Manchester United head to Anfield in what is probably the most memorable clash of this stage in the Europa League. Worthy of a final, the game between the two Premier League giants is a unique event as the two have never played against each other in a continental competition. What is even more interesting is that this is first time in over 30 years when two English sides are paired together in this particular competition which, back in the day was known as the UEFA Cup.
Looking at the way the two teams performed we might say that Liverpool have the upper hand. Klopp’s men received a massive boost in morale after a 3-0 win against Man City and a 2-1 win over Crystal Palace. Manchester United on the other hand ended a 4-win streak after being defeated by WBA on Sunday. LVG’s lot also has to deal with the fact that injuries are affecting players on a regular basis. Currently LVG will not be counting on two footballers who could have helped a great deal against Liverpool: “Bastian Schweinsteiger only has one training session with us. Valencia has a week so he is much closer to be on the bench but not to play in the match. That is different. Valencia could be fit for the bench” LVG said as reported by the Daily Mail. Aside from the two several others are still unavailable.
Jesse Lingard – Suspended
Adnan Januzaj – ineligible due to his Dortmund loan
Timothy Fosu-Mensah – ineligible
Rooney, Ashley Young, Will Keane, Luke Shaw – injured
Phil Jones – Uncertain
Liverpool will only be worrying about James Milner who fell ill in training and left for home. No other important absence is worth mentioning as Klopp’s side have already gotten used to playing without Skrtel and Danny Ings who are out since October.
Head to Head Results:
Manchester United dominate statistics in terms of head to head results. The Devils have won all of their last five games against Liverpool in which they scored 12 goals and only conceded 4. Hopefully LVG will make it 6 or even 7 in a row with the second leg to come.
Score Prediction: Liverpool 1-2 Manchester United
Predicted Manchester United Starting XI
Predicted Liverpool Starting XI
