Liverpool v Manchester Utd – Even-Stevens affair expected at Liverpool “fortress” Anfield

16/01/2021 | Categories: Football betting | Published by: Andy Nelson

Liverpool v Manchester United Predictions, Preview, Odds

2020-21 Premier League preview: Liverpool v Manchester United – Anfield – Sunday, 17th January 2021 – 16:30 hrs BST

Liverpool v Manchester Utd Preview

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Ole Solksjaer’s Red Devils travel to Liverpool for a top-of-the-table Premier League clash at Anfield on Sunday, January 17th. A second-half strike from Paul Pogba against Burnley on Tuesday night sent United three points clear of Jurgen Klopp’s Reds to the top of the points table.

Liverpool v Manchester Utd Prediction

Draw 1-1: 7/1 with Bet365

Bet365 – odds quoted were correct as of 15/01/2021 and are subject to change.

The Red Devils have been in outstanding from of late, not having lost a single game in the League since November, winning 9 and drawing 2 of the 11 games they have featured in since then.

Title holders Liverpool haven’t been in the best of shape, having won only four of the last 10 matches in the league and failing to win in any of their last three fixtures. In their last outing, the Reds went down 0-1 to Southampton courtesy a solitary goal from Danny Ings.

Liverpool’s Premier League form guide: DWWDDL

Manchester United’s Premier League form guide: WWDWWW

For Liverpool, defenders Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez, remain sidelined with long-term injuries. Fabinho and Jordan Henderson will have to fill in at the centre-back as usual as doubts persist over Joel Matip’s availability.

Moreover, ex-Wolves attacker Diogo Jota is another long-term absentee forced out with a knee injury. Spanish midfielder Thiago Alcantara has recently returned, though, after being out of action for an extended period.

Naby Keita did not turn up at the training session, leaving his participation for Sunday’s clash in doubt, too. So, the midfield three of Alcantara, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Gini Wijnaldum could be expected to feature. The front three trio of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino are all fit.

Liverpool probable starting XI in a 4-3-3 formation:

Alisson (goal), Alexander-Arnold, Henderson, Fabinho, Robertson, Milner, Thiago, Wijnaldum, Salah, Firmino, Mane

As for United’s team news, Victor Lindelof was absent against Burnley on Tuesday evening, having missed the game against Watford in the FA Cup due to a back injury and is likely to sit out the Liverpool clash.

Paul Pogba and Luke Shaw, who also missed the match against Watford were back in the starting line-up at Turf Moor last Tuesday. Pogba, Bruno Fernades and Marcus Rashford all look fit for their key roles of playing behind lone striker Anthony Martial. Uruguayan striker Edinson Cavani, coming out of a 3-match ban is likely to be introduced at a later stage of the game.

Liverpool probable starting XI in a 4-2-3-1 formation:

De Gea (goal), Wan Bissaka, Bailly, Maguire, Shaw, McTominay, Fred, Rashford, Fernandes, Pogba, Martial.

Liverpool v Manchester United Verdict

United will have a tough job at hand to dislodge a Liverpool side that has gone through 64 unbeaten Premier League games at Anfield. However, with the kind of form the Red Devils are in, especially in away games, this would be their best chance to shatter the hosts’ record at the “Theatre of Dreams”.

Punters are looking at a 1-1 or 2-2 draw at the best.

As for the recent history between the two, Liverpool have won twice and United once from their six encounters since 2017.