Liverpool face arguably their biggest remaining test of the season – at least domestically – this weekend with a trip to fierce rivals, Manchester United.
It’s a game that could have huge ramifications in both the Premier League title race and the battle for Champions League qualification.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is yet to face one of the Premier League’s top six sides at Old Trafford, so Liverpool’s visit should provide an interesting look at how the interim manager responds to the pressure of a crunch league clash in front United’s own fans.
Read on for Man Utd v Liverpool live stream options, team news, predicted XIs, stats and TV channel info.
When is Man Utd vs Liverpool?
Competition: Premier League
Venue: Old Trafford
Date: Sunday, 24 February
Kick-off: 2.05 PM GMT
Match preview
There is always plenty of anticipation ahead of this fixture, a clash between two of English football’s most historic clubs. But this one feels like the biggest meeting between United and Liverpool for a while.
Liverpool can’t afford to drop any more points as they battle Manchester City for the Premier League title while United, whose season looked dead and buried just two months ago, must keep up their momentum in the race for fourth place.
As a result of the teams’ respective aims, Old Trafford is surely set for a cagey affair. Will Solskjaer stick with the attacking philosophy that has served him and United well so far? Or will he adopt a more conservative approach to hinder the obvious threats Liverpool pose?
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Whichever way United approach the game, Liverpool will be aiming to take all three points. Jurgen Klopp’s men will still be hurting from the defeat they suffered last time they travelled to Manchester, a 3-1 defeat to City at the Etihad that blew the title race wide open.
City, of course, will be trying not to let the Liverpool result distract them ahead of their EFL Cup final against Chelsea at Wembley later on Sunday. But there’s no denying a win for United will also be celebrated by the blue half of Manchester.
Where can I watch live?
UK residents can watch Man Utd vs Liverpool on Sky Sports Main Event, channel number 401 for Sky customers and 501 for Virgin Media subscribers. The game will also be available on the Sky Sports app and Sky Go.
How much have Man Utd improved under Solskjaer since Mourinho’s Liverpool defeat?
The reverse fixture in December turned out to be Jose Mourinho’s final game in charge of United. A dispiriting 3-1 defeat at Anfield was the final nail in the coffin for the Portuguese coach.
Interim boss Solskjaer has improved the Red Devils dramatically in just about every way. He has a superior win ratio (88.9%) to Mourinho this season (41.2%), while his side have scored more goals per game (2.6) and conceded fewer (0.7) than under the previous regime (1.7 scored and conceded).
Such has been the success of Solskjaer’s impact, the Norwegian is already being tipped to take over on a permanent basis at the end of the season. A win against Liverpool would strengthen his job application all the more.
Is Liverpool’s Old Trafford trip their most difficult game in the title run-in?
It’s debatable, of course, but Sunday’s visit to Old Trafford is the trickiest fixture of Liverpool’s 12 remaining matches.
The Reds must also travel to Goodison Park, where local rivals Everton will be looking to both get revenge on Liverpool for the last-minute 1-0 defeat at Anfield earlier in the season and try to stop their neighbours from winning the Premier League.
After that, home games against title outsiders Tottenham and Maurizio Sarri’s inconsistent Chelsea will certainly be a test of Liverpool’s mettle. But the Merseysiders will be confident of beating anyone at home; United away is a slightly more daunting prospect.
Are Martial and Lingard in line to start for Man Utd?
After the 2-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League last week, United were left reeling with Anthony Martial and Jesse Lingard ruled out for up to three weeks due to injury.
The duo had been expected to miss this game but in his press conference on Sunday, Solskjaer suggested both Martial and Lingard could play a part against Liverpool.
“Jesse is looking OK. I hope with Anthony,” Solskjaer told reporters. “Anthony’s was a different muscle, so we think he might be ready and hope that Jesse will.”
It will certainly be a huge boost to United’s chances if they are able to call upon two in-form attackers from the bench in the second half.
Head-to-head
United just about come out on top overall with 12 more wins than Liverpool in previous encounters across all competitions.
In 2018, the sides won a meeting apiece, but prior to that, there had been four successive draws with just four goals scored across those games.
Man Utd wins: 88 Draws: 65 Liverpool wins: 76
Team news
As mentioned above, Solskjaer has given Untied fans hope Martial and Lingard could return, but neither player is likely to feature from the start.
As for Liverpool, Virgil van Dijk returns from his European suspension but Joe Gomez and Dejan Lovren are still sidelined. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain isn’t ready to play despite returning to training.
Predicted Man Utd XI: De Gea; Young, Smalling, Lindelof, Shaw; Herrera, Matic, Pogba; Mata; Rashford, Lukaku.
Predicted Malmo XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Wijnaldum, Henderson, Keita; Salah, Firmino, Mane.
Predictions & Betting Tips
1. Correct Score 1-1 @ 5/1
Two of the last three meetings between United and Liverpool at Old Trafford have finished in a 1-1 scoreline.
With both sides desperate for the points, there is a good chance they will simply end up cancelling each other out. United will look to stifle the visitors and prevent them from finding the net often, while Van Dijk’s return will make United’s job more difficult up front.
Key Stat: Liverpool have drawn three of their last four games, including two 1-1 draws.
Tip: Correct Score 1-1 @ 5/1 with William Hill – bet here
Odds correct at time of publishing (22/02/2019, 19:00)
18+ only. Ts&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org
2. Marcus Rashford First Goalscorer @ 11/2
Rashford has been transformed since Solskjaer took over, playing a more central role and adding composure in front of goal to his long list of attributes.
The England international scored twice inside the opening 25 minutes of his fixture last season and will be desperate to make a similar impact this time around. As well as providing a goal threat, he’ll also be looking to play a supporting role to Romelu Lukaku and set up chances for others, like Paul Pogba.
Key Stat: Rashford has scored six goals in eight league appearances since Solskjaer took charge.
Tip: Rashford First Goalscorer @ 11/1 with William Hill – bet here
Odds correct at time of publishing (22/02/2019, 19:00)
18+ only. Ts&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org
3. Mohamed Salah First Away Goalscorer @ 11/5
If Liverpool are to bounce back from drawing a blank against Bayern Munich by finding the net at Old Trafford, Mohamed Salah is likely to play a role.
The Premier League’s current Golden Boot holder hasn’t scored in any of his three appearances against United since joining Liverpool, giving him extra motivation. Salah will be looking to make runs in behind when the hosts are caught high up the pitch on the attack.
Key Stat: Going into the weekend, Salah is the Premier League’s joint top scorer with 17 goals, level with Sergio Aguero.
Tip: Salah First Away Goalscorer @ 5/1 with William Hill – bet here
Odds correct at time of publishing (22/02/2019, 19:00)
18+ only. Ts&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org
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