Games in world football don’t come bigger than this, as Manchester United travel to Merseyside to face rivals Liverpool at Anfield. Liverpool rescued a well deserved point in the last game, after Joe Allen scored a 90th minute equalizer against Arsenal, as the game ended 3-3. It was exactly the opposite for the visitors in the last game, as Manchester United dropped points against Newcastle United in their last game, after Paul Dummett scored a 90th minute equalizer for the Magpies.
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There is a three point gap between both the teams in the Premier League table, and Liverpool will be hoping to catch their rivals on Sunday. Manchester United boss Louis Van Gaal is still under fire, after registering just one win in the last 8 league games, while Jurgen Klopp’s team have shown glimpses of the football everyone expects them to play, but obviously needs more time.
Liverpool still have a few players in the treatment room, including key player Daniel Sturridge, while Wayne Rooney is looking in good form for Manchester United, after scoring in three consecutive games.
Kickoff and Live Telecast
Channel: Star Sports 4 & Star Sports HD 4
Date and Time: 17 January, 19:35 IST
Venue: Anfield
Team News
Liverpool
The Reds still have as many as 9 players injured, including the likes of Martin Skrtel, Daniel Sturridge, Divock Origi, Dejan Lovren, and Philippe Coutinho. Jurgen Klopp confirmed Mamadou Sakho and Jordan Henderson are fit and available for the game. Steven Caulker might get his first start in a Red shirt, as he might replace Kolo Toure in the starting XI. Roberto Firmino scored twice against Arsenal, and is likely to start up top once again, while Jordan Henderson and Emre Can will retain their places in the midfield, after a brilliant performance against Arsenal.
Manchester United
The visitors too have a few major injury concerns, as Bastian Schweinsteiger, Phil Jones, Marcos Rojo, Michael Carrick, and Antonio Valencia are all ruled out against Liverpool. Adnan Januzaj has returned from his loan spell at Borussia Dortmund, and might play some part in the game. Juan Mata was dropped in the last game against Newcastle United, but is likely to return in the starting XI against Liverpool.
Probable Lineups
Liverpool(4-2-3-1): Mignolet, Clyne, Caulker, Sakho, Moreno, Emre Can, Henderson, Milner, Lallana, Ibe, Firmino
Manchester United(4-2-3-1): De Gea, Darmian, Smalling, Blind, Young, Schneiderlin, Fellaini, Herrera, Martial, Mata, Rooney
Form
Liverpool
Liverpool have won just two out their last five games in the Premier League. The two wins coming against Sunderland and Leicester City, while they lost to Watford and West Ham United. Jurgen Klopp’s team put up a brilliant attacking performance in the last game, as they were a bit unlucky to only get a point against league leaders Arsenal. Liverpool have performed well against the big teams this season since the arrival of Jurgen Klopp, and it’ll be interesting to see if they can put up a similar show tomorrow.
Last 5 Matches : L-W-W-L-D ( Last match : Liverpool 3-3 Arsenal)
Manchester United
Almost a must win game for Louis Van Gaal, as his team have won just once in their last 5 league games. Their only win came against Swansea, while they lost ot Stoke City and Norwich. Paul Dummett’s 90th minute equalizer denied Manchester United all three points in the last game, but form doesn’t matter much in games like these. Manchester United will be up for it when they visit Anfield on Sunday, and Wayne Rooney must lead from the front.
Last 5 Matches : L-L-D-W-D ( Last match : Newcastle United 3-3 Liverpool)
Key Stats
Manchester United have won 6 of their last 8 league games against Liverpool. (W6,L2)
The visitors scored with each shot on target against Liverpool in the reverse fixture that ended 3-1.
Liverpool vs Manchester United has seen 18 penalties being awarded in the Premier League.
Only Liverpool vs Everton has seen more red cards than Liverpool vs Manchester United.
Manchester United have won more games against Liverpool than any other team.
Key Battles
Roberto Firmino vs Daley Blind
We all saw what Roberto Firmino can do in the last game against Arsenal. The Brazilian star scored two brilliant goals, and was denied a hat-trick by the crossbar. Jurgen Klopp has played Firmino up top in the big games this season, and he is likely to start tomorrow as well ahead of Christian Benteke, who scored in the reverse fixture.
Despite the lack of goals, Roberto Firmino has done quite well for Liverpool this season, especially in big games against Chelsea, Manchester City, and Arsenal. Daley Blind must make sure he doesn’t give too much time and space on the ball to Firmino inside the penalty box. He must close the gaps quickly, and keep him in check throughout the 90 minutes.
Wayne Rooney vs Mamadou Sakho
Manchester United skipper Wayne Rooney loves scoring against Liverpool, and he’ll be pumped up tomorrow to lead his team from front. He has scored four goals in his last three games, and he seems to have found his goal scoring touch back. He knows there won’t be a better game to prove to his critics than against Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.
Mamadou Sakho is a tall and strong defender, but he can be inconsistent at times. Sakho will have to make sure he uses his strength very well, and doesn’t allow Rooney to settle in the game.
Betting Odds (bet365)
Liverpool – 13/10
Draw – 9/4
Manchester United – 5/2
Prediction
Liverpool might be in slightly better form, but they always struggle against teams that choose to sit back and defend. They might struggle to break the Manchester United defense without the likes of Daniel Sturridge and Philippe Coutinho.
Liverpool 0-1 Manchester United
