Preview: Manchester United Vs Liverpool

Introduction

We have now finally entered into the business end of the English Premier League and the upcoming weeks are going to prove quite enticing for the football fans with some fascinating clashes up on the cards. The phase is getting kickstarted with one of the most mesmerizing and enthralling rivalries of English football. Manchester United and Liverpool square off at Old Trafford tonight in what is going to be another high-voltage clash. United, fresh from demolishing Roma 6-2 in the semifinals of the UEL, will aim for a fresh start in PL. They have fallen apart from the title race after playing out a goalless draw against Leeds. Their main desire now will be to finish 2nd in the league standings and confirm their place in next year’s UCL.

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Contrastingly, Liverpool would be on a different mindset when they face United today. It has not been the best of seasons for them and it has resulted in them is languishing at 6th position. They would certainly be hoping to at least acquire a top 4 finish in EPL and get the chance to play in the UCL next season. The Old Trafford is bracing up to host one of the most entertaining matches of this season. Let’s see if United wins and extend their lead at 2ndplace or Liverpool wins to keep their top 4chances alive.

Why to watch out for

There is indisputably no incident in the world that can provide such reason to keep you devoid from watching this clash. It’s always a pleasure to see the big guns of the EPL going against each other. And the present charming situation of the league spices it up even more. United has already faced two times Liverpool this season and is poised to face them for the third time. They will have plenty of thoughts on their mind during the time of facing Liverpool. The neighboring club of City would certainly be looking to delay their title-winning celebrations for at least a week. They would also look to brush aside that frustrating draw against Leeds and finish the remaining matches on a high note.

Liverpool, on the other hand, has to win all their matches from now to stand any outside chance of getting an UCLspot. They have a disastrous home record this season and would be happy to play this match outside Anfield. Open-minded play can prove to be a vital aspect for Liverpool as they have nothing to lose from now. So guys, stay tuned in for this captivating match and wait to see which of these sides come on top. The match is slated to start at 21:00 IST or 15:30 GMT.

Recent Form

Manchester United

The Red Devils come onto this match after handing a humiliating defeat to AS ROMA in the Europa League semifinals. They scored half a dozen goals against the Italian side against whom they were trailing 1-2 at the stroke of halftime. But then there came an exceptional performance from Ole’s men in the second half and they sealed a comeback win. Total 5 goals were scored in the second half by United who conceded 2 goals from Pellegrini and Dzeko in the 1sthalf.

The scoring was opened by Bruno Fernandes’s cheeky chip over the goalie from an Edinson Cavani Pass. Then after a goalless first half from United, Cavani registered his name on the scoring sheet with an equalizer. Then Cavani, Fernandes(p), Pogba, and Greenwood all were on target which saw United run riot at their home ground. They have won four of their last five games in all competitions bearing that disgusting goalless draw against Leeds United. Solskjær does know very well that he wouldn’t get such an easy game against Liverpool as was against Roma. He would hope for a much better show from his team to defeat Liverpool and assure the 2ndplace in standings. It remains to be seen whether United can get the better of Liverpool and blow them for the 3rdtime this year.

Liverpool

The Reds are playing this all-important clash after drawing 0-0 against Newcastle United at Anfield. Their record at Anfield is something that Klopp would want to forget very quickly when he starts preparing for the next season. But fortunately, they are playing this game out from Anfield and their away record has been somewhat good. Against Newcastle, Liverpool went ahead in the 2ndminute itself when Salah scored from a counterattack. But they squandered the lead and conceded the equalizer in the dying minutes of the match. Substitute Joseph Willock scored the equalizer for the Magpies from a Dwight Gayle assist.

The Reds were though dominant throughout the match and maintained almost 2/3rds possession of the ball. They also took a whopping 22 shots among which 9 were on target. With this draw, they have now drawn two consecutive Premier League matches, the other being against Leeds United. Klopp would definitely hope for a much-improved show from his side in order to fancy their chances of winning. It would be a completely bad season for them if they can’t even secure a spot in the next year’s ChampionsLeague. So they would certainly aim for a win at Old Trafford and illuminate their chances of a top 4finish.

Team News

Manchester United

Solskjær won’t have much to ponder for injuries at the time of facing Liverpool today. The only injuries are long-time absentees, Phil Jones, and Anthony Martial. Phil Jones is out due to a knee injury and Anthony Martial is also out due to a similar cause. Other than these two only, United doesn’t have any other injury concerns till now.

Predicted Lineups

Liverpool

Liverpool has been plagued by injuries throughout this season. Joe Gomez, Virgil Van Dijk, and Joel Matip continue to remain on the sidelines due to long-term injuries. Jordan Henderson, Divock Origi, and young Curtis Jones were a new addition to that list recently. Nathaniel Philipps has missed Liverpool’s last two games due to a minor hamstring problem and is doubtful for Sunday’s fixture. Apart from these, there are no injuries in the Liverpool team as of now.

Predicted Lineups

Players to watch out for

Liverpool

Salah

Salah so far has had a mediocre season as per his standards. The only thing they could fight for is the Golden boot for Salah this season. Salah has 20 PL goals this season and is trailing to Harry Kane by a solitary goal.

Trent Alexander Arnold

Much was expected from TAA after his performance in Liverpool’s title-winning campaign last season. However, he has disappointed with him being dropped from the recent England squad. He has sort of had a resurgence in recent games and has 2 goals and 1 assist in his last 4 games. He would be keen to add to this and help Liverpool to get that elusive CL spot.

Manchester Utd

Bruno Fernandes

You cannot be writing about United and not mentioning Bruno. Such has been his dominance and contribution since joining United. The only criticism, however, has been him stepping up in the big games. He would certainly be eager to correct that and what better occasion than against their fiercest rivals.

Marcus Rashford

One player that has rather stepped up on the big occasions has been MBE Marcus Rashford. With 4 goals and 1 assist in his last 4 games vs Liverpool, he certainly enjoys the opposition. Rashford was probably the only attacker not having any assist or goals in the midweek domination of Roma. He will certainly be looking to add to his tally against Liverpool.

Conclusion

All in all, this should be an exciting game. One reason why United sits 2nd this season behind City has been their home form. United would want to correct that. Liverpool on the other hand now needs to win every game to have a chance on the CL spot.

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