Rivals Meet at Anfield
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The international break is over and action returns to the Premier League this weekend. We could not have asked for a bigger fixture as Liverpool welcome Manchester United to Anfield in the biggest game of the Premier League so far, this season.
Liverpool start the match in 7th place in the Premier League and will be hoping to use this game as a catalyst to get their season back on track.
Prior to the international fixtures, Liverpool were held to a 1-1 draw at Newcastle United. While a trip to Newcastle is never easy and the Magpies sit in the top half of the table, this is the type of match Liverpool have dropped points in far too often in the past.
Once again there were questions marks over the defence and the missed opportunities in attack. Liverpool have had the chances to win games this season but have not taken them and with a defence seemingly uncapable of keeping a clean sheet, the pressure is on the forwards to deliver.
Trends show Liverpool have won just one of their last seven matches in all competitions and that was an away win at Leicester in the Premier League. The match ended 3-2 in Liverpool’s favour and there could easily have been more goals in the game, at both ends of the pitch.
Despite Liverpool failing to keep a clean sheet in their last seven matches in all competitions the Reds have kept a clean sheet in four of their last five home Premier League games. Liverpool have lost only one of their previous fourteen home matches in all competitions.
Manchester United make the short trip to Anfield sitting second in the Premier League table, below Manchester City only on goal difference.
The Red Devils have won their last six games in all competitions and are yet to taste defeat this season. In fact, Manchester United have played ten games and won nine, drawing one match away from home against Stoke City.
Trends show Manchester United are unbeaten in fifteen of their last seventeen away Premier League matches and have scored 7 goals in their three away league games this season.
Manchester United have kept a clean sheet in their last three Premier League games and know if they do the same in this one, they have a great chance of winning the match.
Team news and Liverpool have been dealt a huge blow with the loss of Sadio Mane to a hamstring injury. The pacey forward joins Adam Lallana and Nathaniel Clyne on the treatment table.
Manchester United will travel without Paul Pogba and Marouane Fellaini, which could leave them a little light in midfield. Both Romelu Lukaku and Marcus Rashford should be fit to start the match.
This is a great match to welcome back the Premier League following the international games and should be a very close, exciting occasion.
Liverpool will look to take the game to the visitors but Jose Mourinho will have his team set-up to contain the hosts, knowing they will get chances at the other end of the pitch. Given the form of both teams, Manchester United could edge this one and if they get in-front in the first half, they have what it takes to see out the match.
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