Liverpool v Manchester United predictions: Rampant Reds can brush aside rivals

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for Liverpool v Manchester United in the Premier League on Tuesday.

Where to watch

Sky Sports Premier League & Main Event, 8pm Tuesday

Best bet

Liverpool to win & over 3.5 goals
3pts 21-10 Betfair, Paddy Power

Team news

Liverpool
Sadio Mane is a slight doubt and Jordan Henderson and Joel Matip are pushing for recalls to the starting 11.

Manchester United
Fred, Luke Shaw, Edinson Cavani and Scott McTominay are likely to miss out for the Red Devils but Raphael Varane could return to the squad.

Match preview

Manchester United's defence was ruffled by the weakest attacking unit in the Premier League on Saturday so it is hard to see the Red Devils denting the title ambitions of a rampant Liverpool side at Anfield.

United traded at 1.01 in-play after taking a 2-0 lead against Norwich at Old Trafford but the bottom club, who had scored just eight goals in their first 15 away matches of the season, fought back to make it 2-2.

Cristiano Ronaldo's hat-trick goal in the 76th minute came to the rescue for United backers and Ralf Rangnick's men have rekindled their hopes of making the top four.

That is more due to the failures of Arsenal and Tottenham than anything United have done themselves and there cannot be much optimism in the camp as they travel to quadruple-chasing Liverpool.

The Reds cleared a significant obstacle in their pursuit of a clean sweep of trophies on Saturday, racing into a 3-0 half-time lead against Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley.

Liverpool's league title rivals cut the deficit to 3-2 late on but Jurgen Klopp's men held firm and a victory over United would deal another psychological blow to the Citizens.

An 11th straight home league win would take the Reds two points clear at the top of the table and turn up the heat on the Citizens for Wednesday's home game against Brighton, who have won at Arsenal and Tottenham in their last two league fixtures.

Klopp and his players will not be looking beyond their clash with the Red Devils, although Liverpool fans could be forgiven for still basking in their side's 5-0 triumph at Old Trafford in October's reverse fixture.

The Reds' current form suggests they should complete another comprehensive victory over their faltering rivals and backing Liverpool to win a game featuring four or more goals looks a good bet.

They had racked up ten straight league wins before a 2-2 draw with City at the Etihad Stadium and are averaging 2.6 goals per game at home in the top flight.

Liverpool's last four matches have all rewarded backers of over 3.5 goals – the league and cup clashes with the Citizens and both legs of their 6-4 aggregate win over Champions League quarter-final opponents Benfica – and their forwards should be looking forward to another crack at a depleted United side.

While Klopp had players of the calibre of Diogo Jota, Roberto Firmino, Jordan Henderson and Joel Matip on the bench for the cup semi-final, Rangnick's options are limited by injuries to several senior players.

The absence of Scott McTominay and Fred mean Rangnick could be forced into selecting a more expansive midfield than is ideal at Anfield. United pose a goal threat through the evergreen Ronaldo, supported by Jadon Sancho, Anthony Elanga, Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba, but their defence may well be torn apart as they were in October's 5-0 rout at Old Trafford.

Key stat

Liverpool have won their last ten Premier League matches at Anfield.

Inside info

Liverpool

Penalty taker Mohamed Salah
Free-kick wizard Trent Alexander-Arnold
Set-piece aerial threat Virgil van Dijk
Card magnet Fabinho

Manchester United

Penalty taker Cristiano Ronaldo/Bruno Fernandes
Free-kick wizardCristiano Ronaldo/Bruno Fernandes
Set-piece aerial threatHarry Maguire
Card magnetHarry Maguire

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