Liverpool v Man Utd – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

Liverpool host Man Utd in the English Premier League at Anfield on Sunday. Jurgen Klopp’s side still has hopes of a top-four finish but comes into this one a full ten points off the Red Devils. Their last four meetings have seen 18 goals scored and Erik Ten Hag’s side have leaked 20 goals on the road in the league. Let’s hope we see an entertaining match with plenty of goals.

Liverpool Form

Jurgen Klopp’s side are hoping to make it five league matches unbeaten for the first time this season. They are currently on a run of four successive clean sheets in the Premier League having beaten Everton 2-0 to bounce back from four defeats in seven in all competitions, with 11 goals shipped.

After their Merseyside derby win, they ended Newcastle’s unbeaten run with a 2-0 victory at St. James’ Park. They then led 2-0 at home to Real Madrid before being thrashed as they conceded five goals in 47 minutes in a 5-2 defeat. After a time 0-0 draw at Crystal Palace (0.90 xG created), they beat Wolves 2-0 at home in midweek with two goals in the final 17 minutes. They put up 2.61 xG in the match.

Liverpool Team News

Jurgen Klopp is without Luis Diaz in attack as he continues rehab for a long-term knee injury. He must decide between Cody Gakpo and fit-again Diogo Jota to play as the central attack for this one. A big boost in midweek was the return of Ibrahima Konate to partner Virgil Van Dijk. Liverpool are a different team when they are together.

In midfield, Thiago Alcantara is out and Naby Keita is a major doubt. Jordan Henderson will hope for a recall alongside Fabinho, leaving space for one of Stefan Bajčetić or Harvey Elliott to play. Andy Robertson will return after being rotated in midweek.

Liverpool Motivation

Regardless of form or league position, this would be a game for 100% motivation due to the rivalry between the sides.

There is even more at stake now that Liverpool are back in the top-four hunt. They’re just six points off Tottenham with a game in hand, so they need to win this one to keep hopes of Champions League qualification alive.

Man Utd Form

The Red Devils are looking an outstanding team, and recent results back that up. They’ve played a full 20 fixtures since the World Cup ended and only one team has beaten them, log leaders Arsenal in a 3-2 defeat in injury time. Since that lone setback, it’s nine wins and two draws in all competitions.

After a 2-2 first-leg draw in Spain against Barcelona in the Europa League, Man Utd beat Leicester 3-0 at home, albeit with David De Gea to thank for two world-class saves at 0-0. They then beat Barcelona 2-1 at home from 1-0 down to reach the last 16 in the Europa. A 2-0 win in the Carabao Cup final came next as a six-year trophy drought was ended. In midweek, a rotated XI beat West Ham 3-1 to reach the FA Cup quarter-finals.

Man Utd Team News

Erik Ten Hag is expected to be without Anthony Martial, so Wout Weghorst will continue to cover upfront. Christian Eriksen is out for another month in midfield so Fred will partner Casemiro with Marcel Sabitzer in reverse.

There is a slight doubt over Luke Shaw at left-back, but he should be fine to return. Jadon Sancho has been suffering from illness but Antony was set to be preferred on the right wing anyway. Many players were rested in midweek and will return fully fresh.

Man Utd Motivation

United go into every match right now feeling like they can win it, even at Anfield. Confidence and morale is very high. They are 11 points off Arsenal having played one less match and a win would at least keep title aspirations vaguely alive.

A draw is no disaster but not something that Ten Hag will settle for. They will have seen Liverpool’s defensive woes vs Real Madrid and be encouraged to attack.

Key Stats

Liverpool have lost once in 32 home PL matches

LFC have kept 4 clean sheets in a row in the league

Liverpool have failed to score in 4 of their last 7 EPL matches

Man Utd have conceded 20 away EPL goals (fifth most)

Man Utd’s Rashford has scored 16 goals in his 19 matches since the World Cup

Man Utd have scored 2+ goals in their last 12 matches (all competitions)

Verdict

This match is super hard to predict. Liverpool are strong at home and are defending much better in the league, plus Konate is fit again. Man Utd are playing brilliantly but tends to leak a few goals on their travels. Both sides should score and a draw may represent a good option.

Best Bet: Draw in the first half at 2.20

Value Bet: Draw full-time at 3.60

Goalscorer Tip: Salah and Rashford to both score anytime at 6.82

Multiplier Leg: Man Utd win/draw double chance + over 1.5 goals at 1.95

James O'Connor

James is a football analyst who writes about the tactics of the PSL and English Premier League. He holds the UEFA A coaching licence and has previously worked for several clubs in analysis roles.Twitter: https://twitter.com/footy_analysis