EPL: Liverpool vs. Manchester United
Venue: Anfield, Liverpool
Date: Sunday, January 19, 2020
BetXchange Odds:
Form
It is worth noting that the only team to have taken points off of Liverpool as the Reds look set to match towards a relatively uncontested Premier League title was Manchester United. The Red Devils did enough to thwart the Liverpool attacking trio at Old Trafford to force a share of the spoils as the game was drawn. Liverpool have kicked on from this game though and they are a team in fearsome form that doesn’t seem to know how to draw a game anymore, let alone lose one.
Manchester United have found a bit of form themselves as of late after a so-so start to the season that had some predicting that manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was destined for the chop. They will be looking to extend their winning run to three games as they visit Anfield, having taken down Norwich City and Wolves in their last two outings. Liverpool, however, will be a much sterner test of the Red Devils than either of the two aforementioned squads.
It is also noteworthy that no matter who has been in the form over the last few seasons, the Reds have struggled to beat the Red Devils. After Liverpool picked up wins both home and away during the 2013/14 season, they have only managed to beat Manchester United one time in the league since then. Of the 29 different clubs that Jurgen Klopp has faced as Liverpool boss, United is the team that he has by far the worst record against having picked up just eight points in as many matches.
Liverpool
The Liverpool squad will be bolstered this week by the return to fitness of both Fabinho and Joel Matip who have been missing over the last few games. This gives Klopp more options in his set up, but it seems likely that he will stick with the same starting side that has been rampant in recent weeks.
James Milner is still missing with a hamstring issue and he joins the likes of Naby Keita and Dejan Lovren on the sidelines. This means that there is a spot in midfield up for grabs that will be filled by either Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain or Adam Lallana.
Man United
United have more issues than their hosts when it comes to naming their side for this match. The most recent – and biggest – blow came when striker Marcus Rashford was forced off with a back problem late on in the game against Wolves. If Rashford is out – and he is in a battle to prove his fitness – then the Red Devils will be without their top scorer and biggest mismatch against the Liverpool back four.
United will also be without a couple of midfield pieces as Scott McTominay and the oft-injured (and potentially want away) Paul Pogba not in contention for this one with knee and ankle issues respectively.
Best Bets
The hex that United have had over Klopp and Liverpool makes very little sense and we expect the home favorites to do the job here and pick up a win. They offer little value at BetXchange, but we do like this to be a low scoring affair, especially if Rashford doesn’t play. Under 2.5 goals at 1.26 is a good play for this Northwest derby match.
