Liverpool vs Manchester United Preview: Premier League Clash
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It’s the 211th edition of England’s most famous rivalry this weekend as Manchester United heads to Anfield to battle with a Liverpool side aiming to claw away at the top four after a return to the win column in midweek.
Liverpool struggled to break the deadlock against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Wednesday night, but two goals inside four minutes during the second half sealed all three points and the club’s first win in two games.
Virgil van Dijk netted that day, just as Mohamed Salah registered just his ninth Premier League goal of the season in a campaign that has so far turned out to be his worst on the goalscoring for the Merseysiders.
These goals rocketed the Reds up into sixth, but with Fulham having a game in hand just as Brighton & Hove Albion have two games extra to play, there is still a chance Jurgen Klopp's men drop back into eighth if those two sides win their forthcoming games.
United are into third for another week and with a game in hand to play over Manchester City, ten Hag's side could be within just three points of their city rivals very soon. What’s more, United have won more games on the continent with 30 victories from 40 games, as they’ve lost only six times all campaign long across four competitions. This has totalled to a win percentage of 73.2% - no United manager in history has had a better record after 41 games.
Much of this has come down to the form of Marcus Rashford, who after scoring in the League Cup final win this time last week, has now scored 25 times in all competitions in what is his best-ever goalscoring season.
Liverpool smashed the Red Devils 4-0 at Anfield last campaign with two goals inside the first 22 minutes. Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho helped make amends this campaign, however, with a 2-1 victory over Klopp's side in a battle at Old Trafford in August.
This time around, goals are expected and United should be confident in win number 31 of the season.
Liverpool team news
It was announced this week that Roberto Firmino will leave Liverpool at the end of the season when his contract expires. The Brazilian will likely be benched once again, while Darwin Nunez and Mohamed Salah start alongside either Diogo Jota or Cody Gakpo.
Calvin Ramsey remains out for the season, just as Luis Diaz nears a return. Thiago and Joe Gomez will also come back in the next two weeks, as Naby Keita and Arthur need another week in the physio room.
Manchester United team news
United have had an incredibly hectic schedule and this game is part of six fixtures inside 17 days - no side on the continent has played anywhere near this amount.
This doesn't mean Erik ten Hag will make that many changes because of the level of opposition, but Jadon Sancho and Luke Shaw are facing late fitness tests. Tyrell Malacia and Antony may now start, while Anthony Martial, Christian Eriksen and Donny van de Beek are all injured still.
