Liverpool vs Manchester United: Sunday, 4:30pm
Team news
Jadon Sancho is a doubt after missing out against West Ham through illness. Luke Shaw is also doubtful after missing the win against the Hammers.
Marcus Rashford will return after playing 30 minutes from the bench in midweek.
Darwin Nunez is suspended for Liverpool. Diogo Jota, Cody Gakpo and Roberto Firmino are in the frame to start alongside Mo Salah.
What has been said?
Jurgen Klopp after the win over Wolves: “It’s a big game anyway, against a team in form. We have to be ready and we will give them a big fight.
“I thought the whole story of the game is an important one for us to take. I think we did a lot of good stuff in the first half, played the way we had to play.
“We didn’t create that many clear-cut chances, the best one was probably the header from Harvey Elliott which he missed.
“Then you force the goal and then the second goal was exceptional play – a really good counter-attack, each pass was perfect.
“Then we controlled it again. So, it was a good performance from us and a really important one.
“And of course again a clean sheet, which is extremely helpful. These are all positives for us, all good.”
Erik ten Hag speaking after the win over West Ham: “Again the team showed personality, character, never gave up and turned around the game and won.
“It’s very important, a massive performance from our team and where we showed our mentality.
We showed we have the character to deal with difficult situations, the team can keep going with energy.
“It’s not about 11 players, the bench can have an impact.”
Verdict
It’s been a while since Manchester United’s team on paper looks superior to Liverpool’s. Both teams made changes in midweek, but Erik ten Hag’s first XI has a strong look.
For all United’s attacking threat, it’s their midfield pair of Fred and Casemiro which look far superior to Liverpool’s midfield.
Casemiro has made a huge impact balancing out Ten Hag’s centre field and Fred has improved alongside his international team-mate. Fernades will play in an advanced position and he is almost able to have a free role such is the security given by the Brazilian duo.
Jurgen Klopp is likely to pick a midfield three of Jordan Henderson, Stefan Bajcetic and Fabinho – the same trio that lined up against Real Madrid. But the Reds were picked apart by Real and United will look to wrestle control and look to do the same
Liverpool dominated possession (70%) in the 2-1 defeat at Old Trafford in August, but it should be a more even split on Sunday.
Liverpool’s home tanking by Madrid will have dented their confidence and United look equipped to complete a rare league double over their North-West rivals.
Key stats
- Liverpool have kept a clean sheet in their last four PL matches
- There have been under 2.5 goals scored in Liverpool’s last four PL games
- Man Utd have scored at least two goals in their last five PL matches
- Man Utd are undefeated in 10 of their last 11 PL matches
- Liverpool have won just three of their last eight PL matches
