LIVERPOOL VS MANCHESTER UNITED: PREVIEW

LIVERPOOL VS MANCHESTER UNITED: PREVIEW

Liverpool host bitter rivals Manchester United tomorrow night with an opportunity to end the day top of the Premier League table for the first time since October! Here’s a preview of what is yet another huge game for the Reds.

Jürgen Klopp’s men are coming off the back of an impressive 3-2 win over Manchester City at Wembley. The scoreline didn’t truly reflect the Reds dominance as they sealed their place in the FA Cup final (where they’ll face Chelsea).

They will now turn their attentions to the Premier League title chase. Even a draw will take them top tomorrow night but nothing short of a victory is required. City will host Brighton on Wednesday night, with the Seagulls in good form having beaten Arsenal and Spurs in their last two.

There is no margin for error in this race to the wire. The Reds won ten league games in a row before securing a draw at the Etihad last week. The squad will be fully aware of the need to win every single one of the seven remaining league games.

They will be coming up against an inconsistent United side tomorrow night. The Red Devils have won just two of their last eight matches in all competitions, with both victories coming via a Ronaldo hat trick to edge Spurs and then Norwich 3-2.

There has been a slight upturn in performances and results since Ralf Rangnick took over from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in November. United have won nine, drawn six and lost three of the German’s 18 league games in charge.

In Ole’s 12 league games this season, United won five and lost another five. This has been a chastening season and a far cry from the grandiose proclamations by pundits last summer after Sancho, Varane and Ronaldo were signed.

United have been knocked out of every cup competition this season, rendering them trophy-less for a fifth consecutive season, They are left scrapping for a fourth placed finish that will guarantee them Champions League football next season.

They currently lie fifth on 54 points, 3 points off Spurs in 4th and level with Arsenal in sixth (the Gunners have a game in hand). The gulf in class between Liverpool and United is a joy to behold after so many years in their Sir Alex Ferguson induced shadow.

The Reds are 19 points clear of United and boast five trophies since they last won one. It is the chase for a record equalling 20th league title that particularly sticks in the craw of the Old Trafford faithful. They have watched their two fierce rivals (City being the other one) hoover up trophies whilst slipping slowly into mediocrity.

The Reds recent dominance over their historical rivals was underlined by the 5-0 thrashing at Old Trafford earlier this season. Liverpool were absolutely resplendent that day as Mohamed Salah netted a classy hat trick.

They will be keen to avoid another embarrassing result. They haven’t beaten Jürgen Klopp’s side in any of the last seven league meetings. It is four wins and three draws for Liverpool since a 2-1 defeat at Old Trafford four years ago. With both sides needing a result, this could be an epic clash.

Team News

For Liverpool, Jota overcame a knock to make a late cameo against Manchester City. It is yet again a fully fit squad available to the manager. The likes of Oxlade-Chamberlain, Elliott, Minamino and Origi were all left out of the squad at Wembley, that’s how strong the depth is at the minute.

For United, Ralf Rangnick has confirmed they will be without five players at Anfield. Edinson Cavani (calf), Scott McTominay (knock), Luke Shaw (shin), Raphael Varane (muscle) and Fred (hip) are all unavailable. Bruno Fernandes is available after training yesterday following a car accident.

Key Players

Sadio Mané

Sadio has hit a purple patch in recent weeks, scoring four goals in his last four appearances. He was named Man of the Match at Wembley on Saturday after a devastating performance put City to the sword. He’s thriving in a new central role and could be utilised there again tomorrow night.

Cristiano Ronaldo

The 37 year old continues to defy logic as he continues to guarantee goals for a flawed United outfit. He is their topscorer this season with 21 goals and 3 assists in 35 appearances across all competitions. He netted hat tricks in United’s last two victories and will again be key for them here.

Thiago Alcantara

The Spanish international was sensational on Saturday as he ran the show from the middle of the park. When fit, Thiago has been instrumental for Klopp’s outfit. His blend of technical excellence and general quality could be crucial to winning all three points.