Date: December 17 2023, 16:30 GMT
Venue: Anfield, Liverpool, England
Teams: Liverpool vs Manchester United
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Liverpool host Manchester United in a huge game in the title race and the battle for Europe
LIverpool and Manchester United is one of the biggest rivalries in world football, fuelled by geography, history and the race for trophies. These two great North West clubs are the two most successful teams in the history of the English game. Liverpool go into the match looking as though they can make a title challenge while Manchester United, despite a number of disappointing results and performances have ground out enough wins to be well in the mix for a Champions League place.
Liverpool
Liverpool ended the 16th round of Premier League fixtures top of the table. Jurgen Klopp’s side had, by their own standards, a stuttering campaign last time round where they ended up fifth. However, as this season takes shape they are looking more and more like title contenders and will hope to see off their rivals at Anfield and kick on in their pursuit of the title. Liverpool went top thanks to an away win at Crystal Palace where they came from behind to grind out the win.
Joel Matip (ACL), Stefan Bajcetic (calf), Andrew Robertson (shoulder) and Thiago Alcantara (hip) are all out until the New Year, with the four all targetting various dates in 2024 for their comebacks. Diogo Jota (muscular issue) will rule him out for another couple of weeks. Alexis Mac Allister (knee) will be unavailable.
One small victory for the Reds in midweek was witnessing no more players enter the infirmary, which is more than can be said for Man United, as defensive duo Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw were both first-half casualties of their defeat to Bayern with groin and hamstring tweaks respectively.
Man United fans are facing an anxious wait to hear the latest from Ten Hag, but their side will definitely be without Jadon Sancho (club suspension), Amad Diallo (knee), Christian Eriksen (knee), Lisandro Martinez (foot), Casemiro (thigh) and Tyrell Malacia (knee), while Victor Lindelof (knock), Mason Mount (calf), Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford (both illness) are touch-and-go.
Should Mount manage to battle back from his calf issue in time for Sunday, the Englishman would be a like-for-like replacement for Bruno Fernandes – the Red Devils captain must sit this one out on account of picking up five yellow cards – otherwise either Kobbie Mainoo or Hannibal Mejbri should be thrown into the deep end.
Manchester United
Manchester United remain in contention for the European spots despite failing to convince this season. Their tally of nine wins is solid enough, however, seven losses (Erik ten Hag’s side are yet to draw in the Premier League), and a number of wins achieved with less than sparkling performances have led to a feeling of discontent around the club. Poor performances in Europe and a meek EFL Cup exit at home to Newcastle United have added to the lack of optimism. Last weekend saw a 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth which, coming after a convincing midweek win over Chelsea has emphasised the lack of consistency.
Man United’s exit from the Champions League and, indeed, Europe brought the additional blow of injurties to Harry Maguire (groin) and Luke Shaw (hamstring). Amad Diallo (knee), Christian Eriksen (knee), Lisandro Martinez (foot), Casemiro (thigh) and Tyrell Malacia (knee), while Victor Lindelof (knock), Mason Mount (calf), Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford (both illness) are all doubtful. Bruno Fernandez misses out with suspension and Jadon Sancho looks likely to remain exiled from the first team. Should Mount not be fit enough to start, Fernandez is likely to be replaced by Kobbie Mainoo or Hannibal Mejbri.
Liverpool vs Manchester United all time record
The two clubs are the most successful English teams in domestic, European and worldwide competitions. In terms of their head to head record Man United have the edge with 82 wins to Liverpool’s 71.
| Liverpool wins | Draws | Manchester United wins |
|---|---|---|
| 71 | 58 | 82 |
Prediction:
In games such as this the form book often goes out of the window, however, Liverpool are clear favourites. Manchester United’s problems have been greater at Old Trafford than on the road, however, we think Liverpool will have too much for them on this occassion. Home win.
