Manchester United Liverpool – Premier League Preview
After a win at home to Sheffield United on Thursday evening, the reds now have a titanic return to Old Trafford to overcome. A few weeks ago, Jürgen Klopp’s men were knocked out of the FA Cup, as the encounter between England’s two most successful clubs became one hurdle too many for the Anfield side. This Sunday is far more important and will not be taken as a cup tie between two rivals, but a result that could define the legacy of each manager.
The Manchester United Availability
In terms of availability, the Red Devils are in somewhat of an injury crisis. Luke Shaw, Lisandro Martinez, Tyrell Malacia, Anthony Martial, Jonny Evans, and Raphael Varane, are all out, whereas Altay Bayindir and Casemiro both face late fitness tests.
Regarding recent form, Erik ten Hag’s men lost a devastating 4-3 thriller on Thursday evening, as late goals from Chelsea saw a win slide into defeat for the away side deep into injury time. The weekend prior ended as a positive 1-1 draw at Brentford, after a solid 2-0 win over Everton. A 4-3 win over the mighty reds after extra time was also undertaken in the FA Cup 5th round. Following thirty games played, the Manchester club sit 6th in the Premier League, with a very ordinary 48-points taken. Champions League qualification is now surely out of reach for the fallen giants and a place in one of the lesser European competitions will now have to be fought for, with any form of qualification far from certain.
A predicted line up for the away team is listed below, in a 4-2-3-1. A resilient and efficient endeavour will be undertaken by the home side, after the injuries sustained to their defensive line. Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho will offer the key roles on the counter, as the midfield will look to compete with a stronger and more confident adversary.
GK – André Onana
RB – Diogo Dalot
RCB – Willy Kambwala
LCB – Harry Maguire
LB – Aaron Wan-Bissaka
CDM – Casemiro
CM – Scott McTominay
ACM – Bruno Fernandes
RW – Alejandro Garnacho
CF – Rasmus Højlund
LW – Marcus Rashford
The Liverpool Availability
In terms of injures, Thiago Alcântara remains on the missing list, however, Stefan Bajčetić is now back in light training. 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, Diogo Jota, are all due to return to first team training next week.
Regarding recent form, the reds won in the midweek, as they overcame a dogmatic Sheffield United side, 3-1. A few days prior, Liverpool also won 2-1 over Brighton, after they failed to overcome Manchester City a couple of weeks ago. After 30-games played, Liverpool have secured 70-points and sit 2nd in Premier League, on equal points with Manchester City. As I write this, Arsenal have just overcome Brighton to move one point clear, though with a game extra played.
Below is the team I believe the reds German manager will start Sunday afternoon, with a desire to vanquish that FA Cup defeat from his and his players’ memories.
GK – Caoimhin Kelleher
RB – Joe Gomez
RCB – Jarell Quansah
LCB – Virgil van Dijk (c)
LB – Andy Robertson
RCM – Dominik Szoboszlai
CDM – Wataru Endō
LCM – Alexis Mac Allister
RF – Mohamed Salah
CF – Darwin Núñez
LF – Luis Díaz
#MUNLIV – #AEyeScouted@HendrickD82 & @karlmatchett look at the game against Manchester United!
Listen Now: https://t.co/a8CMrMoyVC pic.twitter.com/sNzCdMwYbC
— AnfieldIndex (@AnfieldIndex) April 5, 2024
How Will This Contest Play Out
I cannot see how this Liverpool side does not storm the Old Trafford gates and take brutal revenge. The backline of the Manchester side is somewhat questionable and they surely will not find their opponents as off target as a few weeks ago. The power and urgency of the reds should prove too much, however, that is what the fanbase assumed in their recent cup game. Key performances from the bench could be vital to either side.
Player to watch – Dominik Szoboszlai
Score Prediction;
Manchester United 2 – 3 Liverpool