Manchester United vs Liverpool – Preview, Team News and lineups

Manchester United host reigning champions Liverpool on Sunday in a high-stakes encounter for third place in the table.

Match Preview

The Red Devils sit three points ahead of their rivals after beating Brentford on Monday night. Michael Carrick has transformed the hosts into a formidable force at Old Trafford this season. They have collected 36 home points so far, which is 12 more than their entire previous campaign. United seek a league double over the Reds for the first time since the 2015-16 season.

However, Arne Slot has steered Liverpool to three consecutive victories despite a growing list of absentees. The visitors famously won 3-0 in this exact fixture last term under their current head coach. Another triumph would make Slot the first Liverpool manager to win his first two away games here. Alexander Isak is set for his 100th Premier League appearance and hopes to find the net again.

That said, Mohamed Salah remains a constant threat with 13 career goals against the Manchester outfit. This could represent the legendary winger’s final league appearance at the Theatre of Dreams. Meanwhile, Bruno Fernandes continues to pull the strings for the home side with unmatched creative numbers.

He has created 114 chances this season, which is 53 more than any other top-flight player. His 19 assists put him just one behind the seasonal record held by Thierry Henry. Victory for either side would almost certainly guarantee a place in next season’s Champions League. United need only a couple more points to secure their return to Europe’s elite competition.

Team News

Manchester United face defensive shortages as Lisandro Martinez serves the final match of his suspension. Matthijs de Ligt is also unavailable for selection while he recovers from a back problem. Michael Carrick remains hopeful that Matheus Cunha and Luke Shaw will be fit to start.

Liverpool are managing an extensive injury list that includes several crucial first-team stars. Mohamed Salah is ruled out alongside Hugo Ekitike and long-term absentee Giorgi Mamardashvili. Arne Slot suggested Alisson Becker is close to a return but might not be risked. Freddie Woodman is likely to continue in goal if the Brazilian does not pass a fitness test. Milos Kerkez is expected to feature despite picking up a minor knock during training this week.

Form Guide

Manchester United have recovered from a spring slump by recording two consecutive one-goal victories. They sit third in the table with 61 points from their 34 league games. Carrick has overseen nine wins in his 13 matches since taking charge this season. The Red Devils have won six of their last seven games at Old Trafford.

Liverpool occupy fourth place and have won three matches in a row in the league. The reigning champions have 58 points and are looking to close the gap on their rivals. They recently beat Crystal Palace 3-1 at Anfield to maintain their positive momentum. That said, the Reds have won only once in their last 12 games against top-three opposition.

Predicted Lineups

Manchester United possible starting lineup: Onana; Dalot, Maguire, Evans, Shaw; Casemiro, Mainoo; Fernandes, Rashford, Garnacho; Sesko

Liverpool possible starting lineup: Woodman; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Mac Allister, Szoboszlai; Diaz, Gakpo, Jota; Isak

Match Details

Read more – La Remontada: The Biggest Comeback in Footballing History

Also see – The St. Bernard and the Pub Owner: Manchester United Through Ages

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