Liverpool welcome Manchester United to Anfield on Tuesday for a game that could come with much implications. This match was originally penciled into the calendar in mid-March but had to be postponed for a month due to Liverpool’s FA Cup commitments.
Their victory over Nottingham Forest that weekend plus their 2-3 win at Wembley on Saturday against Manchester City means they are now in the FA Cup final for the first time since finishing as runners-up under Kenny Dalglish back in 2012.
The Premier League enters its 30th week as the teams gear up to play quality football. On Tuesday night, Manchester United are set to face a massive challenge in Liverpool at Anfield in what looks like a battle between two giant sides. Though, only one of these sides can best be described as ‘giants’ over the past decade.
Liverpool are up there as one of the most in-form side in Europe and it would take a tremendous effort for Manchester United to take anything from this fixture.
On the other hand, Manchester United aren’t looking as strong under Ralf Ragnick after unexpected defeats hindering their progress in the recent past. This sets up the perfect platform for an interesting clash in Liverpool’s backyard.
Form Guide: Manchester United
Manchester United have not able to fully pick themselves up from the hole that they have dug for a long time. Even with the change of guard from Ole to Rangnick, the Old Trafford-based side have fallen short in the Champions League and FA Cup besides underwhelming appearances in the Premier League.
They are back in the top four race though but will need good fortune and hope that their fellow chasers drop points. Arsenal losing three games in succession has helped their cause and the Red Devils can start to dream about Champions League football once again
Despite adding Cristiano Ronaldo in the summer, they have barely improved and face the damning consequence of missing out on the Champions League next season.
Form Guide: Liverpool
In the last five outings, they have remained unbeaten with two draws against Benfica and City (while scoring five goals against the reigning champions). With seven games left, this is a golden opportunity for the Reds to win the remaining fixtures and go on top. However, it is not entirely in their hands as they must hope for Manchester City to drop points as well.
How the game could go
While Man United got away with relying on the brilliance of Ronaldo to get them over the line against Norwich, the 37-year-old cannot do it all on his own against Liverpool, even if they have shipped a few more goals than Klopp would have liked recently.
Having seen Norwich expose Man United’s defensive frailties with relative ease, Liverpool’s rampant attackers will be confident of notching up a few goals themselves, and we can only envisage the Merseyside giants coming out on top, and going top, for now.
Liverpool have a more difficult run-in but in their current form leaves them with a great chance of winning the Premier League. They have turned Anfield back into a fortress with 10 successive league wins. Manchester United’s chances of a top-four finish improved at the weekend but without Ronaldo, they wouldn’t have beaten Norwich. Their away form is erratic and they struggle to keep clean sheets. Back Liverpool to win this match
Betting Predictions
Liverpool to win
The last time both sides met back in October, Liverpool were very much dominant with the Reds coming away with a 5-nil win. We are backing the visitors to be victorious on Sunday as well. Liverpool have outplayed their rivals so far this season and arrive in good form, having won four of their last six matches in all competitions. On the other hand, Manchester United clearly have little to no chance of winning here, given their recent results but never write off a team with Cristiano Ronaldo though. Bet9ja have 1.42, 1xbet have 1.43 and Paripesa have 1.43 odds.
Over 2.5 Goals
Our second prediction for Man City vs Liverpool is that we will see an over 2.5 scoreline. Over 2.5 goals have been scored in each of the last two meetings between Man Utd and Liverpool and we’re predicting more of the same here today. Four of the host’s last four fixtures have witnessed at least three goals scored and United’s previous fixture ended in an over 2.5 outcome. The reverse fixture ended 5-0 in favour of Liverpool and we’re expecting goals once again in the Premier League’s big game this weekend. Bet9ja have 1.54 odds, Paripesa have 1.51 and 1xbet have 1.51 odds.
Anytime Goalscorer (Manchester United)
Bruno Fernandes
Bruno Fernandes has blown hot and cold this season but he remains one of the obvious dangermen for United. If the Red Devils have a chance of causing an upset, he is likely going to have a hand in that. He also has history scoring against Liverpool and he is worth a punt once again today. Bet9ja have 5.00 odds for him to score while Paripesa have 4.00.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Still high on confidence from his match-winning hat-trick against Norwich at the weekend, Cristiano Ronaldo is the likely candidate to do just that. He is up to 21 goals across all competitions for the Red Devils and there is a good omen to his goals, given that United barely lose when he scores. Bet9ja have 3.45 odds for him to score while Paripesa have 3.40.
Anytime Goalscorer (Liverpool)
Sadio Mane
Sadio Mané has scored four goals in his previous four games for Liverpool with the forward being the most prolific in recent games. He would surely be included to start here today as Liverpool hope to go top after a win here today. He has provided his team with important goals his season and he is a top name to do that here again today. Bet9ja have 2.50 odds for him to score while Paripesa have 2.30.
Diogo Jota
Liverpool were handed a slight scare with Jota ahead of the FA Cup semi-final, but the Portuguese attacker was fit enough to come on as a substitute at Wembley after shaking off that knock. Jota is having another fantastic season in the red of Liverpool, netting 15-goals in the Premier League alone. Jota was on target the last time these two sides met and has been among the most in-form Liverpool players in recent weeks. We’re backing Jota to score and help his side to another victory. Bet9ja have 2.25 odds for him to score while Paripesa have 2.00.
Football Lover. All-round junkie of the beautiful game. Could be found watching football most of the time. If not he’s writing about them or making some punditry you don’t agree with. A certain bias for Arsenal and Santos FC.
