Manchester United vs Liverpool
Premier League 2016/17
15th January, 16:00 GMT
Old Trafford, Manchester
Live Stream: Watch Manchester United vs Liverpool live on Sky Sports 1

MANCHESTER UNITED TEAM NEWS & PREVIEW

Jose Mourinho’s Red Devils are in a good run of form, having won nine games on the spin. They have not lost since the start of November, hence the form book is clearly in favour of United. Having taken care of their cup duties, Mourinho’s men could dent Liverpool’s hopes of a first title in 27 years with a win at Old Trafford.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic, United’s top scorer, is expected to be back in contention after missing the FA Cup third round tie against Reading and the League Cup semi-final first leg against Hull City.

Marcos Rojo is an injury doubt, while Eric Bailly is on international duty with Ivory Coast at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Predicted Manchester United starting eleven (4-2-3-1): De Gea, Valencia, Jones, Smalling, Blind, Carrick, Herrera, Pogba, Mkhitaryan, Rooney, Ibrahimovic.

LIVERPOOL TEAM NEWS & PREVIEW

Liverpool will head to Old Trafford on the back of a 1-0 loss to Southampton in the League Cup semi-final first leg that has left them winless so far in 2017. Jürgen Klopp’s side are five points off the top of the table, and any points dropped against United could prove costly in their hunt for the title.

Reds captain Jordan Henderson hasn’t played a minute since hobbling off against Manchester City on New Year’s Eve, but he could be back in the line-up for Sunday’s game. Philippe Coutinho made his return from injury against Southampton on Wednesday night. The Brazilian could start at Old Trafford or play a short cameo role.

Sadio Mané is off with Senegal for the Africa Cup of Nations, while Joel Matip remains absent through injury.

Predicted Liverpool starting eleven (4-3-3): Mignolet, Clyne, Lovren, Klavan, Milner, Can, Wijnaldum, Henderson, Lallana, Firmino, Origi.

MANCHESTER UNITED VS LIVERPOOL KEY STATS

This will be the 50th Premier League meeting between Manchester United and Liverpool; United have won 27 of the previous 49 (D9 L13). A Manchester United win despite the team’s relative league positions is worth putting money on, with United on their best winning run since 2009. They are 2.1 to win with Betway at the time of writing, and whether you prefer to back a Liverpool win (3.6) or a United win, you can use this free bet from Betway to give you a head start in the weekend betting.

Wayne Rooney is only one goal away from becoming Manchester United’s all-time top scorer. The England captain is level with Sir Bobby Charlton on 249 goals.

Adam Lallana has been involved in 14 Premier League goals this season (seven goals, seven assists); more than any other English player.

MANCHESTER UNITED VS LIVERPOOL BETTING TIPS

Manchester United are in a great run of form that makes them the favourites for a win. Furthermore, Liverpool’s two league defeats this season have come away from Anfield, hence betting on a United victory makes sense.

Besides, Juan Mata has had a hand in five goals in his last four PL appearances against Liverpool, scoring three and assisting two. If the Spaniard starts, expect him to contribute to a United goal.

MANCHESTER UNITED VS LIVERPOOL PREDICTION

Five points and four places separate United and Liverpool in the table as it stands, but expect the game to be a much closer affair than what the table suggests. Given Mourinho’s penchant for serving up disappointments to Liverpool, a win for the home side is likely.

Manchester United 1-0 Liverpool

Posted on January 12th, 2017 by scott
Filed under: Article, Match Preview