Manchester United vs Liverpool Preview and Betting Tip

These two giants of the North West lock horns again in the FA Cup on Sunday. Manchester United vs Liverpool kicks off at 5.00pm and you can catch all the action live from Old Trafford on BBC1. Last Sunday’s Premier League clash at Anfield was an anti-climactic 0-0 draw. Liverpool, as expected, started fast but they never really created any clear cut chances. United were content to sit back and let Liverpool pass the ball in front of them. They ended up having the two best chances of the match, which were squandered by Bruno Fernandes and Pogba.

Solskjær Could Ring The Changes

Ole Gunnar Solskjær was criticised in some quarters for Utd’s display at Anfield, but is a 0-0 draw at Anfield ever really that poor a result? Most United fans would have taken that before kick-off and Solskjær won’t give a monkeys about what the press or pundits think. The main thing for United was to get back to winning ways at Craven Cottage on Wednesday and they did exactly that.

Cavani and Pogba came up with the goods after an early Lookman goal for Fulham looked to have put United in trouble. It sent United back to the top of the table and while it wasn’t a spectacular performance, it was a very important result against an improving and tricky side. The question now is whether Solskjær will prioritise the league and rest players on Sunday in the FA Cup.

Donny Van De Beek will probably get a rare start and his fans will be hoping he can make an impact. The likes of Telles, Tuanzebe, James and Matic could also play. Telles would be the most worrying addition to the team as he has not looked great defensively when he has played instead of Shaw. However, his quality from crosses and set pieces will give Liverpool something extra to think about.

Klopp’s Concerns Growing

After their 0-0 draw vs Man Utd most pundits expected a big reaction by Liverpool vs Burnley. They didn’t get it. In fact, they produced what was probably their worst home display of the season. Salah and Firmino were dropped but their replacements Chamberlain and Origi didn’t make the desired impact. Origi missed a gilt edged chance on the stroke of half time that would have settled nerves but it wasn’t to be as he was denied by the woodwork.

Alisson’s failure to commit fully to challenging for the ball resulted in a late Burnley penalty that was slotted calmly into the corner by Ashley Barnes. The introduction of Salah and Firmino made no difference and Liverpool slumped to a 1-0 defeat, losing not only the match but also their long unbeaten home record.

This team is bereft of confidence and belief right now and they desperately need a goal. If they had won vs Burnley Klopp would likely have rested some of his key players on Sunday but now he will probably field a strong side. A win at Old Trafford would give them a massive confidence boost, but a defeat could be extremely damaging.

Form Out The Window?

When Manchester United play Liverpool form can, and often does, go out the window. Last weekend looked like it would be an exciting game full of attacking play but it turned out to be exactly the opposite. There was a lot of pressure on both teams to avoid defeat on that occasion though so hopefully the shackles will come off for this cup tie.  

However, the reality is that neither of these teams has been prolific in recent matches. Liverpool did score 4 vs Villa in the last round of the Cup but that was against what was essentially a youth side. They failed to score in any of the other 4 matches either side of that win. Before United’s 2-1 win vs Fulham they had scored just two goals in the previous four games.

Manchester United vs Liverpool: Last 5 Matches

The romantics would love to see an old fashioned, end to end, blood and thunder FA Cup tie at Old Trafford on Sunday but that looks an unlikely scenario. This will probably be another tight and tense affair and it wouldn’t be surprising in the slightest if it was decided by a single goal.

United To Edge It

Without knowing the starting line-ups this is a very tough match to call. Liverpool have been dreadful in their last few matches and United will surely smell blood. Wounded animals can often be dangerous, but this Liverpool team really does look like it has lost its bite. They are impossible to fancy in their current form. Even if Solskjær shuffles his pack, I think United can come away with the victory at Old Trafford. They are worth backing to win in 90 minutes at odds of 8/5 with Bet365.

Manchester United vs Liverpool Tip: Manchester United to win in 90 mins @ 8/5 Bet365

Key Quotes

Ole Gunnar Solskjær: “We’ve shown a great improvement in our mentality and our physical robustness from last season. We needed to stop drawing and start winning and we’ve done that.”

Jurgen Klopp: “We can’t imagine the title race at this minute. We have to win games and to do that we have to score goals. We have to work harder but not talking like it is an easy situation.”

Dave Stevos