Manchester United vs Liverpool – match preview

Manchester United host Liverpool in a feisty north-west derby this weekend and the Red Devils will be looking to make it ten in a row.

The hosts are now in the sixth place in the overall standings, two points behind Arsenal and the Europa League qualifying berth and three points below Manchester City and the final Champions League spot for next season. Manchester United continue to grow from strength-to-strength and moved their winning streak to nine games in a row by defeating Hull City in the EFL Cup on Wednesday evening.

On the other side, the Reds are sitting in the second place, but are without a victory three games in a row against beatable opposition – Plymouth Argile, Sunderland and Southampton.
Less than two weeks ago, Jurgen Klopp’s team dispatched Manchester City at Anfield in a 1-0 victory on New Year’s Eve, which appeared to cement their status as the biggest threat to leaders Chelsea in the race for the title. But as they head to Old Trafford, the feel-good factor of that win has evaporated, and it is Liverpool who approach the game with anxiety and trepidation.
Good news for Klopp and the fans is Coutinho’s return as Brazilian wizard missed last seven Premier League rounds.

Head to Head

Their first derby of the season played at Anfield ended in a frustrating 0-0 draw.

Match Facts

• This will be the 50th Premier League meeting between Manchester United and Liverpool – United have won 27 of the previous 49 (D9 L13).
• This will be the 50th Premier League meeting between Manchester United and Liverpool – United have won 27 of the previous 49 (D9 L13).
• Liverpool have lost more Premier League matches (27) and also the most overall league matches (67) against Manchester United than versus any other opponent.
• Only Steven Gerrard (8) has scored more goals in this Premier League fixture than Wayne Rooney (6 – level with Robbie Fowler).
• Zlatan Ibrahimovic has 13 goals in his first 19 Premier League appearances for Manchester United – the same record as Dwight Yorke and Robin van Persie.
• Adam Lallana has been involved in 14 Premier League goals this season (seven goals, seven assists); more than any other English player.

Team News 

Eric Bailly is only absentee for Manchester United.

Team News 

Klopp has fully fit squad at his disposal. Only already mentioned Sadio Mane is absent.

Predicted Lineups

Manchester United: De Gea; Valencia, Jones, Rojo, Darmian; Carrick, Herrera; Mkhitaryan, Pogba, Martial; Ibrahimovic.
Liverpool: Mignolet; Clyne, Lovren, Klavan, Milner; Lallana, Henderson, Wijnaldum; Firmino, Origi, Coutinho.