Man Utd vs Liverpool Preview, Team News, Likely Line-Ups, Key Man + Predicted Score

Manchester United play host to Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon with both sides desperately seeking a vital three points.

United have been upsetting the soccer betting lines all season and go into the game in the unfamiliar position of sitting seventh in the Premier League table, and trail the visitors by a full 11 points after a disappointing first season in charge for David Moyes.

It’s a sensational turn of fortunes for the two clubs with the defending champions finishing an astonishing 28 points ahead of the Merseysiders last season before Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure. Tomorrow’s game is arguably United’s last chance to haul themselves back into the hunt for a top four finish as defeat would all-but guarantee they’ll miss out on Europe’s elite competition for the first time in almost 20 years.

Liverpool on the other hand have their eyes on those above them with Brendan Rodgers side looking to take advantage of Chelsea’s 1-0 loss to Aston Villa on Saturday and move to within four points of the league leaders.

The Reds have been in impressive form since the turn of the year, winning seven and drawing the other two of their games in 2014, while Daniel Sturridge secured the three points in the reverse fixture at Anfield earlier int he season, so they should be full of confidence tomorrow.

Team News

United welcome back Rafael after the Brazilian defender recovered from a knock that he picked up during the final stages of last weeks 3-0 win over West Brom, and Nani is also available after returning to full training following a hamstring strain.

Defender Jonny Evans could also be in contention after overcoming a calf injury that’s kept him on the sidelines in recent weeks, but he may not be risked from the start.

Striker Javier Hernandez has returned to full fitness while Danny Welbeck is another who’s pushing for a recall after coming off the bench to score last week, but Moyes is likely to stick with Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie in attack.

Liverpool have been boosted by the return of Lucas Leiva after he recovered from a knee injury that’s kept him out for over a month. The Brazilian took part in a reserve game last week and could now make his return to the starting line-up tomorrow.

Defender Mamadou Sakho is also available again after a hamstring problem but Rodgers is expected to stick with Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel at the back, while Jose Enrique is the only serious injury concern as he continues to nurse a knee injury.

Likely Line-Ups

Key Man

Luis Suarez: The Uruguayan has been this season’s stand out player in the Premier League and Liverpool will be looking for a big performance from him tomorrow. His link-up play with Daniel Sturridge has been superb this year, so the hosts are going to have to find a way to keep them out.

Predicted Score

Man Utd 2-2 Liverpool: United have clearly had the edge in this fixture over the years, winning eight of the last nine at Old Trafford, but this is a very different United team than we’ve been used to seeing and we think Liverpool will take a point in an entertaining draw.

What team would you like to see start and what’s your predicted score for the game? Share your views below.