Liverpool take on Manchester United in the Premier League on Thursday and the Anfield outfit go into this game as the favourites, for a couple of reasons.
Firstly, Jurgen Klopp’s men have gotten a long break after the Southampton game so they should be fully charged to take the pitch. On the other hand, Man United have just played two games in a span of three days so fatigue will definitely be a big factor for Solskjaer’s men.
Liverpool have somewhat managed to get their act together as they are undefeated in their last 6 matches in the Premier League but Manchester United’s loss to Leicester City was a big blow for the Reds in their quest to a top-four finish. The Anfield outfit are currently seven points behind the fourth spot but they still have one game in hand.
Theoretically, Jurgen Klopp side still have a chance to grab a Champions League spot for the next season but for that to happen they will need to win all their remaining games and hope that both Chelsea and West Ham United falter. But if Liverpool cannot win against Manchester United then the Merseyside outfit will be playing in the Europa League next season.
Liverpool team news vs Manchester United:
Defensive woes are just a daily routine for the Liverpool manager this season and January signing Ozan Kabak seems to be the latest addition. Kabak has picked up a muscle injury and he remains a doubt for the Manchester United game.
If Kabak is not ready in time then Fabinho will once again have to play in central defence along with Nat Phillips.
Nat Phillips and Rhys Williams paired up in central defence during the 2-0 win over Southampton. And while the manager has hinted in his pre-match press conference that the same pair could take the field vs Man United but we don’t think the manager is going to take such a big gamble.
Fabinho moving into the backline means Thiago will have to play in defensive midfield and this could be a real headache for Klopp since the Spaniard will have to keep a constant watch on players like Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba.
Also, Edinson Cavani is going to lead the line and the South American is going to be a real handful for the Liverpool central defence.
Wijnaldum is expected to leave Liverpool in the summer but the Dutch international is going to start in central midfield. With Naby Keita out injured James Milner is likely to be the third midfielder. Milner is also recovering from a knock but he should be fully fit by Thursday.
Firmino has been really underwhelming and there’s a big chance that Jurgen Klopp will look to bring in Diogo Jota up front, replacing the Brazilian.
Sadio Mane has also come out to apologize for his poor form this campaign but he is a guaranteed starter alongside Mo Salah. If the front-three fail to click on Thursday then it will be a real issue for the Liverpool manager since he does not have too many options off the bench.
Injury updates via Premier Injuries.
