Manchester United vs Liverpool: Preview, Team News & Prediction
It doesn’t get much bigger than this. Manchester United host Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon, with the Red Devils knowing a win would seal their place in next season’s UEFA Champions League. With just two points needed from four remaining games and Liverpool three points behind in fourth, Sunday’s North West Derby has the lot — European stakes, bragging rights, and a packed Old Trafford crowd.
United’s Resurgence Under Carrick
Few would have predicted United’s turnaround when Michael Carrick was handed the reins in January. Nine wins from 13 Premier League games later — a record that already betters Ruben Amorim’s entire spell — and the Red Devils are closing in on Champions League football with momentum behind them.
Monday’s 2-1 win over Brentford was far from pretty, but Casemiro and Benjamin Sesko struck in the first half to give United the breathing room they needed. Old Trafford has become a fortress: six wins from their last seven home games, with only Leeds managing to take three points there this term.
“We’re in good shape really.” — Michael Carrick, Friday press conference
Bruno Fernandes, Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo offer creativity and width behind Sesko, while Kobbie Mainoo — who signed a new contract until 2031 this week — anchors the midfield alongside Casemiro. Harry Maguire is in fine form too, having headed the winner at Anfield back in October, and will again be asked to lead the defensive line.
Liverpool’s Away-Day Woes
Liverpool arrive in decent recent domestic form — three straight wins over Fulham, Everton and Crystal Palace — but their away record remains a glaring problem. Slot’s side have lost four of their last five road trips, including heavy defeats at Man City (4-0) and PSG (2-0). They have won just four of their last 23 away league games against top-half sides.
The injury list makes matters significantly worse. Mohamed Salah limped off against Crystal Palace last weekend and is a doubt, while the goalkeeping situation is in disarray — Alisson is doubtful, Mamardashvili is definitely out, meaning Freddie Woodman could be in goal at Old Trafford. Conor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni, Hugo Ekitike and Wataru Endo are also unavailable.
Even so, Liverpool are not without threats. Florian Wirtz has been the signing of the season, while Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo are more than capable of hurting any defence on their day.
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Team News
The big story on the United side is Lisandro Martínez serving the final game of his three-match suspension, meaning Ayden Heaven partners Maguire at centre-back. Shaw and Cunha are both fitness doubts but Carrick expects to have a largely full-strength squad available.
Liverpool’s situation is considerably more serious. Mohamed Salah is a doubt after coming off against Crystal Palace, and their goalkeeping options are in disarray — Alisson is also doubtful, Mamardashvili is definitely out, and Freddie Woodman is likely to start. Add in the absences of Bradley, Ekitike, Leoni and Endo, and Slot faces a significant selection headache.
Recent Form
Most recent on the right. United have won 6 of their last 7 at Old Trafford. Liverpool have lost 4 of their last 5 away matches.
Key Stats
Odds
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Prediction
United’s home form, the motivation of Champions League football, and Liverpool’s depleted squad all point in one direction. Slot’s side are capable of a big result — Wirtz, Gakpo and Isak are a dangerous trio — but their away record against top-half clubs is too poor to back them here. Give us a United win.
FootballMine’s prediction and tips are for informational and entertainment purposes only and do not constitute betting advice. Please do your own research before placing any wager.
