Big Game Focus: Liverpool v Manchester United

The biggest game in English football returns on Sunday, with Anfield playing host to the 204th North West Derby. Which side of the great divide will have the bragging rights? Bet on the match here.

Manchester United make the short trip to Anfield in the final Premier League game of matchweek 23 on Sunday. They arrive as heavy underdogs. In fact, odds of 1.35 for a Liverpool win are the lowest ever for the Merseyside club to beat United in the Premier League era.

Jurgen Klopp’s side are running away with the league title. A win on Sunday would put them on 64 points after just 22 games. All factors point to a home win but the only side to take points off Liverpool in the league this season is Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team. Can the Red Devils strike again?

Betting tips

Liverpool have won 20 Premier League games, drawn one and lost none this season. The last time they dropped points at Anfield in the league was almost a year ago, when they drew 1-1 with Leicester. The Reds have been winning at half-time and full-time in six consecutive Premier League games at home. You can get odds of 1.95 for Half-Time/Full-Time (1/1).

Over 2.5 Goals have been scored in 10 of Liverpool’s last 15 home games in the Premier League. That includes games against big opposition such as Manchester City, Arsenal, Tottenham and Leicester. If we include a friendly, three of the last five meetings had three or more goals as well. Odds of 1.65 are available for Over 2.5 Goals on our website.

Sadio Mane has 15 goals in all competitions this season and the Senegalese is often Liverpool’s go-to-man. The African Footballer of the Year 2019 opened the scoring in last season’s fixture against United on home turf and will be confident of causing more mayhem to a dodgy United defence. Back Mane to score at odds of 2.20.

Team news

Klopp has a few big players out injured. James Milner, Fabinho and Naby Keita are missing from the midfield, which opens the door to Adam Lallana or Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to deputise. Joel Matip and Dejan Lovren continue to miss out.

Solskjaer is sweating on the fitness of top goal scorer, Marcus Rashford. The 14 goal Englishman came off the bench against Wolves in midweek but was soon withdrawn with a back injury. Paul Pogba, Luke Shaw and Scott McTominay are all missing.

Possible line-ups

Liverpool: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson; Lallana, Wijnaldum, Henderson; Salah, Mane, Firmino

Man United: De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Maguire, Williams; Fred, Matic, Mata; James, Rashford, Martial