Liverpool vs Manchester United – Who has the advantage?

Manchester United hope to stop Liverpool’s record of 64 league games unbeaten at Anfield when the two teams face each other on Sunday.

The Reds come into this game on the back of a 4-1 win against Aston Villa in the FA Cup, whilst Man United were victorious at Burnley on Wednesday, stretching their unbeaten run to 11 games and sending the Red Devils three points clear at the top of the table.

The main worry for Liverpool this season is the lack of senior centre-backs available to them. Injuries to Virgil Van Dijk and Joe Gomez were already an issue but the Reds have also lost Joel Matip to a groin injury he picked up against West Brom. The Cameroon international is unlikely to be in the squad for Sunday having not participated in training.

This has put more pressure on Jurgen Klopp to rely on midfielders Fabinho and Jordan Henderson at the helm of the defence. The pairing have just featured once together this season, during the loss to Southampton.

Whilst Liverpool’s defensive injuries continue, Man United’s strengthen. Captain Harry Maguire has made more interceptions and aerial duels than anyone in the Premier League this season. Eric Bailly is also back for Man United giving Solskjaer an extra boost for the weekend.

The one thing that worries Liverpool fans is even though United have conceded the most goals (21) out of the top 10 teams in the league this season, they’re getting results and finding ways to win.

United have had an advantage this season in terms of not dealing with injuries like other clubs have. Solskjaer has had multiple players to pick from and rotated the squad many times to suit his ability, with the likes of Scott McTominay, Fred, Nemanja Matic and Paul Pogba.

Rashford has been on fire this season, scoring 15 goals in all competitions. His threat and pace is very likely to cause big trouble for the Liverpool defence.

When Man United face the bigger teams, the pressure gets to them and they slowly start to drop off, just like they did when they got knocked out in the Champions League by Leipzig and defeats to Man City, Tottenham and Arsenal in the league.

Liverpool have a better record vs the top six than the bottom six and it’s shown this season. Drawing to the likes of West Brom, Fulham and Brighton but beating Tottenham, Arsenal and Chelsea.

The Reds have competed at the top of English football for a few years since Klopp has come in to the side, while United are still developing themselves at that level. The experience of Liverpool could prove crucial on Sunday.

Man United will wonder how they’re going to stop Thiago in this Liverpool midfield. His ability on the ball was evident when coming on against Villa and United must ensure his time on the ball is limited in order to keep Liverpool’s front three quiet.

The Reds hold the advantage playing at Anfield but there is pressure on both teams. Man United haven’t beaten Liverpool since 2016 at Anfield but a win on Sunday would further strengthen their status as title challengers.

Liverpool know there is a lot at stake in his game. A win can push them back at the top but a loss could drag them down to sixth in the table if results don’t go their way during the weekend.

Jurgen Klopp will be hoping he can see a reaction following the defeat to Southampton, giving the players confidence going into some important games in the next couple of weeks.

The Reds have the record of no home defeat since April 2017, but Man United United haven’t lost away from home this season, with seven wins and a draw in eight matches played with 22 goals scored.

Which way do you think this will go?