A titanic clash in the form of North-West derby between Manchester United and Liverpool awaits on Sunday with two teams fighting for different ambitions this season. To put into context, Ole's disjointed United have an uphill task to stop Klopp's fascinating Liverpool.
MUN vs LIV Match Details :
When: Sunday, 23 October
Timings: 16:30 (BST)/ 21:00 (IST)
Where: Old Trafford, Manchester
MUN vs LIV Match Previews :
It had to be a late Cristiano Ronaldo winner to give Ole Gunnar Solksjaer and Manchester United some more breathing face in an otherwise tough campaign. Atalanta's 2-0 lead in the first half of the Champions League group stage game on Wednesday prompted another comeback episode from the Red Devils in the second half going with the narrative. However, winning in this manner exposes the fragile nature of the team that has conceded in every single game, except one, in all competition so far this campaign. Ronaldo's arrival in the summer has guaranteed clutch goals but nothing in terms of pressing from the front which has allowed oppositions to get into United's defensive area with ease. The Norwegian has proved to be a good man-manager to keep the ship afloat on the ocean but his lack of tactical flexibility is causing concerns. Now, they face their arch-rivals in ravishing form. United know that they have to overturn their three-game winless run in the Premier League and avoid going seven points behind the Reds or a potential eight points gap on top of the table.
In the contrast, Liverpool have delivered exquisite football without losing a game to revamp their title charge this campaign. The Anfield-based club did suffer a slight scare in their 3-2 win over Atletico on Tuesday despite leading 2-0 early in the game but it is unlikely to prevent their dominant nature on and off the ball. The victory secured in the Champions League was their ninth of the campaign in 12 games. However, it is true Klopp's men have struggled against Manchester City and Chelsea managing only draws in the game with United being the other so-called top-six team they will face this Sunday. Liverpool are adamant about not repeating such a scoreline although they have struggled at Old Trafford in recent records. Their winless hoodoo under Klopp at this venue only ended last season so the Reds have to attack with caution. That being said, Liverpool's away record has been sensational with zero losses on the road since a 3-1 defeat to Leicester City back in February. A win in the derby will register three vital points to keep the jostle with Chelsea and Manchester City for the title.
Recent Form (all competitions)
Manchester United: WLDWL
Liverpool: WWDWD
MUN vs LIV Team News :
Manager Solskjaer has confirmed that two or three players are carrying a knock from the Champions League game in midweek and they might not feature on Sunday. One of them is star man, Bruno Fernandes. The Portuguese playmaker is a major doubt for this epic clash but Solksjaer has hinted he is doing everything to be ready in case. Rashford is also aiming to earn a starting spot after his off-the-bench cameos in the last two games were rewarded with goals following his injury come back. In fact, Marcus Rashford loves playing against Liverpool. The 23 yr-old has scored four goals against the Reds in six appearances with all of his strikes coming at Old Trafford. He is also chasing Wayne Rooney's record of 6 goals in the same fixture. The dead leg he suffered against Atalanta is hopeful to not to give a problem. Fred shook off a hamstring problem to feature against Atalanta and is expected to start in the midfield while center-back Raphael Varane is out for a longer period. Amad Diallo and Martial are other doubts.
Jurgen Klopp in his press conference confirmed the extent of star midfielder, Thiago Alcantara's injury. The Spaniard suffered a calf strain during the Crystal Palace game last month and now it will keep him out for further four games after not featuring at all since. The boss labelled his progress as a 'good sign' but he is unlikely to make the pitch 'before or after the [next] international break'. However, Liverpool can call back Curtis Jones from his injury sustained during the October break for the U21 England team. There won't be many changes from the eleven that began at Madrid but Fabinho is expected to start ahead of Naby Keita and Jota can replace Firmino or Mane. Mo Salah is earning praise in full from opposition coaches and he will be wishing to strike against Manchester United once again after doing so in three of the last four derbies in all competitions.
Predicted Lineups
Manchester United: De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Scott McTominay, Paul Pogba, Mason Greenwood, Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, Cristiano Ronaldo
Liverpool: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Joel Matip, Van Dijk, Andy Robertson, Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, James Milner, Mo Salah, Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane
Head to Head
Liverpool won the latest meeting at Old Trafford last May in a six-goal thriller. It was a much-needed win for the Reds as they finished third on the back of a crisis campaign. The win, as said, was Klopp's first at the venue but it also meant Manchester United have only managed to beat their arch-rivals only twice in ten previous meetings in all competition. Last time when Ronaldo faced United's rivals in his first stint, the Merseyside club came out 4-1 winners at Old Trafford with him scoring the only goal for his side.
MUN vs LIV Dream11 Team :
GK: Alisson (LIV)
DEF: Trent (LIV), Van Dijk (LIV), Maguire (MUN), Robertson (LIV)
MID: Fabinho (LIV), Henderson (LIV), Pogba (MUN), Fernandes (MUN)
FW: Ronaldo (MUN), Salah (LIV)
Match Prediction: Manchester United 1-3 Liverpool
United's way of playing might give them some priority on the day but it is the everlasting poor home form that is causing them headaches again. Plus, Liverpool's unbelievable scoring form on the visit is too hot to handle at the moment. Two elegant goal scorers will be on the show but it will be Salah smiling the last.
