FA Cup Showdown: Man United vs Liverpool Quarter Final Preview

March 16, 2024

Manchester United v Liverpool – FA Cup Quarter Final Preview

After a victorious European midweek Liverpool will make the short trip to Old Trafford, where one of the country’s biggest rivalries will resume in the FA Cup quarter finals.

Manchester United Availability

In terms of availability, Luke Shaw, Lisandro Martinez, Tyrell Malacia, Jonny Evans, Altay Bayindir, Anthony Martial, and Omari Forson are all ruled out. Rasmus Winther Hojlund, Harry Maguire, Mason Mount, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, should all be cleared to return to action.

Regarding recent form, the Red Devils beat Everton 2-0 in their last league outing, after a comprehensive 3-1 away defeat to neighbours Manchester City. A 0-1 win away to Nottingham Forest secured their passage into this upcoming FA Cup tie, which created the standout out encounter of the round.

Man United get double injury boost vs Everton with three players returning for Liverpool clash#LFC https://t.co/uQaMPrZWHX https://t.co/uQaMPrZWHX

— Liverpool FC News (@LivEchoLFC) March 8, 2024

A predicted line up for the hosts is listed below, in a 4-2-3-1 formation.

GK – André Onana

RB – Aaron Wan-Bissaka

RCB – Raphaël Varane

LCB – Harry Maguire

LB – Diogo Dalot

CDM – Casemiro

CM – Kobbie Mainooh

ACM – Bruno Fernandes

RW – Alejandro Garnacho

CF – Rasmus Winther Hojlund

LW – Marcus Rashford

Liverpool Availability

In terms of injures, the Spanish pair of Thiago Alcântara and Stefan Bajčetić remain on the unavailable list, with questions marks over both for the remaining games. Joël Matip has sustained a season ending ACL injury, one that may have seen him play his last game for the club. Trent Alexander Arnold, Alisson Becker, and Curtis Jones, are out for another fortnight, whereas Diogo Jota is sidelined for a little while longer. Ryan Gravenberch is back in team training.

https://twitter.com/lfc/status/1768658039177887787?s=46&t=rxgukmqdoXc4muVFLSx2EQ

Regarding recent form, the reds successfully dispatched Sparta Prague from the Europa League last 16, with Atalanta drawn to face Jürgen Klopp’s men in the upcoming quarter finals. In the Premier League, a 1-1 draw with Manchester City (at Anfield), followed a 0-1 win over Nottingham Forest the previous Saturday. That triumphant result came after a 4-1 thumping of Luton at Anfield in the days prior to the EFL cup final win. Southampton were beaten 3-0 in the previous FA Cup round.

Below is the team I believe the reds German manager will start on Sunday, where the strongest possible eleven will be fielded before the upcoming international break.

GK – Caoimhin Kelleher

RB – Conor Bradley

RCB – Jarell Quansah

LCB – Virgil van Dijk (c)

LB – Joe Gomez

RCM – Dominik Szoboszlai

CDM – Wataru Endō

LCM – Alexis Mac Allister

RF – Luis Díaz

CF – Darwin Núñez

LF – Mohamed Salah

How Will This Contest Play Out

The insecurities that continue to surround Old Trafford will be the deciding factor here, as Liverpool are full of confidence and will want to overrun their biggest historical rivals. Despite a raft of injuries, the visitors will simply have too much firepower not to advance. Only a dogmatic approach by the hosts will keep this game close as if Erik ten Hag attacks Liverpool, it could open his vulnerable defence to a siege of offensive play.