Manchester United vs Liverpool has long been one of the standout fixtures in the English football calendar, and this Sunday will see the 207th competitive meeting between these two fierce rivals. United have stolen a march on Liverpool this season, sitting 13 points ahead in second place, which is quite a reversal from last season, when Liverpool finished as champions, and 33 points in front of their Manchester rival. While United have more or less sewn up second place, they will still be desperate for a win over Liverpool, as much as for bragging rights as to extend the title race to another weekend, as Manchester Citys win over Crystal Palace means that a United defeat will crown them as champions with three games to play. Liverpool, on the other hand, need the three points to make up ground on their rivals for a top four spot, and the games are running out for Jurgen Klopps men to be able to sneak into the Champions League for next season.
This piece is a tactical preview of this heavyweight clash, with both teams expected lineups, tactics and strategies discussed, as well as their potential weaknesses which could be exploited by either team.
Expected lineups
Ole Gunnar Solskjær reported that United did not have any fresh injury concerns after their thumping 6-2 win over AS Roma in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final, so we expect the Red Devils lineup to be the same as in that match, with the exception of the goalkeeper, where Dean Henderson will take over from David de Gea. The back four selects itself, even with Eric Bailly available for selection, while Fred and Scott McTominay have been the preferred duo in midfield for the big games this season. The only area of contention is on the flanks, where Marcus Rashford has been carrying an injury for months, but has been an integral part of Uniteds lineup, and a game against Liverpool seems like too big an occasion to rest the 23-year-old. Paul Pogba has been in superb form since being moved out to the left flank, while Edinson Cavani was devastating in the second half against Roma, and will hope to continue in that vein against a slightly shaky Liverpool defence. Mason Greenwood could potentially come into the side if Rashford does get rested, but we expect him to come off the bench in this game.
Jurgen Klopp has also reported a clean bill of health, other than his long-term absentees, while it looks like Nathaniel Phillips will miss this game through injury as well, having sat out of Liverpools previous two games. Thus, Fabinho will have to drop in at centre-back once again to partner Ozan Kabak, and while the Brazilian has been assured whenever asked to play there, this does take away some security from Liverpools midfield. Given Jordan Hendersons continued absence, we expect that James Milner will come into the XI, alongside Thiago and Gini Wijnaldum, while Liverpools usual front three should start. Diogo Jota will drop to the bench to accommodate the extra midfielder.
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