Man Utd v Liverpool – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

Man Utd host Liverpool on Sunday The Red Devils lost to Brighton last weekend whilst the Reds have six points from two matches so far. The last nine clashes have seen Over 2.5 goals in the match on eight occasions.

Man Utd Form

United conceded very late last week to lose 2-1 at Brighton. They had won three successive matches in the league before that as well as the FA Cup final. They ended last term with a 3-2-win vs Newcastle, a 2-0 success at Brighton and a 2-1 FA Cup win vs Man City.

It was just two wins in 11 league matches before that winning streak. On the opening day of this season, a late winner from Joshua Zirkzee sealed a 1-0 win for Man Utd over Fulham. They produced 2.43 xG in a strong attacking performance.

Man Utd Team News

United are without Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia at left back and new defender Leny Yoro is injured. Erik Ten Hag must choose between Harry Maguire and Matthijs De Ligt in defence.

Rasmus Hojlund is ruled out up front. Joshua Zirkzee or Bruno Fernandes will play up front. Mason Mount is out injured. Manuel Ugarte has signed from PSG and could make his debut, possibly as an additional midfielder next to Kobbie Mainoo and Casemiro.

Man Utd Motivation

United still look very open and exposed this season. They could be heavily beaten if they attack too much.

Ten Hag’s side have parked the bus in some recent big games and may go for a defensively inclined approach once again.

Liverpool Form

Liverpool looked like contenders for four trophies last season. After a 2-0 loss to Everton in the league, they had to settle for one trophy. A 2-2 draw at West Ham preceded a 4-2 win over Spurs where they led 4-0. A 3-3 draw at Aston Villa followed.

They beat Wolves 2-0 on the final day to see Jurgen Klopp off with a win. This season began with a 2-0 win at Ipswich Town after struggling in the first half but dominating after the break. The Reds beat Brentford 2-0 last weekend at home with 19 shots and 2.65 xG. They only allowed 0.55 xG to the Bees.

Liverpool Team News

Coach Arne Slot is expected to select Ibrahima Konate ahead of Jarell Quansah. Curtis Jones has an injury and Darwin Nunez is set to remain on the bench.

Federico Chiesa has signed from Juventus but is unlikely to make the squad after just a couple of training sessions. Diogo Jota is expected to play as the number nine.

Liverpool Motivation

Slot’s team have more control than under the previous manager. Liverpool will press and transition at speed but also look to dominate.

The Reds will go for the win at Old Trafford and won’t be overly satisfied with a point.

Key Stats

Man Utd have seen over 2.5 goals in 8 of their last 9 matches vs Liverpool.

Man Utd have won 3 of their last 4 EPL matches (2 wins in 11 before that)

Liverpool have won 4 of their last 5 EPL matches

Liverpool have scored 12 goals in their last 4 matches vs Man Utd

Verdict

A good, open game surely awaits. Liverpool holds the edge, but Man Utd are capable of pulling off shocking results in the big games. Both sides should score but the visitors are favoured in this one.