Big Match Breakdown: Man United v Liverpool

Titanic tussle expected in North-West

Manchester United host Liverpool at Old Trafford in a huge Premier League Saturday lunch-time kick-off.

There are just two points between the sides at present. In terms of who finishes second this season, this is a six-pointer.

If United win, they go five-points ahead and are practically out of sight. If Liverpool take the spoils, they go a point ahead with eight games left to play.

The Coral News Team take a closer look at the clash in our Big Match Breakdown…

Head-To-Head

There’s an illustrious history to this fixture. The two clubs have played each other 227 times. And it’s as tight as you’d expect.

United have 87 wins, to Liverpool’s 75, with 65 draws. The last four games have seen stalemates, with two 0-0s, and two 1-1 scorelines.

United had won four of the previous five matches before that. But they were all under ex-Red Devils boss, Louis van Gaal.

Likely XIs

There’s good and bad news on the injury front for Man United. Ander Herrera, Daley Blind, Marouane Fellaini, and Phil Jones are all definitely out. Anthony Martial is still a big doubt.

However, Mourinho will be hoping to hand Eric Bailly his first start since November.

For Liverpool, Virgil van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Mohamed Salah should all be back in contention after being rested for the game against Porto.

Andrew Robertson is the big doubt for Jurgen Klopp. The fullback missed the midweek game and his participation is contentious here.

Key Battles

Can United stop Salah? That’s not to suggest Liverpool are a one-man side. They’re far from it. But the Egyptian is arguably the form player in the Premier League.

Unless something miraculous happens, Mourinho will – as usual – sit deep and try to hit Liverpool on the counter.

That means the midfield of Matic, McTominay, and Pogba must work hard, and then feed the likes of Sanchez, Lingard, and Lukaku.

Liverpool will play their usual free-flowing game. Any mistakes from Van Dijk or Matip could be punished.

Match Odds

The Coral traders obviously see the game the way the Coral News Team do. Man United are 33/20, as are Liverpool. The Draw is available at 23/10.

The two sides can’t be separated in the odds – and that’s a fair reflection of how evenly-match both teams are.

Unless one side takes an early lead, or Mourinho uncharacteristically opens up, it’s difficult to envisage goals. Under 2.5 Goals is 20/23.

Romelu Lukaku was on the scoresheet in his previous game against Crystal Palace. He’s 6/4 to score Anytime here.

Mo Salah has been the Reds’ main man this season. He’s also 6/4 to find the net.