The biggest rivalry in England re-ignites on Sunday as Liverpool host Manchester United. Both clubs were involved in thrilling 3-3 draws during midweek. But while Liverpool scored a late equalizer to salvage a point against league-leading Arsenal, United dropped some much-needed points at the death against Newcastle. Is another goal-fest in store when these two giants of English football meet at Anfield?
Read on below for our preview of this super Sunday showdown. Meanwhile, don’t forget to check out our previews of the other big (American) football games on Sunday, with the Seahawks vs. Panthers and Steelers vs. Broncos.
[sc:Soccer ]Liverpool vs. Manchester United Preview
Where: Anfield, Liverpool
When: Sunday, January 17, 9:05 AM ET
Line: Liverpool +113 vs. Manchester United +200, tie +225; total 2.5 – view all EPL lines
Betting on Liverpool (8-7-6, 31 pts)
There are a couple of positives Liverpool can take away from their exciting 3-3 draw with Arsenal on Wednesday. For one, it seems that Jurgen Klopp’s fighting spirit is rubbing off on them as they kept plugging away and eventually got the late equalizer care of Joe Allen.
[sc:Soccer240banner ]Meanwhile, their offense looked much better with Roberto Firmino leading the line in place of Christian Benteke. It was the first time Liverpool scored three goals since their 4-1 win over Manchester City on Nov. 21, which was also the last time Firmino scored for the Reds.
Firmino’s possible revival within Klopp’s tweaked formation would be a very welcome development for a Liverpool team that’s still short of attacking talent with top creative force Philippe Coutinho sidelined.
However, Questions remain about a central defensive partnership that will continue to be without Martin Skrtel. Dejan Lovren is still a doubt to return in time, while loan signing Steven Caulker is an unknown quantity.
Jurgen Klopp’s tactical nous can’t be overstated, though. He’s still undefeated in the more high-profile games as Liverpool manager. He beat both Chelsea and Manchester City away, and has draws against Everton, Tottenham and Arsenal.
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Betting on Manchester United (9-7-5, 34 pts)
For the first time since Oct. 17, Manchester United actually managed to score more than two goals in a game. Wayne Rooney bagged a brace against Newcastle in midweek and looked as sharp as he’s been this season. Meanwhile, young Jesse Lingard also scored and provided a much-needed injection of pace in attack.
However, their usually reliable defense let them down as they squandered a 2-0 lead and gave up a late equalizer in a 3-3 draw. United now have just one win and four draws in their last eight games.
That disappointing draw was just the latest example of how United have been Jekyll and Hyde at home and on the road this season. They’re 5-4-1 with just four goals conceded at Old Trafford, but just 4-3-4 with 16 goals allowed everywhere else. They’re also winless (0-2-2) in their last four away from home.
United’s supposed resurgence offensively is a promising sign heading into their matchup with their big rivals. But while they possess tremendous individual talent, it’s hard to put complete trust in a United team that has produced such underwhelming performances for the past couple months, particularly going forward.
The Red Devils have won seven of their last nine meetings against Liverpool, including two of their last three visits to Anfield. Although, they received the benefit of a Liverpool red card in both of those wins.
Writer’s Prediction
Liverpool (+113) compound United’s road woes with a 2-1 home win.
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