One of the biggest derbies in England will have another chapter this Saturday, as Manchester United and Liverpool will collide at Old Trafford in a new edition of the Mancunian-Scouse derby. With bragging rights and the Premier League’s 2nd place in the standings at stake, this game has the potential to be an instant classic given both sides’ recent form.
Team News
On Manchester United’s end, Jose Mourinho announced that the squad is not going to have too many changes in comparison to the side that defeated Crystal Palace 3-2. latan Ibrahimovic and Ander Herrera remain out, as well as the trio of defenders of Phil Jones, Daley Blind and Marcos Rojo. Anthony Martial is out as well after missing last week’s trip to Selhurst Park, but Eric Bailly and Marouane Fellaini will return to the squad.
On the other hand, Liverpool won’t have right-back Nathaniel Clyne. The England international won’t be considered for this game despite the fact he is close to fitness. Andy Robertson, captain Jordan Henderson and midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum could return to the squad after struggling with injuries in recent weeks.
Form Guide
Manchester United are coming off a thrilling 3-2 win against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, in what was a huge comeback win where the team was losing 0-2 early in the second half. That win maintained them in second place, but there are no assurances to remain in that position since the Merseyside squad is breathing down their necks. But United have done a good job to cope with Liverpool’s pressure, and remain alive on the race to secure a UEFA Champions League berth next season. They have two straight wins, and three in their last four Premier League matches.
On the other hand, Liverpool have bounced back from a slow start to the season and have settled themselves in third place, just two points behind Manchester United. Their confidence should be at an all-time high after reaching the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals following the dismissal of FC Porto by a 5-0 aggregate score, and they are in an impressive form at the moment. In fact, they have been the best team in the Premier League over the last 10 games with eight wins, one draw and just one loss over that span.
The last time these two sides met, Manchester United held on to a scoreless draw at Anfield Road. Saturday’s clash will be the 200th meeting between the sides in all competitions, and United have won 79 of the previous 199 encounters, while Liverpool have won 65 and there have been 55 draws. The last four meetings have ended in draws and United have not lost in the EPL against their rivals since March 2014.
Prediction
The past few games have ended in draws, but United have a good run of form against Liverpool in recent years. But The Reds seem unstoppable at the moment, and United’s defence has been shaky at best. As such, this game is likely to end with a draw.
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