Man Utd v Liverpool – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

Man Utd host Liverpool at Old Trafford on Thursday night in the English Premier League. Jurgen Klopp’s team have had much more recovery time and desperately need a victory to keep their top four hopes alive. Ole Gunnar Soskjaer has come under criticism for the second-string side he selected on Tuesday against Leicester, particularly for how that defeat affected Liverpool’s Champions League hopes.

Man Utd Form

Having lost just once across 22 matches in all competitions, Man Utd have now lost two of their last three matches. With a 6-2 first leg lead against Roma, they were beaten 3-2 a week ago in the second leg. A 3-1 victory from behind at Aston Villa followed before a 2-1 home loss to Leicester with a second-string team.

The side is currently scoring freely with 24 goals in their last ten matches but they have conceded 14 goals in their last 11 matches with just three clean sheets. The Leicester defeat on Tuesday ended a run of 11 matches without defeat at Old Trafford and five consecutive home victories.

Man Utd Team News

Solskjaer is expected to play his best available XI, having rested all likely starters except Eric Bailly and Mason Greenwood against Leicester. Anthony Martial, Phil Jones and Dan James are ruled out and Harry Maguire is a major doubt due to an ankle injury.

Bailly should partner Victor Lindelof in defence with Dean Henderson in goal. Solskjaer is expected to start his usual big-game double pivot of Fred and Scott McTominay so Paul Pogba may play in the front three with either Greenwood benched or Edinson Cavani used as a substitute to protect him from injury.

Man Utd Motivation

United are treating this game as top priority having rested everyone against Leicester but there really isn’t very much to play for besides pride and stopping rivals Liverpool from securing a top four finish.

The tactics are expected to be the same as for other big matches with an abrasive midfield and largely counter attacking approach. A draw would be fine to maintain confidence and momentum with the Europa League final on the horizon

Liverpool Form

Klopp has Liverpool playing slightly better and getting significantly improved results. Having been on a run of eight losses in 12 matches, Liverpool have since won five and drawn three of their last nine matches with only Real Madrid beating them.

Away from Anfield, Liverpool have been looking much more confident with seven wins in their last ten matches. They have beaten Tottenham, Arsenal and RB Leipzig twice away from their home ground. Liverpool’s last match saw a 2-0 home win against struggling Southampton as Sadio Mane and Thiago Alcantara scored the goals

Liverpool Team News

Liverpool remain without their three long term injury victims at centre back but also have muscle injury concerns over Ozan Kabak and Ben Davies in that area. It may mean another start together for Nat Phillips and Rhys Williams with Fabinho anchoring midfield. Jordan Henderson is still out injured and James Milner is doubtful.

Klopp left Roberto Firmino on the bench against Southampton and he could again be the odd man out with just three places for Liverpool’s four top attackers.

Liverpool Motivation

This is a must-win match. With Leicester facing two very tough matches to finish the season, if Liverpool can win all four of their matches, they may just sneak into the top four. A draw would be a poor result and they won’t settle for one at any point

Key Stats

Man Utd have lost 2 of their last 3 matches

Man Utd have won 7 of their last 9 matches

Man Utd have won 5 of their last six home matches

United have lost 1 of their last 12 home matches unbeaten (W8)

Liverpool have drawn 3 of their last 4 PL meetings with Man Utd

Liverpool have won 7 of their last 10 matches away from Anfield

Liverpool have kept 5 clean sheets in their last 7 matches on the road

Prediction

Man Utd have nothing really to play for and the loss of Maguire makes them more vulnerable defensively. Liverpool springing a surprise and continuing their fine form away from Anfield looks a very tempting bet with a score draw the alternative.