Both teams come into the game in good form, with Liverpool having recently secured a 2-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers in the league, and Manchester United mounting a comeback to defeat West Ham United 3-1 in the FA Cup, under the guidance of Erik ten Hag.
JURGEN KLOPP's CHARGES
Liverpool and Manchester United are always a thrilling encounter, but Liverpool and Wolves must have grown tired of facing each other on the pitch by the time Wednesday arrived. This was their fourth on-field battle since the start of the year.After Darwin Nunez's goal was controversially disallowed due to Diogo Jota's foul on Max Kilman, Liverpool responded with quick goals from Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah. This helped the team regain momentum following unsatisfactory results against Crystal Palace and Real Madrid.
Liverpool, who have only won four of their last 12 games and have been inconsistent, are slowly climbing the ranks and could disrupt the top-four positions. They currently sit in sixth place, six points behind fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur, but with a game in hand.
Despite their declining form, Liverpool's home record in the Premier League remains impressive. They have lost only one of their last 35 top-flight games at Anfield and have taken 13 points from their last 15 games, including three consecutive clean sheets.
By keeping Wolves at bay, Liverpool secured their fourth successive shutout in the Premier League. They have also remained unbeaten in their last seven home matches against Big Six sides. However, Liverpool's title-challenging adversaries could learn from Real Madrid's tactics.
ERIK TEN HAG'S MEN
Manchester United are hoping to replicate Liverpool's EFL Cup and FA Cup double from the previous season. Although they have already won the former, they were in danger of being knocked out of the latter when West Ham took the lead through Said Benrahma. However, a Nayef Aguerd own goal sparked a late comeback from the Red Devils, with Alejandro Garnacho and Fred scoring in the dying minutes to secure a spot in the quarter-finals and keep their hopes of winning the Premier League, Europa League, FA Cup, and EFL Cup alive. However, Liverpool is unlikely to offer any advice on how to achieve this.
Man United has not played a Premier League game since their 3-0 victory over Leicester City, but they are currently in third place and have won their last four games in different competitions.
Despite Liverpool's strong defense in domestic games, Man United have scored at least twice in each of their last 12 matches across all competitions and have taken the most points (23) in the Premier League since the World Cup.
However, Man United's away form has been unstable. They have conceded more Premier League goals (20) than they have scored (17) away from home this season and have failed to win against a 'Big Six' team in their last seven away games.
While they defeated Liverpool 2-1 at Old Trafford in August, Man United has not won at Anfield since January 2016, when former Evertonian Wayne Rooney scored the only goal of the game.
POSSIBLE ABSENTEES
Liverpool's injury concerns continue with Thiago Alcantara, Luis Diaz, Joe Gomez and Calvin Ramsay set to miss the upcoming match. Naby Keita's availability is uncertain due to a knock. Arthur Melo is still building up his match fitness and unlikely to make his debut in the Premier League. Manager Jurgen Klopp has several selection dilemmas in attack and may consider resting Diogo Jota for the match. Cody Gakpo could replace him. Andrew Robertson and Jordan Henderson are expected to return, and Mohamed Salah is one goal away from equalling Robbie Fowler's all-time Premier League record of 128 for Liverpool.Meanwhile, Man United has their own set of absentees, including Anthony Martial, Donny van de Beek, and Christian Eriksen. Mason Greenwood is still not being considered for the first team, and Jadon Sancho and Luke Shaw are expected to return soon. Lisandro Martinez, Raphael Varane, Casemiro, Fred, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, and Marcus Rashford are expected to return to the first XI after being named on the bench in midweek. Rashford aims to become just the fourth Man United player to score in six successive Premier League games after Eric Cantona, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Ruud van Nistelrooy.
EXPECTED LINEUPS
Liverpool's possible starting lineup:Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Henderson, Fabinho, Bajcetic; Salah, Gakpo, Nunez
Manchester United's possible starting lineup:
De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Martinez, Shaw; Casemiro, Fred; Antony, Fernandes, Rashford; Weghorst
EXPERT PREDICTION
Liverpool 0-1 Manchester United
Although Liverpool has had an excellent track record against Big Six teams at home, their victories over relegation-threatened Everton, 10-man Newcastle United, and goal-shy Wolves are not comparable to facing Man United. Moreover, their recent string of clean sheets may not be enough against a Man United side that frequently scores multiple goals.
While it may be challenging for Man United to continue their two-goal streak, the fact that each member of their preferred defensive lineup, as well as the vital players Casemiro and Rashford, is well-rested may give Ten Hag's team the edge they need.
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