- Date: Sunday March 17 – 15:30 GMT
- Location: Old Trafford, Manchester
- Teams: Manchester United vs Liverpool
Check out the best FA Cup betting sites ahead of making your picks.
Man United host Liverpool in quarter-final clash
Manchester United and Liverpool, the two most successful clubs in the history of English football, renew their intense rivalry with this FA Cup quarter-final clash. Despite rarely convincing performance wise, Man United are in contention for the European places and find themselves in the cup quarter-finals. Liverpool, having won the EFL Cup, are still in contention for a quadruple.
Manchester United
There’s uncertainty surrounding Erik ten Hag’s future as Manchester United’s manager, amid rumors suggesting he might not be favored by Sir Jim Ratcliffe for the long haul. Nevertheless, Ten Hag could still steer the team to success, potentially clinching two major trophies in as many seasons.
Following last season’s EFL Cup triumph, Manchester United has been impressive in the FA Cup, defeating Wigan Athletic, Newport County, and Nottingham Forest in earlier rounds. Their recent win over Everton, securing a seventh victory in their last nine matches, underscores their strong form, with key players like Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford shining.
Although Manchester United’s performance in FA Cup quarter-finals has been inconsistent in recent years, their current form, including a 13-match scoring streak across all competitions since Boxing Day, suggests they have the firepower to continue their success in cup competitions.
Ten Hag expects Rasmus Hojlund to return after a muscular injury. Harry Maguire and Aaron Wan-Bissaka should both be fit, while Mason Mount has finally returned to training but this one may come too soon for him.
Omari Forson is doubtful, while Anthony Martial (groin), Luke Shaw (muscle), Tyrell Malacia (knee) and Lisandro Martinez (knee) are still recuperating. Second-choice goalkeeper Altay Bayindir (strained a muscle) is out and Jonny Evans is suffering from a niggle.
Liverpool
Liverpool demonstrated their dominance in the second leg of their Europa League last-16 encounter against Sparta Prague, delivering a relentless performance that saw them net an astonishing four goals in just 14 minutes. Led by Darwin Nunez, Cody Gakpo, Bobby Clark, and the record-breaking Mohamed Salah, Liverpool dismantled the Czech champions with ease, ultimately securing a resounding 6-1 victory on the night and an overwhelming 11-2 aggregate triumph.
Under the guidance of departing manager Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool’s potential for silverware remains significant, with opportunities to claim three more winners’ medals, including in the FA Cup. Standout performances from academy talents Lewis Koumas and Jayden Danns in previous FA Cup fixtures against Arsenal, Norwich City, and Southampton have further bolstered Liverpool’s aspirations.
Despite a recent draw against Manchester City in the Premier League, the title race has now shifted to Arsenal’s favor, albeit narrowly ahead of Liverpool on goal difference. The upcoming clash between Manchester City and Arsenal carries immense significance for Liverpool’s hopes of reclaiming the top spot in the league.
Liverpool’s current form is formidable, boasting an unbeaten streak of nine games and a flawless record of six consecutive victories in FA Cup quarter-finals. As they prepare to face Manchester United, Liverpool seeks redemption for previous encounters, including a draw at Anfield and a defeat at Old Trafford in 2022, following their emphatic 7-0 triumph in the Merseyside derby.
Overall, Liverpool’s recent performances underscore their strength and determination as they pursue success on multiple fronts under Klopp’s leadership.
Prediction
Liverpool are racking up the wins and have come through an injury crisis thanks to a highly impressive crop of young players. Manchester United are suffering with injuries themselves and, at present, are allowing the opposition too many chances. If they do this against Liverpool they will get punished. We think that Liverpool will go to Old Trafford and win.
Old Trafford, Manchester
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