The showdown between long-standing rivals Manchester United and Liverpool could be a key game in this year’s Premier League title on Sunday as the leaders may struggle to win on the road at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils scored a 120th-minute winner in a 4-3 home victory over the Merseysiders in the FA Cup prior to the international break and another victory for United, or even a draw, could remove the Reds from the driving seat in the title race with Arsenal and Manchester City ready to pounce on any slip-up.
Liverpool have their last two games at home to Brighton and Sheffield United but their opponents missed a number of opportunities and Jurgen Klopp’s side could be punished if United are firing on all cylinders.
- DOUBLE CHANCE: MANCHESTER UNITED OR DRAW
- OVER 2.5 GOALS
- MOHAMED SALAH ANYTIME GOALSCORER
United Can Dent Klopp Title Hopes
There is no love lost between these giants of the north-west and a tight, heated affair should be expected on Sunday.
A 4-3 defeat to Chelsea on Thursday through two Cole Palmer goals after the 100th minute of the match will have been a tough result for United to take, but the hosts have the perfect fixture to focus their minds again and their recent home form should give manager Erik ten Hag confidence.
Just one Old Trafford defeat in their last six games in all competitions has helped to consolidate United’s sixth place in the table and after keeping a clean sheet in a goalless draw in the reverse fixture at Anfield, the Red Devils could again prove a tough nut to crack at Old Trafford.
Liverpool have the third-best away record in the division but have found life difficult when travelling to clubs who are currently in the top six, losing to both Arsenal and Tottenham as well as drawing at Manchester City. An extension of that poor winless record is perhaps not as unlikely as the odds suggest.
DOUBLE CHANCE: MANCHESTER UNITED OR DRAW
Entertainment Expected
The last five meetings between these sides in all competitions at Old Trafford have all produced at least three goals, with a total of 26 goals scored.
While some of these strikes came in extra-time in cup meetings, another goal-heavy encounter cannot be ruled out, particularly given the number of converted shots seen over recent weeks in games involving these clubs.
Three of United’s last five outings in all competitions have seen at least three goals scored and the same is true in five of Liverpool’s last six league and cup matches, which include home and away demolitions of Sparta Prague in the Europa League.
Salah Can Shine Again
Even if Liverpool do not come out on top, star man Mohamed Salah will be expected to trouble the United defence as he has on so many occasions.
The Egyptian has netted 13 times against the Red Devils - more than any other club he has faced - and he will be the focal point of Liverpool’s attack on Sunday.
With three goals scored in his last four appearances, Salah is in fine form heading into this battle at Old Trafford and will be a worthwhile option in the anytime goalscorer market.
MOHAMED SALAH ANYTIME GOALSCORER
