Jason McAteer's predictions for Liverpool v Manchester United

Jason McAteer believes Liverpool are "fragile" as they prepare to welcome high-flying rivals Manchester United to Anfield in a massive top-of-the-table clash – but the ex-Reds ace is still convinced Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side will fold in the title race.

United are three points clear of the reigning champions ahead of their Super Sunday showdown and McAteer is anticipating a classic.

The former Ireland international, speaking to FreeSuperTips.com, is concerned that Liverpool are making too many mistakes though he is convinced the league table would have a different look if Jurgen Klopp didn't have to shuffle his injury-ravaged defence around.

"They’ve looked fragile in games. Usually when they get in a commanding position, they see the job out.

"In Liverpool's games this season against Everton, Brighton and Fulham, they've dropped points when usually they would win.

"However, in this current climate with the way Liverpool play and how they are set up away from home, teams are more confident and aren't as frightened to attack as they were previously. Liverpool have made mistakes and been punished for them.

"Liverpool are in a fragile state and not the greatest form. This is due to physical and mental tiredness as the squad is stretched with so many injuries.

"Liverpool have lost Virgil Van Dijk, Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino, Allison and more at one point this season, but they're still coping and still up fighting with teams at the top of the league. In that respect, Liverpool have shown more champion credentials where no one else really has."

And McAteer is adamant that whatever happens at Anfield this weekend, it will be Liverpool and Manchester City – and not United – contesting the silverware come May.

"At this current moment in time, United are doing okay," McAteer said. "You can't deny where they currently are and you have to give them some credit for sitting on top of the Premier League.

"However, come May, Manchester City and Liverpool will be fighting for the league title and Manchester United will combust as the season develops.

"Everyone's talking about them as title contenders. If they lose Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford or Harry Maguire, they will have big problems. They will lose points in all those tough games that champions usually win. They don't have enough to be up at the top of the table come the end of the season."

McAteer, who played in seven Liverpool-United showdowns including the 1996 FA Cup final, certainly doesn't think Sunday's game will be a title decider – but he does accept an empty Kop hands Solskjaer's league leaders an edge.

"It's a massive game," he said. "It's the first one players look for when the fixtures come out.

"The last time Liverpool and Manchester United were first and second, I actually played in the game, which goes to tell you how long ago this was.

"The players will miss out on the atmosphere at Anfield because it's electric. United will definitely benefit from the lack of Liverpool fans.

"But it could be a classic which is something we’ve not had for a long time."

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