Last updated October 17th, 2016
North West rivals Manchester United and Liverpool will renew hostilities on Monday night as both clubs attempt to close the gap separating themselves from the top of the Premier League table (8pm, Sky Sports 1).
Man Utd were held to a 1-1 draw by Stoke City last time out, with a late strike from Joe Allen earning the Potters a point at Old Trafford. Jose Mourinho (pictured) praised his side’s display as the best they have mustered since he replaced Louis van Gaal in the dugout in the summer, but the former Chelsea boss will know that the Red Devils cannot afford to drop points when they perform so well in the future.
Man Utd are currently in sixth place in the top-flight standings heading into the weekend’s action and will be targeting a victory against their fellow top-four competitors on Monday. Far more than just local bragging rights are on the line when Liverpool take on the 20-time English champions at Anfield.
Jurgen Klopp’s charges have enjoyed a better start to the campaign, particularly given the identity of their opponents up to now. While the Reds have only amassed three more points than United, their fixture list has been far tougher. A 2-1 victory away to Swansea City was secured last time out, when Liverpool’s second-half showing turned the game around after a very disappointing display in the first 45 minutes.
It is now five matches in the Premier League and seven fixtures in all competitions since the Merseysiders tasted defeat. Klopp’s men certainly look good enough to challenge for the title this term and they are second-favourites in the Premier League odds with the bookies. It remains to be seen whether or not they have the consistency to maintain their current level of performance over a longer period of time.
United will have to make do without defender Phil Jones (knee), but Henrikh Mkhitaryan should be available for selection following a spell on the sidelines with a thigh muscle injury. Wayne Rooney has started the Red Devils’ last two matches on the substitutes’ bench and is again unlikely to be selected from the start on Monday, with Ander Herrera, Paul Pogba and Juan Mata all excelling in a revamped midfield in United’s 4-1 defeat of champions Leicester City and draw with Stoke. Zlatan Ibrahimovic has found the back of the net four times in his seven Premier League appearances and will be looking to add to his tally against his new employers’ biggest rivals.
Liverpool are without youngsters Joe Gomez and Sheyi Ojo, while Adam Lallana and Georginio Wijnaldum could also miss out after picking up injuries in the last fortnight. Defensive duo Dejan Lovren and Nathaniel Clyne are expected to be fit enough to feature. Klopp is likely to keep faith with the starting XI he has favoured at the start of the campaign as far as possible. Philippe Coutinho could drop back into a deeper role if either Lallana or Wijnaldum does not make it. Daniel Sturridge will be hoping to be involved if the Brazil international is moved out of the front three.
Our Preview’s Liverpool v Man Utd Betting Tips
Given the nature of their performances in the bigger games so far this season, it could be worth backing Liverpool to win Monday night’s heavyweight clash at Old Trafford. The Reds are arguably better suited to facing sides who attempt to play out from the back and work the ball through the midfield, so they will probably have some success against Man Utd.
Liverpool are currently at best odds of 17/14 with Unibet to win the game. For those looking for a better price, a 2-1 home victory is this preview’s choice in the correct score market. We also rate Coutinho as a good choice to find the back of the net before anyone else.
- Correct Score Betting Tip: Liverpool to beat Manchester United 2-1 at a best price of 17/2 with Bet365 or BetVictor.
- 1st Scorer Betting Tip: Philippe Coutinho to score the first goal of the game at best betting odds of 13/2 with Coral.
Keep a look out on JustBookies’ home page for any enhanced odds offers and other free bets associated with this Liverpool v Man Utd Premier League match on Monday night.
Greg Lea is a freelance sports writer. Read the articles that he has written at Just Bookies.