The biggest game of the Premier League season so far is upon us. Cancel any plans (as if anybody has any plans any more), call a halt to the DIY and direct all your attention to Anfield as the Premier League’s biggest rivalry resumes.
Every clash between Liverpool and Manchester United is important but, despite the tragedy of a fan-less fixture, the latest instalment promises to be one of the most important in years.
For the first time since Sir Alex Ferguson retired Manchester United head to Anfield sitting top of the table, three points ahead of the reigning champions and knowing that a victory would put them in an incredibly promising position as we near the halfway point of the season.
You can find all the rest of our expert analysis on our Liverpool vs Manchester United predictions.
Liverpool vs Man Utd betting offers
888sport – 9/1 for Mohamed Salah to score or 16/1 for Bruno Fernandes to score
William Hill – Fernandes and Salah each to have 2+ shots on target at 80/1
William Hill – 40/1 for a penalty to be awarded
McAteer concerned with Liverpool’s fragile state
Liverpool were utterly unstoppable in the Premier League last season as they romped to the title by some 18 points. They did ride their luck at times, and an almost injury-free season undoubtedly played a huge part. Unfortunately for the first-time Premier League winners, their luck seems to have run out this season.
Injuries have plagued them so far this season, with the most notable being the serious knee injury sustained by talismanic centre back Virgil van Dijk. The result of his (and others’) absence has been profound.
The Reds dropped 15 points last season. This season, after just 17 games, they have dropped 18.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with FST, former Liverpool man Jason McAteer admitted that Liverpool’s injuries have had an impact, saying: “They’ve (Liverpool) looked fragile in games and have been in winning positions dropping points which seems very unlike Liverpool. Usually when they get in a commanding position, they normally see the job out.
“The fact that Jurgen Klopp has had to keep changing the squad due to all of the injuries disrupts the flow of the team. Since Jurgen Klopp came to Liverpool, the team has had 41 or 42 different centre back combinations which is phenomenal.”
Despite Liverpool’s faltering form and ongoing injury problems, McAteer isn’t worried about the long-term prospects, saying: “However, come May at the end of the season, Manchester City and Liverpool will be fighting for the league title and Manchester United will combust as the season develops.”
Klopp’s mind game shenanigans (or not)
Jurgen Klopp may have claimed that he has “no skills for mind games”, but the Liverpool boss certainly seems to know his way around a managerial war of words.
Speaking after their defeat to Southampton earlier this month he bemoaned Liverpool’s lack of penalties before drawing attention to Manchester United’s recent spot-kick record, saying “I hear now that Manchester United had more penalties in two years than I had in five and a half years. I’ve no idea if that’s my fault, or how that can happen.”
His comments even drew criticism from the likes of Mark Clattenburg, who claimed Klopp’s comments were made to put referee’s under pressure ahead of the biggest match of the season.
Whether true or not, Klopp does have a point. Since the start of the 2018/19 season, Manchester United (32) have won more penalties than any other Premier League side, eight more than Leicester (24) and 14 more than Liverpool (17).
Liverpool have won the fourth most penalties in the league in that period though, so they certainly get their fair share of free hits on goal.
Should Ole be at the wheel? Not according to Jason McAteer
It’s the hashtag that just keeps on giving. #OleAtTheWheel has been used positively and negatively in equal proportions since the Norwegian’s appointment in December 2018 but, as the Red Devils sit atop the Premier League table, not many people are are calling for the Champions League winner to be sacked right now.
Despite their lofty position, McAteer still isn’t convinced Solskjaer is the man to lead Manchester United, saying: “This season is a one-off, and a real difficult season to judge compared to previous ones.
“He (Ole Gunnar Solskjaer) is sitting top of the table in a very false position with a team that aren’t the best in the league at all. Let’s be honest, they’re not the best team and don’t have the best manager.”
Does he have a point?
Solskjaer led Manchester United to just their third top four finish in the seven seasons since Ferguson retired and is the first manager since him to take Manchester United to Anfield while sitting top of the table. His record lags behind Jose Mourinho’s marginally, but it’s worth noting that much of the criticism aimed at Mourinho focuses on his negative tactics rather than the results themselves.
Liverpool vs Man Utd #OOT and OddsBoost
Salah, Mane and Fernandes to have 2+ shots on target
Was 12/1 –> Now 16/1
- Mohamed Salah has hit the target at least twice in four of his last seven Premier League games.
- Sadio Mane has averaged 1.3 shots on target per game this season.
- Bruno Fernandes has averaged 1.5 shots on target per game, hitting the target twice or more in each of his last two.
Liverpool to win, Mane and Fernandes to score, Shaw to be carded
Odds: 45/1
- Liverpool have won their last 11 home Premier League games against fellow big six teams.
- Sadio Mane has scored four goals in his last five competitive appearancs.
- Bruno Fernandes leads the Manchester United goalscoring charts with 11 top flight goals this season.
- Luke Shaw has been booked in his last three appearances and will be tasked with stopping Mohamed Salah
Find more of our recommended OddsBoosts and #OOT for Liverpool vs Man Utd here.
Liverpool vs Man Utd – predicted lineups and where to watch
Where to watch: Sky Sports Main Event / Sky Sports Premier League / Sky Sports Ultra HD
Liverpool predicted lineup: Alisson / Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Fabinho, Robertson / Thiago, Henderson, Wijnaldum / Salah, Mane, Firmino
Manchester United predicted lineup: de Gea / Wan-Bissaka, Bailly, Maguire, Shaw / McTominay, Fred / Rashford, Fernandes, Pogba / Martial
More FST News:
Best #OOT and OddsBoosts for Liverpool vs Man Utd
Experts’ Best Bets for Sunday’s action
FST’s The Bet Builders with Statman Dave
The post Liverpool vs Man Utd: Betting offers and analysis ahead of top-of-the-table clash (with huge 45/1 #OOT) appeared first on Free Football Tips.