Liverpool vs Manchester United

April 7, 2024

As anticipation electrifies the air, Sunday's Premier League showdown between arch-rivals Manchester United and Liverpool promises to ignite passions and set hearts racing across the footballing world.

Erik ten Hag already managed to avoid a defeat to Jurgen Klopp two times earlier in the campaign, but can he achieve another crucial result against the German?

Erik ten Hag's side held Liverpool to a 0-0 draw at Anfield in December, while the Red Devils recently earned a memorable 4-3 victory over Liverpool in the FA Cup quarter-finals only a few weeks ago.

The Dutchman also claimed his first-ever Manchester United win against Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool, which came in a difficult situation—United had lost their opening two games last season.

Manchester United Betting Preview (+375 at Everygame)

Man United enjoyed a remarkable February, securing four consecutive top-flight victories. However, upon returning to play in front of a surprised Old Trafford crowd, their recent Premier League performance has been less impressive. With just one win in their last five matches, they earned a mere four points.

In the past week, the Red Devils have experienced setbacks, twice relinquishing points from winning positions. Initially, they were held back late in the game by Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium, resulting in a 1-1 draw last weekend.

Subsequently, on Wednesday night, at Stamford Bridge, they engaged in a dramatic seven-goal contest, only to be defeated again. Former Man City youngster Cole Palmer scored a hat-trick (and two stoppage-time goals) to seal Chelsea's 4-3 victory.

Nonetheless, United have already caused an upset against Liverpool (though it was in the FA Cup) last month. But they will need a solid, coherent team performance to spoil Jurgen Klopp's farewell party at Liverpool.

The club needs more fit center-backs in defense. Only Harry Maguire and teenager Willy Kambwala are expected to be available for selection, as Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans were both forced off at Stamford Bridge last time out.

Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof sustained injuries in last weekend's draw with Brentford, and the pair are expected to be sidelined for the foreseeable future.

Left-back options are also limited, with Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia being absent for vast parts of the season. Manager Ten Hag recently informed the media that their return is likely at the end of the season. Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Diogo Dalot have been rotating in this position, and Sofyan Amrabat could also fill in if necessary.

Meanwhile, experienced Brazil international Casemiro faces renewed criticism. He just returned from injury and was seen clutching his hamstring, prompting further monitoring ahead of this weekend's derby. Scott McTominay, Christian Eriksen, and Mason Mount are all viable options to fill in if needed.

In the attacking department, Anthony Martial continues his recovery after thigh surgery, casting doubt on his future appearances for United, considering his contractual situation. Rasmus Hojlund is expected to spearhead the attack. At the same time, Marcus Rashford could vie for a return to the starting lineup, although Antony and Alejandro Garnacho impressed in the midweek fixture against Chelsea.

Amad Diallo, who bagged the last-gasp winner for the FA Cup triumph over Liverpool last month, has recently returned from suspension and may feature on the bench on Sunday. In contrast, backup goalkeeper Altay Bayindir, who recently returned from injury, is again fit and available.

Liverpool Betting Preview (-175 at Everygame)

While FA Cup aspirations have faded following a thrilling quarter-final defeat at Old Trafford last month, Liverpool remains in control of their Premier League title hopes after a hard-fought victory over Sheffield United. This win, though anticipated, proved to be more challenging than many expected.

Jurgen Klopp's side extended their Premier League unbeaten streak to seven games (winning six) with a 3-1 victory over relegation-bound Sheffield United at Anfield on Thursday evening.

Thanks to their third consecutive home victory across all competitions, the Reds head into the weekend maintaining their two-point lead over Arsenal and a three-point advantage over Manchester City. However, both of their title contenders embraced the opportunity to overtake them in the standings with comfortable victories on Saturday.

Since their disappointing exit from the FA Cup in March, Liverpool hasn't played any away matches, but their track record speaks for itself: they've won six out of their last seven Premier League away games. It's been over a year since Klopp's squad failed to score in a top-flight away match.

Moreover, Liverpool's dominance in 2024 is unmatched across Europe's top leagues, boasting 16 victories and 59 goals in all competitions.

Despite a goalless home draw against Manchester United earlier in the campaign, Liverpool has not found the net in both Premier League encounters with the Red Devils since the 2007-08 season, indicating a solid chance for immediate retaliation.

The Reds will take on Atalanta in the Europa League quarter-finals first leg next week, but it's quite certain that the Premier League matches will be their top priority.

Unfortunately, Wataru Endo missed Liverpool's match against Sheffield United due to an injury sustained against Brighton last weekend. Klopp remains hopeful, indicating that Endo has a "good chance" of returning for the derby against Manchester United.

Regrettably, several vital players remain sidelined due to long-term injuries, including Joel Matip (knee), Ben Doak (knee), Stefan Bajcetic (calf), and Thiago Alcantara (muscle). Additionally, Alisson Becker (thigh), Diogo Jota (knee), and Trent Alexander-Arnold (knee) are still recovering and are unlikely to be fit for the upcoming clash. However, at least two are expected to resume team training next week.

Endo's potential return may lead to Ryan Gravenberch returning to the substitutes' bench and Mac Allister thriving in a more advanced role. Furthermore, Andy Robertson, who is fit, is poised to replace Joe Gomez on the left flank, though the latter could also start at right-back.

Possible Starting Lineups of Manchester United and Liverpool

Manchester United: Andre Onana - Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Harry Maguire, Willy Kambwala, Diogo Dalot - Scott McTominay, Kobbie Mainoo - Alejandro Garnacho, Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford - Rasmus Hojlund. (4-2-3-1)

Liverpool: Caoimhín Kelleher - Joe Gomez, Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk, Andy Robertson - Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo, Alexis Mac Allister - Mohamed Salah, Darwin Nunez, Luis Diaz. (4-3-3)

Spooky Express Betting Prediction

Liverpool's tendency to concede goals offers hope for The Red Devils, especially considering they've scored four against their bitter rivals only a couple of weeks ago. However, the potential comeback of Japanese midfielder Endo could strengthen Liverpool's backline against their exhausted (both physically and mentally) opponents.

Ten Hag's men might still feel the psychological blow from Thursday's defeat. While both goalkeepers are unlikely to keep clean sheets, we still trust Jurgen Klopp's attack to take advantage of their opponents' weakened defense and maintain their position in the title race.

Spooky Express Free Play: Outcome and Both Teams to Score - Liverpool and Yes +140 at Everygame for 5/10 Units

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