In their third game in 5 days, second-placed Manchester United are set to take on arch-rivals Liverpool at Old Trafford in the Premier League on Thursday evening.
These two sides were supposed to meet on the 2nd of May. However, the match was postponed as a result of Manchester United fans breaking into Old Trafford and invading the pitch in protest of the club’s current ownership. Since then, United beat Aston Villa 1-3 this past Sunday and lost 1-2 to Leicester only two days back, with many key players taking rest. Manager Ole is expected to line up a strong squad for this fixture, with captain Harry Maguire missing out due to injury. A win here will extend the gap between them and 3rd-placed Leicester to 7 points.
On the other hand, Liverpool are playing on normal rest. They recorded a 2-0 win over Southampton last Saturday and will be looking for another 3 points here. Every point is crucial for them in their battle to finish in the top 4 and secure a Champions League spot. Expect an ultra-offensive style of play in a bid to gain 3 points, knowing that failure to do so could mean the end of their hopes of making it to the top 4. This may lead to an entertaining and open contest that swings from one end to another. A win here will take them just 4 points behind 4th-placed Chelsea.
In head-to-head meetings between these two teams, Manchester United have a lead with 89 wins as compared to Liverpool’s 77 wins. 68 games have ended in draws. The last five games have seen 2 goalless draws and a win apiece for each side.
The previous meeting between the two teams took place in the FA Cup in January this year and ended in an entertaining 3-2 win for United at home. Greenwood, Rashford and Bruno scored for the hosts, while Mohamed Salah hit a brace for Liverpool in the game.
Rivalry Stats
- Manchester United have lost just 1 of their last 15 home games against Liverpool in all competitions (W10, D4), and are unbeaten in their last 8 home matches since a 0-3 loss in March 2014.
- Manchester United have avoided defeat in both meetings with Liverpool in all competitions this season (W1, D1). The last time they faced Liverpool as many as three times in a season without losing any was in 1998-99 (W2, D1).
- Liverpool have not lost consecutive games against Manchester United in all competitions since a streak of four consecutive losses between 2014/2016, with the Reds losing 3-2 at Old Trafford in the FA Cup in January.
- Liverpool have won 5 of their last 7 away league games (D1, L1), more than they had in their previous 15 on the road (W4, D6, L5).
- Marcus Rashford has been involved in 5 goals in his last four games in all competitions for Manchester United against Liverpool at Old Trafford, scoring 4 and assisting 1 goal.
Match Details
- Match: Manchester United vs. Liverpool
- Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester
- Date & Time: May 14, 2021 at 12:45 AM IST
Team News
Manchester United
- Injured: Anthony Martial, Phil Jones, Daniel James, Harry Maguire
- Doubtful: None
- Suspended: None
Liverpool
- Injured: Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez, Joel Matip, Divock Origi, Ben Davies, Naby Keita
- Doubtful: James Milner, Ozan Kabak
- Suspended: None
Predicted Starting XI
Manchester United (4-2-3-1)
Dean Henderson (GK), Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Victor Lindelof, Eric Bailly, Luke Shaw; Scott McTominay, Fred; Bruno Fernandes, Paul Pogba, Marcus Rashford; Edinson Cavani
Liverpool (4-3-3)
Alisson Becker (GK), Trent Alexander-Arnold, Nathaniel Phillips, Rhys Williams, Andrew Robertson; Thiago Alcantara, Fabinho, Georginio Wijnaldum, Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane
- Manchester United form guide: L-W-L-W-D
- Liverpool form guide: W-D-D-D-W
Match Prediction
Man United and Liverpool have made a bit of a habit of playing out rather uneventful matches in seasons gone by. The fatigued hosts will revert to their strongest line-up as they bid to consolidate their hold on the second spot.
On the other hand, Liverpool have much more to play for as they aim for a top-4 finish in the points table and a place in the next season’s Champions League. So expect another share of the spoils between these two arch-rivals.
Howzat Dream Team
- Goalkeeper: D Henderson
- Defenders: A W-Bissaka, T A-Arnold, A Robertson
- Midfielders: B Fernandes, P Pogba, G Wijnaldum, T Alcantara
- Forwards: E Cavani, M Rashford, M Salah
- Captain: B Fernandes/M Rashford
- Vice Captain: M Salah/T A-Arnold
NOTE: The Howzat dream team above is just a suggestion. You can select your own fantasy 11 by using your knowledge and fantasy premier league tips. Also, don’t forget to make any necessary changes to your team once the actual starting 11 is announced by each team (60 minutes before the start of the match) as some players you have selected might not be part of the fantasy 11.
Select your own team and play fantasy football on your favorite fantasy football app, Howzat!
