Manchester United v Liverpool | Sunday 17 March | Old Trafford | 17:30
It really is the ultimate game! England’s oldest and most fierce rivalry is once again presented to us – this time against the backdrop of the FA Cup – in what can only be described as a game which will capture the attention of the entire footballing world!
Even where United does not necessarily come into the game with the greatest current form – the intensity at which this game will be played is undoubted.
To Win (90 mins)
Manchester United 28/10
Draw 28/10
Liverpool 8/10
Manchester United
There is no getting around it, United have been horrible at times and then again showed some interesting passages of play elsewhere during the season. They easily dispatched Everton last time out, seemed to compete with City for parts of the game before just seemingly imploding and then again looked absolutely clueless against Fulham earlier on in the season…how can one reasonably expect to make an informed decision on United here?
I know that I will be criticised for saying this, but I really do give credit to United and Erik ten Hag for their performance against City. When you consider the injuries to their squad and their opponent’s ability, you have to accept that there is no place for pride and a counter attacking approach is all they could have really tried with.
Rashford’s goal was world class, and he could have had a brace early on. Nevertheless, the point is this: United will have the same approach against Liverpool. They are currently worlds apart and so I see no other way for United to get anything from this game if not through a counter punch.
Liverpool
In all honesty, Liverpool was unbelievable against City last weekend. The reality is they deserved to win the game and if you don’t think so, well, you sir are ‘not a football person’.
They come into this game with unmatched confidence, the addition of the likes of Mo Salah to their team and their buoyed emotion of trying to win everything and some for Jurgen Klopp in his final season with the club should not be underestimated.
There is no debate they have the edge on ability, my only point of interest is the fact that the game is being played at Old Trafford. Liverpool enjoys their own back yard (there is no question) but more so they enjoy playing teams who look to come onto the front foot and have a crack at them…will United be that team on Sunday?
I just think the gap in current ability, stability of squad and confidence is too much for the home side to wish for anything more.
Predicted Line-ups:
Manchester United: Onana, Dalot, Varane, Evans, Lindelof, Mainoo, Casemiro, Fernandes, McTominay, Garnacho, Rashford.
Liverpool: Kelleher, Bradley, Qunsah, van Dijk, Gomez, Szoboszlai, Endo, Mac Allister, Salah, Nunez, Diaz
Prediction: Liverpool (8/10)
Yes, you know I’m going to say it, I hope I am wrong!
However, I don’t even think that is going to be enough to see anything other than a Liverpool win here. the gap between the two teams is just too much and looking at this from a betting perspective, 8/10 about a team playing as well as the Reds are is a gift. Get on.
Ryan Liberty @Mr_R_Liberty