Preview
Manchester City have wrapped up the league so this fixture holds slightly less significance in the grand scheme of things. However, it could play a key part in the top four race, especially with Liverpool. This fixture remains the biggest in English football and there’s still a lot to play for.
Before their last match, it all seemed like Manchester United have got their Champions League ticket successfully covered but in the light of their recent loss against 3rd placed Leicester, they may as well find themselves in the 4th position which is currently occupied by Chelsea who is six points behind them with three games to go.
Manchester United will be hosting out-of-luck Liverpool who has had a disappointing campaign altogether this season. Although, there’s a little glimpse of hope for them as they can still possibly break into the top four, provided Chelsea and Leicester drop points and they pick up every available point from the rest of their matches.
With just a few matches left before the league is officially wrapped up, there are some interesting turnout of events that might still occur. The outcome of this match holds the key to a chunk load of that drama.
Form Guide: Manchester United
Manchester United’s run of fine form came to an abrupt end in their last match against Leicester City which ended 2-1 in favor of the visiting team. It didn’t come as a huge surprise to people because they had it coming, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer not starting his in-form players in the match. He made 10 changes in the starting lineup as a result of playing two matches in 48 hours. A fully fit Manchester United squad will probably be sharper and better as they have been in the past in their past five games before the Leicester match. They won four out of these five matches with a total of 11 goals scored and 4 conceded and just 1 draw.
Form Guide: Liverpool
Liverpool are finally enjoying a decent run of form so far this season. Unbeaten in their last six matches, winning four out of them with a total of 10 goals scored and 3 conceded. They are looking to at least end the season that has been a bit shocking and disappointed on a fairly good note. Liverpool are currently in 6th position, 23 points behind league winners, Manchester City. There is still a slightly opened window for them to take if they ever want to make it to next season’s Champions League as they are only seven points away from 4th positioned Chelsea and with one game in hand.
How the match could go
Manchester United already have one leg into next season’s Champions League. However, they have to be careful of complacency as is still statistically possible for them to fall to the 4th spot and having to go for the playoffs. To avoid this, they will want to go sit-up for the remaining of their matches this season. They have the quality, players, and mentality-wise, to see off their qualification. Liverpool, on the other hand, have a lot of hard work to do if they want to at least make effort into bursting into that top four positions this season. Manchester United is the biggest stumbling block in their remaining four fixtures and they will try everything within their power to achieve victory against them in Old Trafford.
Tip: Manchester United win or draw
Going by the form of their full capacity and squad, Manchester United have the edge over Liverpool and also because the Reds’ last victory in competitive matches against Manchester United at the Old Trafford was over seven years ago. All fingers point towards a Manchester United victory in this fixture but the possibility of a draw is highly likely too as both teams have held each other to a draw three times out of their last four encounters in the Premier League. Bet9ja has 1.55, Bet365 1.53 has and 1xBet has 1.65.
Over 2.5 goals
Manchester United have managed to score at least two goals in eight out of their last 10 matches while Liverpool have only failed to register a goal in a 90 minutes match just once in their last 10 matches. Although their recent past meetings can’t boast of lots of goals, this fixture promises to produce lots of goals and as such, over 2.5 is a good bet. Bet9ja has 1.65, Bet365 has 1.72 and 1xBet has 1.78.
Both teams to score: Yes
In their last eight outings, Manchester United have conceded at least a goal in seven matches. Their attack has been overtly sharp in recent matches but the same can’t be said about their defense. They find it hard to keep clean sheets even against clubs that don’t have the scoring prowess that Liverpool players possess. Considering this fact, it’s safe to assume that each side will register the minimum of a goal apiece. Bet9ja has 1.53, Bet365 has 1.57 and 1xBet has 1.60.
Anytime Goal-scorer (Manchester United)
Bruno Fernandes
Judging by the antecedent of their past meetings, there always tend to be some form of tensions rising here and there. Coupled with the fact that Liverpool are going into this game head-on, we can’t overrule the possibility of Manchester United getting a spot-kick awarded to them and as their uncontested spot-kick taker, Bruno Fernandes is likely to grab a goal for himself. Bet365 and 1xBet have 2.75.
Mason Greenwood
This lad has been exceptionally clinical in front of goal in their recent matches. He has scored in five out of his side’s last six matches and it doesn’t look like he is about to stop hitting those goals. If he makes the starting lineup against Liverpool, he is likely to get a goal in the match. Bet365 and 1xBet have 2.75.
Anytime Goal-scorers (Liverpool)
Mohammed Salah
Time and time again, Salah has proven to be a football maestro who loves scoring goals and doesn’t fail to do so when presented with the opportunity. Despite Liverpool’s below-par campaign this season, Mohammed Salah has still been banging in goals. So far, he has scored 20 goals in the Premier League this season, coming second only to Harry Kane with 21 goals in the race to win the golden boot. Bet365 has 1.90 and 1xBet has 1.91.
Sadio Mane
Unlike Mohammed Salah, Liverpool’s poor form this season had a great effect on Sadio Mane’s performance and as such, his stats this season haven’t been all that impressive. However, he seems to be picking up momentum as he has been able to find the net in two out of their last three matches. If he keeps up with that, he is likely to get a goal also in this fixture. Bet365 and 1xBet have 2.60.
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.
