Prediction and odds for the game: Liverpool (19/20) vs Manchester United (13/5)
When: Sunday, 17th January 2020, Kick-off 16:30
Where: Anfield
On Sunday afternoon, the two most successful clubs in the history of the English game meet, as Premier League top-two Liverpool and Manchester United face-off at Anfield.
Liverpool
The home side is experiencing a slight dip in form, as they meet their big north west rivals on the back of a three-match run without a victory in the Premier League. The poor results have seen the visitors move to the top of the table, three points clear of Liverpool.
However, last time out, the Reds recorded a 4-1 win at Aston Villa in the FA Cup third round. The win was rather empty though, as the Villans were unable to field any first-team players due to COVID-19.
A lack of goals in the top-flight has been a major issue in the top-flight, as Jurgen Klopp’s team has scored just one goal in their previous three league outings.
One factor that may prove crucial in this clash is Liverpool’s home record in the English top-flight. The Reds have not been defeated in their previous 67 league games at Anfield. The reigning English champions have also won 30 times in 32 top-flight home games.
Liverpool have a good recent record against Manchester United, as the home side has lost just one of their last 11 meetings with the Red Devils in all competitions.
Manchester United
This season has done a full turnaround for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and his team. Earlier this season there was major speculation that the Norwegian would be replaced as the Red Devils boss. However, now they are top of the Premier League table and looking like realistic title contenders.
The visitors achieved their lofty position by mounting an 11-game unbeaten run, including winning on nine occasions. Last time out, United recorded a narrow 1-0 win at Burnley. The game was the third straight league match in which Solskjaer’s team have won by a 1-goal margin.
United have been particularly impressive away from home of late in the English top-flight. The visitors are undefeated in their last 12 league games on the road, recording 11 wins. Leicester are the only team to take any points off United of late in away games and they needed a late goal to rescue a 2-2 draw.
Conclusion
There has not been a game of this seeming importance between these two north west rivals in a long time. Liverpool look vulnerable, but are formidable at home, while United look at their best on their travels. However, there are still question marks over the visitor’s title challenge. We are going to back the draw in this one, as we believe that the two teams could cancel each other out.
The other bet we recommend is under 2.5 goals scored, as it could be a tight encounter. The fact that five of the last six meetings of these two teams at Anfield have produced under 2.5 goals only adds to that belief.
Verdict: We are backing the draw at odds of 14/5 and/or under 2.5 goals scored at odds of 6/5. (All odds are taken from Bet365).
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Who will come out on top between these two title rivals?
