Team News
Thursday’s outcome proved agonising for Manchester United, compounding Ten Hag’s defensive woes as the home team suffered further setbacks with the loss of two more center-backs, Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans. The latter of the two, who replaced Varane at halftime, also succumbed to injury. Ten Hag remained uncertain about the availability of the injured duo for the upcoming weekend clash. However, 19-year-old Willy Kambwala stands ready to fill the void alongside Harry Maguire. This necessity arises as Victor Lindelof (thigh) and Lisandro Martinez (calf) have been sidelined for several weeks. Adding to Manchester United’s personnel problems, Casemiro’s untimely exit from the field 15 minutes before the final whistle presents another concern. Furthermore, Tyrell Malacia (knee), Luke Shaw (thigh), Anthony Martial (groin), and Altay Bayindir (muscle) continue to be sidelined, compounding the team’s selection headaches.
As far as Liverpool are concerned, Wataru Endo remained sidelined for Liverpool’s clash against Sheffield United, nursing an injury sustained in the match against Brighton. Manager Jurgen Klopp, however, expressed optimism about Endo’s chances of making a comeback for the weekend fixture. Unfortunately for the German, the same optimism doesn’t extend to long-term absentees Joel Matip (knee), Ben Doak (knee), Stefan Bajcetic (calf), and Thiago Alcantara (muscle). Additionally, Diogo Jota (knee), Trent Alexander-Arnold (knee), and Alisson Becker (thigh) are not expected to return in time for this fixture, although they are anticipated to rejoin team training at some point next week.
Form Guide
Man United’s form follows the hot-and-cold rhythm for a while, ever since their rund of five consecutive wins which ended in late February with a 2-1 loss to Fulham. Since then, United have gone on to beat Nottingham Forest 1-0, before losing to Man City 3-1. Then another win (2-0 vs Everton) was followed with a brilliant comeback against Liverpool in the FA Cup quarterfinal; it was 4-3 for the hosts after extra-time. But United failed to build on that great result over a big rival, as they drew 1-1 at Brentford, before losing 4-3 at Chelsea in the most painful of ways, despite having a 3-2 lead nine minutes into the stoppage time.
As for Liverpool, it seems they are starting to stutter ahead of the final stretch of the season. Their seven consecutive wins were stopped with a 1-1 draw against Man City, which was not so bad for them. But the loss to Man United in the FA Cup ended their hopes of trying to get close to another domestic trophy. Wins against Brighton and Sheffield United followed and Klopp’s side is still well in the battle for the Premier League trophy, but for them to still have realistic chances of keeping up with Arsenal and Man City, they will have to get back home from Old Trafford with three points. And we know how hard that can be in these big matches.
Predicted Outcome
Considering everything, Liverpool could be slight favourites, but we predict Manchester United will hold them to a 0-0 draw. While expecting United to keep a clean sheet against Mohamed Salah & Co. is not an easy proposition, the clashes between these two teams have often been drab in recent years. We might be in a for a total opposite of their recent FA Cup encounter.
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