Manchester United are seen by many as the favourites against a Liverpool side who have been well below par this season in Sunday’s Premier League clash.
The hosts has not been beaten in four league encounters but lost 5-2 at home to Real Madrid in last month’s Champions League last-16 first leg. United have suffered just one league loss since November and come into the match on the back of a Carabao Cup win and an FA Cup comeback against West Ham.
Erik ten Hag orchestrated a 2-1 win over Liverpool in August in what was his first victory as United boss. A number of Reds players will be looking to avenge last year’s 4-0 Anfield defeat this weekend having featured during that rotten evening.
READ MORE: United already have the blueprint to beat Liverpool
Manchester United team news
Luke Shaw missed the midweek win over West Ham due to a leg issue while Jadon Sancho was ruled out with illness. Ten Hag expects both to be back in for selection on Sunday while Anthony Martial remains sidelined.
Aside from the striker, long-term absentees Donny van de Beek and Christian Eriksen are unavailable. Reports late on Saturday evening claimed that Raphael Varane is facing a late fitness test ahead of the clash with Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof on standby to come in should he fail it.
Liverpool team news
There are no new concerns for Liverpool, although a number of key players remain sidelined. Thiago and Joe Gomez are out with issues while Luis Diaz continues his recovery from a long-term injury.
Jurgen Klopp has welcomed back a number of important players within the last month including Diogo Jota and Virgil van Dijk. Former United-linked duo Cody Gakpo and Darwin Nunez are expected to line-up against the visitors.
Key opposition players
Van Dijk’s return has helped Liverpool’s league form, if not their European exploits. The comeback of Diogo Jota has offered Klopp an alternative attacking option while Mohamed Salah always offers a threat having netted seven goals in his last four Premier League fixtures against United.
Rising star Stefan Bajcetic has been a mobile presence in midfield while the quality of goalkeeper Alisson cannot be discounted despite his five-goal slip against Madrid, which included a blunder.
Form
United are on a four-game winning streak across all competitions and have not lost in 11 outings. They have scored two or more goals in each of the last 12 fixtures
Liverpool have won three of their last four league games, having drawn the other, but that period includes the heavy loss to Madrid. They haven’t conceded a league goal at home at all in 2023, their last one coming on December 30 in the 2-1 win over Leicester.
READ NEXT:
