Manchester United vs. Liverpool PL Preview

PREVIEW

GAME: MANCHESTER UNITED vs. Liverpool

DATE/KO: Sunday 24th October 2021 (4:30pm)

VENUE: Old Trafford

COMPETITION: Premier League

OFFICIAL: Anthony Taylor/Stuart Atwell (VAR)

Form Guide (PL)

MANCHESTER UNITED: W W L D L

LIVERPOOL: W W D D W

The biggest fixture in the English calendar is right around the corner and as always it holds so much significance for both sides.

Man United are in dire need of a win to claw their way back into a title race and save Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s job while Liverpool want to keep their momentum going as being the only unbeaten team in England and continue to send messages to fellow title contenders Chelsea and Manchester City.

A loss in this game may spell the end for the Manchester United manager however a win would put the club a single point behind the Reds which will give both the coaching staff and players the much-needed confidence heading into a period of tough fixtures.

Last Meeting – Manchester United 2-4 Liverpool

The last time these two rivals met was in a rescheduled fixture that was moved due to the Glazer Out protests.

United started well with a Bruno Fernandes strike that deflected in off Nat Phillips. However Liverpool got back in the game quick with a Diogo Jota flick home past Dean Henderson.

The Reds were put in front by a back post header from Roberto Firmino who then doubled Liverpool’s lead when Fred, Luke Shaw and Dean Henderson all made mistakes to allow the Brazilian to score again.

United pulled one back with a tidy finish from Marcus Rashford all before the game was put to bed after Mohamed Salah slotted home past a poorly positioned United goalkeeper to win the game 4 goals to 2 at Old Trafford.

While United had already confirmed Top 4, that win for Liverpool was a big steppingstone in them qualifying for Champions League football.

Man United Team News

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer goes into this must win game with a few injury concerns.

Raphael Varane remains on the sidelines due to a groin injury sustained on international duty.

Fred is also a doubt after limping off against Atalanta with a slight hamstring knock while Marcus Rashford’s condition is unconfirmed following a dead leg worry in the same game.

Bruno Fernandes is another name that Ole has named in his press conference and is touch and go as to whether he starts on Sunday.

Anthony Martial is also out with an undisclosed injury.

Despite these doubts, Solskjaer is a man who likes to play players back into fitness so don’t be surprised to see Fred, Rashford and Bruno all on the teamsheet at 15:30 on Sunday.

The predicted team can be seen below:

Liverpool Team News

Liverpool seem to be near full strength for the Sunday clash with only two injury doubts.

Youngster Curtis Jones, who became a household name during last season’s injury crisis, could watch the game from the sidelines despite returning to full training on Friday after a groin issue.

Spaniard Thiago will almost certainly miss the game as he continues his recovery from a calf problem.

Harvey Elliott is also out after his horrific leg injury against Leeds last month

The rest of the squad are fit and available and have had an extra day of rest following the midweek Champions League fixtures.

The predicted XI can be seen below:

Prediction – Manchester United 1-1 Liverpool

Betting against United always leaves me with a funny feeling inside but this game could very much follow that outcome.

Given the enormous context of the game, I can see United turning up but I still think Liverpool will come to Old Trafford in the mood. That’s why I see a 1-1 draw.

 

Let us know your score predictions in the comments below.