There is just one ‘Super Sunday’ fixture this week but what a fixture it is. Premier League leaders Liverpool make the short journey down the M62 for a mouth-watering clash with Manchester United. This could be a defining moment in the season for both clubs.
Jurgen Klopp’s side are 8/11 to claim three points at Old Trafford this weekend – something they haven’t managed to do since March 2014. During that period, Liverpool have picked up just two points from a possible 15 in the Premier League.
Meanwhile, United are languishing down in 12th position in the table. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is under pressure and reports claim that former Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri is lined up to replace the Norwegian in the Old Trafford hotseat.
With Paul Pogba and David de Gea ruled out through injury, United are already up against it before a ball has been kicked. The Red Devils are priced at 6/5 to avoid defeat this weekend and the Old Trafford faithful will be hoping for a big performance.
Liverpool have a perfect record heading into Sunday’s clash, scoring 20 goals and conceding just six in their eight league games. The Reds have built a commanding lead at the top of the table and victory here will only enhance their title credentials.
At the time of writing, Liverpool are 4/6 to lift the Premier League title. The Reds have gone close in the past but that maiden top flight crown has always eluded their grasp. This year, there is a different mood at Anfield and all signs point towards success.
Victory for United could see the Red Devils climb up to seventh in the table and Solskjaer is in desperate need of a massive win. His position as United manager is under threat and a heavy defeat could signal the end of his brief Old Trafford tenure.
Defensively, you’d have to say that United have shown signs of improvement. With a fully fit back four, the Red Devils could climb the Premier League ladder and finish in the top four. 4/1 for United to secure Champions League football could turn out to be a huge price.
The debate over which club is the biggest in English football goes on but even the most ardent United fan would struggle to argue that the Red Devils are better than Liverpool right now. Unfortunately for United, they are a long way behind their north west rivals.
Anthony Martial, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Luke Shaw are all due to return to the United starting line-up this weekend. These three players will give Solskjaer’s side a boost but will it be enough to get the better of Liverpool? Only time will tell.
Over 2.5 goals has landed in three of the previous four meetings between the sides and lots of punters will be expecting another high-scoring affair. However, bear in mind that United have only scored nine goals in eight Premier League games – a tight contest looks likely.
Looking at the Premier League Odds the 2/1 available for Klopp’s side to win to nil is the way to go. Liverpool have conceded in six of their league games this season but the Reds will be determined to stay focussed at the back from start to finish here.
The Liverpool manager came under scrutiny for adopting a defensive approach in this fixture last season – those dropped points came back to haunt Klopp and he won’t make that mistake again. Expect a more aggressive Liverpool to get the job done.
TIP: Liverpool to win to nil (2/1 with 888sport)
LONGSHOT: Liverpool to score a penalty (11/2 with 888sport)
PREDICTED SCORE: Man United 0-2 Liverpool (7/1 with 888sport)
*Credit for the main photo belongs to Rui Vieira / AP Photo*
