Date: Sunday, 16 March Venue: Old Trafford Kick-Off: 13:30
Team News
Rafael is available for Manchester United despite picking up a knock last weekend against West Brom and the full-back is expected to start. Nani has recovered from a hamstring problem and the Portuguese man may feature, while United are also boosted by the return of Jonny Evans and Javier Hernandez. Liverpool may welcome back Mamadou Sakho and Lucas after they made their comeback from injury in the Reds' development side in midweek, which will provide a big boost to the visitors. However, they are still without full-back Jose Enrique as the Spaniard is suffering from a knee problem.
Key Stats
Manchester United have won all six of their last home ties against Liverpool by a one-goal margin and there hasn't been a draw at Old Trafford since 2000, with only two of the last 27 meetings between the two sides ending in a draw. Liverpool's last victory at Old Trafford came in March 2009, their only victory on United's soil in almost ten years. There have also been 14 red cards in this fixture, the second most in the Premier League. The Red Devils have kept clean sheets in their last three league games but in 14 home ties this season, they've only managed to score 18 goals. Robin Van Persie is set to make his 250th Premier League appearance and he has a good record against the Merseyside team, scoring in six of his last seven games against the Reds. Liverpool are unbeaten in their last nine league games, where they have picked up seven victories. A win tomorrow would see them pick up five consecutive league victories. The Reds have scored 73 goals so far this season, more than any other team in the top flight. they are just four goals away from equalling their best ever scoring tally in the Premier League
Likely Line-Ups
Manchester United De Gea, Rafael, Vidic, Jones, Evra, Fellaini, Carrick, Mata, Rooney, Januzaj, Van Persie Liverpool Mignolet, Flanagan, Skrtel, Agger, Johnson, Allen, Gerrard, Henderson, Suarez, Sturridge, Sterling
Match Preview
Manchester United are facing the frightening possibility of ending their 20 year run in the Champions League but the game tomorrow gives them the opportunity to move eight points behind Liverpool, who are the top four team they are most likely to catch. However, a defeat would put them a huge 14 points behind Brendan Rodgers' side. United will have next weeks clash against Olympiakos in the back of their mind, where they must overturn the damage that was done in an awful display in the first leg. Liverpool, meanwhile, have the benefit of playing just once a week. However, this does bring disadvantages but the main concern for Liverpool will be their defensive frailties. Defensive errors this season have been a major issue for the Reds and against the attacking might of Mata, Januzaj, Rooney and Van Persie it could be very dangerous indeed. Liverpool are currently chasing Chelsea at the top of the table but a defeat tomorrow could undo the fantastic work they have done so far this season. Neither side can afford to lose tomorrow but it will be Liverpool that would be more content with a draw. Prediction 2-1 source- bbc football
Josh has had work featured in the Evening Gazette and on Newcastle United website. He is a Multimedia Journalism student at Teesside University and runs a successful sports blog. He also enjoys films, comics and TV, writing about anything he can. Josh has recently started writing his first of what he hopes will be many books.
