The standout fixture in the Premier League this weekend as Manchester United take on Liverpool at Old Trafford
The two most successful clubs in English football will lock horns for the first time this season with both sides needing a win to keep pace with runaway leaders Manchester City.
Both teams have taken seven points from their opening four games having made an almost identical start to the season.
They both won their opening two fixtures 1-0, followed by a 0-0 draw in game week three and last time out they were both beaten by Swansea City and West Ham United respectively.
Team form
Manchester United did the double over Liverpool last season which went a long way to securing Champions League football over their close rivals.
The home side also go into the game with more recent success, having won six out of the previous eight meetings in all competitions.
Juan Mata has scored three goals in his last three games for United against Brendan Rodgers‘ men and also found the net in the previous match against Swansea.
Last three results
Manchester United 0-3 Liverpool – 16 March 2014
Manchester United 3-0 Liverpool – 14 December 2014
Liverpool 1-2 Manchester United – 22 March 2015
Team news
Liverpool will be without their Brazilian star Philippe Coutinho as he begins his suspension following the red card he received against West Ham at Anfield.
Defender Jon Flanagan and striker Daniel Sturridge are still recovering from long-term injuries while midfielders Jordan Henderson (foot) and Joe Allen (hamstring) could also miss out.
It will be interesting to see if Louis van Gaal starts David de Gea in goal after his deadline day move to Real Madrid collapsed.
Phil Jones and Michael Carrick are the only players on the sidelines for the Red Devils while big summer-signing Anthony Martial could make his Premier League debut.
Match prediction
This fixture usually goes one way or the other and has only produced one draw in the previous 23 encounters in all competitions.
Having made an almost identical start to the season I think we are due a draw in this games.
Liverpool have been a lot better defensively this season but did have a horror show against West Ham.
I fancy Wayne Rooney to finally get off the mark in the league this season but the game to finish 2-2.
I feel van Gaal needs to play Marcos Rojo at centre-back because Christian Benteke could bully Daley Blind.
Betting at Manchester United vs Liverpool
Wayne Rooney to score first (5/1)
Manchester United 2-2 Liverpool (13/1)
Rooney to score first and 2-2 scorecast (60/1)
All prices taken from Paddy Power
Written by Tom Sutton – T0MSUTT0N
Table of Contents
