Right now, both Manchester United and Liverpool are at different ends of the spectrum when it comes to UCL qualification.
While the Red Devils only need a couple more wins to secure their spot, Liverpool are in danger of missing out. One more loss could possibly end Jurgen Klopp’s dreams of a top-4 finish. Knowing the circumstances, United would love to serve a bitter dose of reality to their arch-rivals with a big win to permanently dent Liverpool’s Premier League top-four chances and take one step closer to securing their own UEFA Champions League qualification.
Mathematically, Manchester United can still win the title, but the race is as good as over. The Red Devils are ten points behind leaders Manchester City, and that gap could increase to 13 if they beat Crystal Palace in today’s early game.
With five games left, Liverpool finds themselves four points behind 4th- placed Chelsea. This weekend they face a difficult trip to Old Trafford to face their biggest rivals, and the club just announced a $64 million loss over the last 12 months. Failing to make the Top Four would further impact their revenue and completely change their summer transfer plans.
In this season so far, Man United has only won two games against ‘traditional top-six PL sides’ –both of which came in their visits to Tottenham Hotspur and Man City recently. At Old Trafford, they haven’t won a game against a ‘big side’ since last season and want to improve that record against Liverpool.
Despite all their issues at Anfield, the Reds have actually been a formidable unit in away games – winning four out of their last five away visits in the league. United have also won their last four home games in the Premier League, so something has got to give here!
After defeating them in the FA Cup clash earlier this season, the Red Devils will be confident of their chances here. But they definitely can’t get a win if they are as wasteful and lethargic as they were in the drab Leeds United draw.
The attackers need to step up their performance levels, which starts with Bruno Fernandes. After an excellent first half of the season, he’s now goalless in the league since the Manchester Derby. Despite getting involved in attacking moves and sneaking into scoring areas, he just can’t seem to get his shots on goal.
Fernandes must pick up his game and put in a dynamic performance as he did as a substitute against Liverpool in the FA Cup game. With his ‘big game flop’ reputation growing, he needs to dominate the attacking third, creates chances with his unpredictable passes and clinically finish whatever chances he gets to get among the goals.
Mason Greenwood also starred against Liverpool in that FA Cup encounter and with three goals in his last four Premiership games, he’s hungry for more. The Englishman just needs to be more decisive with his output in and get himself into central areas to torment Alisson with his lethal shooting.
Marcus Rashford looks tormenting every time he gets hold of possession these days, but he’ll probably operate from the right again tomorrow. While not his most comfortable area, Rashy should look to trouble Andy Robertson with his pace and deliver quality balls into the box to create stuff.
Paul Pogba is primed to operate in that left-wing role again and should look to torment Trent Alexander-Arnold with his movement and link up with the buzzing Luke Shaw, while also creating chances with his deft passes. Fred and Scott McTominay will operate in deeper areas trying to cut down Liverpool’s attacks and kick-start counter-attacks but need to maintain 100% concentration to keep their midfield quiet.
Despite missing Van Dijk and Gomez, Liverpool’s defensive shape has been surprisingly solid in recent weeks – so United has to be ruthless on counter-attacks to trouble them. The Red Devils also need to be wary of their opponents’ threat on the other end and be defensively flawless.
The Premier League top scorer Mo Salah is trying his best to drag Liverpool to a top-four finish and loves a game against United. With his troubling movement and ability to get into unpredictable scoring areas, he can easily score a couple if given enough space in the final third.
Diogo Jota also loves creating things out of nothing and is a real fox in the box, while Roberto Firmino can be a nightmare to deal with because of his proactiveness and creativity. To add to that, Robertson & Alexander-Arnold can be troublesome with his fantastic crosses and set-piece delivery. Not only does United have to be at their best in defending set-pieces, but a sturdy unit against Liverpool’s pace too.
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