Liverpool vs Manchester United preview

Sunday January 17, 2016 14:05pm – Anfield

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Liverpool: DLWWL

Manchester United: DWDLL

Liverpool can draw level on points with Manchester United with a win at Anfield on Sunday afternoon. However, a win for the visitors, would put them six points clear of their arch rivals, and could lift them back into the top four.

Liverpool coping well amidst injury crisis

The two former giants of English football will now meet as top-four wannabees, in what should be a fascinating derby contest.

A busy schedule, coupled with a horrendous streak of injuries has hindered Liverpool’s attempts to bother the top four over the past couple of months, but a win on Sunday could provide a vital boost. A victory would put the Mersysiders level on points with United and heap further pressure on the teams above them.

Last time out, the Reds played out a 3-3 draw against Arsenal. With yet another soft goal conceded from a set piece, Jurgen Klopp may decide to hand a start to on-loan defender Steven Caulker who made a brief appearance as a striker against the Gunners on Wednesday night.

Klopp’s other injury concerns have been eased somewhat with the return to fitness of Mamadou Sakho and Jordan Henderson, while Daniel Sturridge is also set to return on Sunday.

United eyeing top-four return

Having slipped out of the top four and been dumped out of the Champions League, the last couple of months have been rather uncomfortable for Manchester United. The fans have expressed their desire for a managerial change, while the Coach himself has waged a mini-war with the media. With such ill-feeling rife, a win against Liverpool could provide the perfect tonic for the Red Devils.

Like their opponents, United come into this game on the back of a 3-3 draw (away to Newcastle). The game saw a more positive approach from the Manchester side, and an improved performance from under-fire striker Wayne Rooney. If they can carry that momentum into the Liverpool game, it should prove to be an entertaining afternoon.

Prediction

There are strong rumours coming from Merseyside that Daniel Sturridge will feature at some point on Sunday. The striker has scored 44 goals in 72 appearances for the Reds and can be backed to score anytime at 7/4 with Betfair.

The games itself is a tough one to call but the home side seem to be a slightly better frame of mind than their opponents and their injury problems have eased a little. Back Liverpool to win by a one goal margin at 11/4 with Bet365.