In their last league game Jose Mourinho’s Man Utd battled their way back to second place in the Premiership thanks to an excellent recovery in their Crystal Palace encounter.
Prior to that, the Red Devils also came from behind to beat Chelsea. Jose Mourinho’s men were the first to concede courtesy of first half strike from the boot of Willian in the 32nd minute. United however, were in no mood to capitulate.
Romelu Lukaku, who also scored against Palace, equalised against his former club in the 39th and substitute Jesse Lingard had the final word in the 75th. It marked a good day for the Mancunian side, putting them six points ahead of the London outfit. The task now is to continue to put points between them and the rest of the top four. Enter Liverpool.
Liverpool, for their part, enjoyed a comfortable win at home to Newcastle this weekend to give them three victories on the bounce. The result created a bit of argy-bargy at the upper end of the league as Liverpool leapfrogged Man Utd to claim second even though Utd have a game in hand.
Jurgen Klopp seems to think his side have had to become more inventive and unpredictable without the influence of former star man Philippe Coutinho. When it comes to star men, however, the Reds need not look much further than talismanic striker Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian has proved himself as one of the best players in the Premier League and if the paper talk is to believed, is on the radar of Real Madrid. In any case, Klopp has one of the top striking talents in the country to draw upon.
An exciting encounter between the two top teams behind Man City can be expected on Saturday. Bookmaker William Hill have the home side at 8/5 for the victory with the visitors priced at 17/10. The draw is marked as 23/10.
Head to Head
Liverpool 1-2 Man Utd
Man Utd 3-1 Liverpool
Liverpool 0-1 Man Utd
Liverpool 0-0 Man Utd
Man Utd 1-1 Liverpool
Liverpool 0-0 Man Utd
Man Utd have won three and drawn three of the last six league encounters against Liverpool making grim reading for fans of the Liverpudlian side. In fact, the last time Liverpool claimed all three points was back in March of 2014.
On that occasion, Steven Gerrard scored two from the penalty spot and a third, while Man Utd’s Nemanja Vidic was sent for an early bath. A repeat of that kind of result is highly unlikely, but it is the sort of match which puts fear into the hearts of every pundit and match prediction website. Sometimes crazy things happen in football. A reminder then to be humble when looking at the head to head.
The last Liverpool victory against Man Utd came in the Europa League when Liverpool beat Man Utd at Anfield by two goals to nil. Still, any dispassionate, hard-headed analysis of the stats leads to the conclusion that Man Utd have the measure of Liverpool in these encounters.
Liverpool’s recent league form is mildly more impressive with four wins and a draw from five while Man Utd have three wins from five and two losses. Does it suggest that Liverpool are in the kind of form to top Utd. It’s not completely impossible.
Goalscorers
From the home side’s perspective they have a whole host of dangerous talent to draw upon in from of goal. First and foremost Lukaku has 13 goals to his name this season and has been a regular fixture at the tip of the Man Utd spear. Lukaku is priced at 4/1 as first goalscorer and 5/4 for anytime. Better value may be found elsewhere. Meanwhile the ever impressive Alexis Sanchez is priced at 6/1 for first goal and 19/10 any time. If you fancy looking further from the frontline for a goal, Lingard has been on great form of late – 15/2 for first goal and 5/2 for any time. Surely Lingard must be called up to the England squad and be given his chance.
In Liverpool colours the first name on everyone’s lips is Salah. For first goalscorer you’ll get a price of 4/1 and 5/4 for anytime. Given that Mo has scored in every one of his last 7 outings that might seem on the surface of things to be a somewhat safe bet. If you want a little more money for your efforts try Firmino 11/2 and 7/4 anytime. The Brazilian may not be in the same sort of form as Salah, but then again, who is?
Man Utd to win: Although Liverpool’s league form has been mildly hotter in the last few games Man Utd have the advantage in the head to head encounters. Unless Liverpool can produce something special this one will go to the home team.
Online-Betting.me.uk is a very popular website for online sports betting needs, primarily focused on football betting. Why not take a look at our best online bookmakers list to get the best reviews and information before placing a bet.
