Liverpool F.C. vs Manchester United F.C. – Match Preview

In a little over three hours, Liverpool will host Manchester United to Anfield for game number 17 in this season’s Barclays Premier League. How things have changed in recent years, with the hosts occupying second place, and their visitors sixth. In recent years, however, the roles have been staunchly reversed.

Overview

Liverpool come into this game full of confidence after their recent run of form which has seen them win five of their last league matches. In addition, they have secured qualification to the lucrative knockout stages of this season’s Champions League, following their 1-0 defeat of Napoli on Tuesday.

Manyoo, on the other hand, have enjoyed anything but this kind of form. The Red Devils have won only one of their last five, drawing three and losing one. Not great form from the team that has hogged the top spot for the last 20 years. Manager José Mourinho has played the pantomime baddy as he stumbles from controversy to controversy. His counterpart, Jürgen Klopp can seemingly do no wrong currently. However, we all know, things can change very quickly.

Team News

Liverpool are without Joe Gomez and Joel Matip (broken leg and collarbone respectively), in addition to long-term absentee Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. James Milner and Trent Alexander-Arnold are both doubtful but although Milner will be subject to a late fitness test. Forgotten man Nathaniel Clyne could well feature, but it’s doubtful whether Klopp will play him in this derby-type atmosphere considering his lack of game time since his last start in May.

We have to be angry on Sunday and we will be. We fight for our points. We have our own problems and targets.

Jürgen klopp

Mourinho has problems of his own also. Currently, no less than eight United players are either doubtful or injured ahead of today’s fixture according to teemfeed.co.uk. Among them, the likes of Anthony Martial, Alexis Sanchez (out until January), Chris Smalling and Marcos Rojo. That said, the former Chelsea and Inter-Milan manager is known for his wily tactics, including bringing a bus to away games among others.

We know that we are going to play against the leader, against a team on a high. But we have our qualities, we have our potential…

José mourinho

#PremierLeague #LIVMAN #NFFCShow pic.twitter.com/wkfgi7HbB7

— horrid (@Stev_veen) December 16, 2018

Summary

Despite the old adage that the table never lies, this will be a game that Liverpool will have to be at their tantalising best to get anything out of. When we consider Liverpool have only won one of the last five league fixtures against United at Anfield, then it’s clear that a performance of epic proportions will be required.

The rivalry between these two great clubs gives this arguably a greater derby context than the game against the blue lot across the park. There really is no mistaking the enormity of this fixture for Liverpool.

In view of yesterday’s results, a win is a must for Klopp and his men today. Liverpool’s best chance will be with eleven players on the pitch and for United to continue to have another of their almost customary inconsistent performances.

Predictions – I don’t do predictions, but if I did, my heart would say 3-0 to Liverpool but my heart shouts “Draw!”

Liverpool 2-0 Man U: Sturridge and Firmino seal win for Klopp's team #LFCvMUFC #LIVMANhttps://t.co/VOff6ZGSoD pic.twitter.com/kMR7nDlu6D

— Belfast Telegraph Sport (@BelTel_Sport) March 10, 2016

Follow us on: 

• Twitter: @TheLFCFile
• Facebook: @thelfcfile