Liverpool v Manchester United: match odds, form, stats, tactics & verdict

Premier League: Liverpool v Manchester United

Where to watch

Sky Sports 4.30pm Sunday

Match odds

2-5 Liverpool, 15-2 Manchester United, 17-4 draw.

Form

Liverpool have claimed 61 points - no team have ever accumulated more in Europe's big-five leagues after 21 matches - but the runaway Premier League leaders were nullified by Manchester United in the 1-1 draw at Old Trafford in October.

It's the only time they have dropped points in this season's Premier League and Liverpool remain unbeaten thanks to substitute Adam Lallana's late goal to level matters.

That continued Jurgen Klopp's dodgy record against United - the Reds boss has claimed just one win in eight league attempts against the Red Devils.

United progressed through to the FA Cup fourth round with a 1-0 victory over Wolves on Wednesday, making it three clean sheets in four for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side. However, the other encounter saw United totally outclassed in a 3-1 loss to Manchester City.

Team news

Marcus Rashford, only on briefly as a substitute, had to be taken off against Wolves on Wednesday and is doubtful along with Marcos Rojo for the Anfield trip. Scott McTominay and Paul Pogba are ruled out.

Joel Matip and Fabinho have returned to training for Liverpool this week, although both lack match fitness. Dejan Lovren could also be back but Naby Keita and James Milner remain sidelined.

The tactical battle

One of Solskjaer's greatest tactical triumphs came against Liverpool in the reverse fixture.

United limited Liverpool to just ten shots and were comfortable in a 3-4-1-2 formation in which the wing-backs engaged high against dynamic Reds duo Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson.

United's problem is that Rojo - a centre-back comfortable in wide positions - has not featured since November 10 and McTominay, who sets the tempo in midfield, is currently also crocked.

Rashford, who scored United's goal, and Dan James played as wide strikers with Andreas Pereira nominally used as a false nine. Those are options available again with Anthony Martial possibly in the Rashford role if he fails to recover from injury in time.

Verdict

There is a 27-point gulf between the clubs and that should become 30 after United have made the daunting trip to fortress Anfield, where Liverpool have won every league match this season.

Only one of those 11 victories featured no more than one goal and a Liverpool win with at least two goals looks a solid option at 8-13. Liverpool 3-0.

Key stats

• Liverpool have been leading at half-time and also gone on to win in their last eight Premier League matches
• Mohamed Salah has never scored a Premier League goal against Manchester United
• The Red Devils have kept only one clean sheet in their last 16 away league trips
• United are unbeaten in seven league games against the top eight this season, accumulating a hefty 15 points.

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