Liverpool FC vs Manchester United FC, Premier League 2020-2021, Today Match Prediction

Liverpool FC vs Manchester United FC Match Prediction & Analysis

The most anticipated game of the season so far kicks off this weekend as Manchester United, who find themselves three points clear at the top of the table, take on champions Liverpool.

Liverpool, despite going three games without victory (they haven’t gone four with winning for over four years), will be licking their lips for this, eager to prove that they remain the best team in the country by moving back to the top of the table.

In a derby match, you can never tell for sure, and it will be interesting to see how Liverpool get on at their home ground Anfield without any fans.

As for Manchester United, their red-hot form continued in midweek and as the squeezed past a tough Burnley side to move three points clear at the top of the table. At this stage of the season, it’s the first time they’ve managed to be in 1st since 2013.

What a great occasion this should be.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Liverpool FC Preview

Form Guide (all comps): WDDLW

Reasons to be cheerful:

     Defender Joel Matip could be fit to play

     Good record against United, including winning this fixture 2-0 last season

Reasons to be fearful:

     United are in top form right now and will have a game plan

     Liverpool, despite being in 2nd, don’t look like the team of last season

Liverpool have not gone four league games without a victory in almost four years, and will desperate to put that right this weekend in order to retake the lead at the top.

They are possibly slight favourites to do so, firstly because of the fantastic players within their squad, and secondly because of their form over the last two or three seasons. Just against the ‘big six’ teams, they’ve won 11 consecutive games at Anfield.

The Reds will be wary of United’s pace and power up front, of course, not least because of their weak situation at the back with several key players injured. Joel Matip faces a late fitness test – he would be Liverpool’s only senior defender.

It is in attack that Liverpool will feel they can win the game.

Star Man – Mo Salah

Liverpool’s, and the Premier League’s, top goal scorer always relishes a game against United, scoring against them last season.

Manchester United FC Preview

Form Guide (all comps): WWLWW

Reasons to be cheerful:

     Their form, particularly away, is exceptional

     Strikers’ pace up front should cause Liverpool problems

Reasons to be fearful:

     Only beaten Liverpool once in last 10 matches

     No wins against big six teams this season from four attempts (D2, L2)

For all of Manchester United’s great form over the past couple of months, this will be the biggest test for them to see where they really are in their quest to return to the status as Premier League champions.

Their four games against similar big six opposition have not gone well this season, drawing against Manchester City and Chelsea, while losing to Arsenal and Spurs. Those games came earlier in the season, when United were not the side they are now, but still they need to improve here.

United may fancy their status as ‘underdogs’ – they haven’t beaten Liverpool at Anfield in four-and-a-half years – and they have shown us this season how happy they are to play on the counterattack.

They’ll rely heavily on a tight defensive unit, before hitting Liverpool on the break with the pace and quality they have up front.

Star Man – Bruno Fernandes

With his latest award, he has won ‘Player of the Month’ in the Premier League four times in a year. His quality could separate the sides.