The classic encounter of Premier League giants is still one of the most anticipated games of the season despite lacking of fierce competition or title race. Manchester United’s hope to catch their noisy neighbour, Manchester City is almost over as they are still ten points adrift from the top. Ole Solksjaer’s men prefer to focus more on the Europa League. The Reds, on the other hand, are still involved in a tight race for Champions League spot against Chelsea, Tottenham and West Ham. The match is more crucial for Jurgen Klopp’s men.
The teams’ previous matches
The Red Devils ran rampant while hosting AS Roma in Europa League semi final on Friday. They trashed Giallorossi 6-2. Bruno Fernandes and Edison Cavani scored a brace plus two more goals by Paul Pogba and Mason Greenwood completed their big win against the Italian side which was able to lead 2-1 first by Lorenzo Pellgrini’s penalty and Edin Dzeko’s tap into the empty net.
The Reds, on the other hand, was struggling to secure one point while meeting Newcastle United last weekend. Mo Salah and Co could only muster the 1-1 draw. The Egyptian Mo Salah could bag an opener but their prospective win was denied as Joe Willock once again found the back of the net almost at the end of the game.
Possible tactic
Ole Solskajer will still be deploying 4-2-3-1 with the Uruguayan international Edison Cavani upfront while Anthony Martial is doubtful to play here. On the wings, Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood are still occupying the role, while the Portuguese international Bruno Fernandes is featuring his regular number ten role.
Jurgen Klopp is weighing the possibility of deploying more pragmatic formation after series of draw result in the past two games. Since their crisis at the backline still continues with the injury of Virgil Van Dijk, Joel Matip, Joe Gomez, Nate Phillips, Jordan Henderson and Curtis Jones, opting 3-4-2-1 could be well considered. Fabinho will be accompanied by James Milner and Ozan Kabak at the defence line, while in the midfield, Thiago and Naby Keita or Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are operating in the middle while Trent Alexander Arnold and Andrew Robertson are pushed forward. Diogo Jota is likely to occupy the frontman role while Mo Salah and Xerdan Shaqiri or Sadio Mane will be supporting behind him.
Players to watch
The Portuguese playmaker, Bruno Fernandes has been vital in Manchester United’s revival. He is the current top scorer with sixteen goals and top assist provider with eleven assists. Some other key names to focus on are Marcus Rashford, Luke Shaw and Edison Cavani.
Meanwhile, The Reds’s main scorer is still Mo Salah with 20 goals and three assists in EPL. Some other important figures this season are Trent Alexander Arnold and Diogo Jota.
Manchester United vs Liverpool Prediction
The home side might be the favourite to seal a win here but they could be facing a fatigue issue after the Europa League fixtures. This could be the opportunity for Jurgen Klopp’s side to snatch at least one point, provided they are in a better form or the German boss have found a tactical solution to optimise the remaining players in the squad. A game of tie shall be the final result here.
Betting odds
This is a classic clash with potential tight affair. Manchester United are projected to win at 15/8, whereas Liverpool’s win market is at 13/8. The draw result is at the value of 27/10.
