Manchester United’s inconsistent season continued with another dismal performance earlier this week, as they looked overmatched in a 2-1 away loss at Valencia on Wednesday. Despite the fact The Red Devils had already clinched a spot on the knockout stages, this wasn’t a result that was on anyone’s plans. But the team must change the switch quickly and focus on the Premier League. They will put their four-game undefeated streak on the line when they take on Liverpool this Sunday at Anfield Road.
Team News
The Red Devils could have several absentees ahead of this match. Alexis Sanchez, Victor Lindelof, Eric Bailly, Luke Shaw and Anthony Martial have been out from recent matches due to injury. Based on recent reports, that will be the case once again unless there’s a miracle during Saturday’s training session. David De Gea and Nemanja Matic, however, have trained well after missing midweek’s trip to Valencia. Both players should be part of the starting XI in this one.
On the other hand, Liverpool will have a few absences on the defensive end. Joe Gomez, Joel Matip and Trent Alexander-Arnold will miss Sunday’s match due to injuries. In fact, Gomez (ankle) and Matip (collarbone) will probably be out for a considerable amount of time.
Form guide
We can’t hide the fact that Manchester United have been inconsistent at the Premier League level. However, they are currently riding a four-game undefeated run and are coming off one of the best performances of the campaign when they defeated Fulham by a comprehensive 4-1 score. But playing against a top side such as Liverpool is a completely different thing. Here is how Manchester United have fared against Liverpool in recent years, a stat that shows a slight edge for The Red Devils over the past 10 years. Right now, The Red Devils sit in sixth place with 26 points (W7, D5, L4). However, they are eight points adrift Arsenal, who sit in fifth place.
On the other hand, Liverpool have been playing slightly above the expectations and right now they top the Premier League standings with 42 points (W13, D3) after 16 matches, one above Manchester City. The Reds are the only Premier League that is yet to lose a league match during the current term, and they have looked impressive on both ends of the pitch. Their recent form has been excellent as well, with the team boasting the best defensive record in the league (six goals conceded) and the only time they have dropped points at Anfield this season was when they settled for a scoreless draw against Manchester City.
What is our all-time record against Liverpool?
United have faced Liverpool 200 times, and their record has been quite solid. The Red Devils have won 80 times, while Liverpool have recorded 65 wins and 55 matches have ended in draws. Our recent record at Anfield has also been impressive, with United losing just once in their previous seven Premier League visits there. As if that wasn’t enough, they have also secured clean sheets in both visits under Mourinho.
Prediction
There’s no question that Liverpool have the edge entering this one. Manchester United have been extremely inconsistent, and Anfield has been an absolute fortress for The Reds during the current term. Due to this, I believe Liverpool will end up securing the win here.
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