EPL 2018-19: Liverpool vs Manchester United- A pre-match report
Tonight we shall witness the most anticipated fixture of English football as Liverpool take on arch-rivals Manchester United at home. The two rivals are going through opposing fates in the league - while Liverpool are topping the table and have not yet suffered a single defeat, United are sixth, 16 points adrift of Liverpool. Will Klopp finally manage to defeat United at Anfield?
Some interesting facts to gear you up for the match
Liverpool have not managed a single win in their last eight EPL encounters against United, drawing three and losing five. The fourteen point gap is the most United have trailed against Liverpool before Christmas since 1990. Mourinho has played eight away matches at Anfield, of which he has won four. Salah-Mane-Firmino have not scored or assisted a single goal against United yet.
How are Klopp's men shaping up for the fixture?
Alexander-Arnold, Matip, and Gomez being injured, Klopp will surely have to restructure his defense for tonight. Either Milner or Clyne could be deployed as the right-back with Liverpool lining up in the 4-3-3 formation. Lovren will most likely be Van Dijk's partner. Naby Keita might also make a start in midfield, while Klopp is likely to keep the front three unchanged.
News from the Red Devils' corner
Matic and de Gea will return to the starting line-up for the match, as will Rashford and Lingard. Martial's hamstring issue will be a big concern the for United, as out of form Lukaku would be fielded in his place otherwise. United also have numerous injury concerns, with Lindelof, Sanchez and Smalling out amongst others. Mourinho can also go for a 4-3-3 formation.
Predicted line-ups and TV listing
Liverpool FC: Alisson; Milner, Lovren, Van Dijk, Robertson; Wijnaldum, Henderson, Keita; Salah, Firmino, Mane. Manchester United FC: De Gea; Shaw, Bailly, Smalling, Young; Matic, Fellaini, Herrera; Rashford, Lukaku, Lingard. The match is scheduled to start at 9:30 PM IST and can be viewed on Star Sports Select 1 or Star Sports Select HD. Fans can also live stream the match on Hotstar.
How can the match pan out tonight?
Everything points at Liverpool coming away with a clear victory considering the brilliant form they are in at the moment. After United's performance against Valencia, it will not be a surprise if they succumb under Liverpool's fast-paced football. However, Mourinho always has a penchant for grinding through big matches, and he might just pull off omething. 2-1 for Liverpool can be the score.
