manchester United captain currently stands at 249 goals for United.

Team News

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is likely to be available after illness, whereas United will still be without defender Eric Bailly who is about to start competing at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Morgan Schneiderlin is no longer with the team having completed his move to Everton, while there is a question mark around Marcos Rojo’s involvement due to the Argentinean’s fitness problems.

Liverpool

Inconsistency could cost Liverpool dearly this season. Just when you think that Jurgen Klopp has solved this burning issue, the Reds go out and surprise you with a goalless draw against Plymouth and a 1-0 defeat to Southampton. In all honesty, these two games were both Cup competitions, but nevertheless show Liverpool’s struggles. As for the Premier League, the Reds are coming off from a disappointing 2-2 draw at Sunderland which put an end to Liverpool’s four-match winning run in the competition. Fortunately for Jurgen Klopp’s men, the Premier League leaders Chelsea suffered a defeat at the hands of Tottenham last time out and the title race is far from being over. Liverpool fans will be hoping their key man Philippe Coutinho will be able to start the game for the first time since November as the Brazilian playmaker returned to action as a substitute on Wednesday night. The talisman midfielder is a crucial member of Klopp’s team and his return could also be a big morale boost for the Reds.

Team News

Jurgen Klopp is facing a number of selection issues, most of all the absence of club’s top scorer Sadio Mane who is with Senegal at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Joel Matip is still nurturing his injury, whereas Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson is line for a return after missing out the midweek Cup action.

Key Factors to Consider

• Man United won their last nine matches in all competitions
• Red Devils are unbeaten in last 15 games overall
• Wayne Rooney needs one goal to break Sir Bobby Charlton’s record
• Liverpool failed to win any of their last three matches
• Adam Lallana has 7 goals and 7 assists to his name thus far

Conclusion

Sunday brings a mouthwatering clash between two great rivals. Manchester United and Liverpool traditionally play fiercely contested games and there is no reason to think the forthcoming one will be any different. Having played a goalless draw last time out we are confident the two great rivals will be more efficient this time around and betting on both teams to score could bring good value.

Verdict: Both teams to score – yes

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: Bet365