Liverpool vs Manchester United Premier League match scheduled for today, January 17, 2020, at 17:30 is seen as one of the most important league matches in the 2020-2021 season.
Manchester United are going into the game as the table toppers with 36 points in 17 games. While Liverpool will host United at Anfield as the 3rd placed team with 33 points in 17 games.
One of the most interesting parts of the Liverpool vs Manchester United game is the fact that United are the most brutal club when it comes to away games this season. They are currently enjoying 15 unbeaten run in away games.
On the other hand, Liverpool’s Anfield Stadium is practically a fortress for coach Jurgen Klopp and his boys as far as the Premier League is concerned. The last time Liverpool lost a league game at home was in 2018 against Crystal Palace.
With this at the back of the minds of football fans, it will be difficult to know the club that will take the day. But based on current form, Manchester United look like a team that should go all the way against Liverpool even though they are playing at Anfield.
For instance, Manchester United have recorded just a defeat in their last 10 games in all competitions. The defeat came in the hands of Manchester City in the EFL Cup semi-final on January 6, 2021.
While in the Premier League, Manchester United have not suffered a defeat in their last 11 league games both home and away, a run that had catapulted them to the top of the table between December and January.
On Liverpool’s part, the reigning Premier League champions have recorded just a defeat in their last 10 games. The defeat came on January 4 in the hands of Southampton. The league match ended 1-0.
Among all the clubs in the top four this season, Liverpool have recorded the highest number of draws so far in the league (6) which affected their stay at the top of the league table. But the fact that they have recorded two defeats in 17 league games means that they are beatable.
If Manchester United draw or win over Liverpool today, they will maintain the lead on the league table. But if Liverpool win, they will return to the top of the table because they have superior goals difference.
Get in the 𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗺𝗼𝗼𝗱 by enjoying highlights from last season's clash with @ManUtd at Anfield ✊🔴 #LIVMUN pic.twitter.com/BdXeXDgKFF
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) January 17, 2021
Liverpool Premier League form: DWWDDL
Liverpool form (all competitions): WWDDLW
Manchester United Premier League form: WWDWWW
Manchester United form (all competitions): DWWLWW
Liverpool vs Manchester United: Team News
The possibility of Joel Matip being available for today’s game is high as the defender was seen in Liverpool’s training ground during the weekend. The club’s manager has not ruled out the possibility of featuring the defender who has been out with an injury since early in the season. But the defender is not likely to start in the Liverpool vs Manchester United fixture.
Klopp is likely to return the club’s captain Jordan Henderson to the midfield where he naturally plays. He has been an emergency defender in some games this season due to the injury crisis the club has been faced with.
Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez, Diogo Jota, Kostas Tsimikas, and Naby Keita will not be available for the game due to different degrees of fitness issues.
On the other hand, Manchester United might visit Anfield without Brandon Williams, Phil Jones, and Victor Lindelof who are battling different degrees of fitness issues.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could also have Anthony Martial available for the game if he passes his fitness test before the kick-off time. Nemanja Matic is also in doubt due to fitness issues.
Liverpool probable starting lineup:
Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Phillips, Fabinho, Robertson; Henderson, Thiago, Wijnaldum; Salah, Firmino, Mane
Manchester United probable starting lineup:
De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Bailly, Maguire, Shaw; McTominay, Fred; Rashford, Fernandes, Pogba; Martial
Get in the 𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗺𝗼𝗼𝗱 by enjoying highlights from last season's clash with @ManUtd at Anfield ✊🔴 #LIVMUN pic.twitter.com/BdXeXDgKFF
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) January 17, 2021
