For neutral soccer fans, this fixture is always eagerly anticipated each season. For me, as a life-long Manchester United supporter, the days of relishing the prospect of taking on our most bitter rivals from up the freeway, are a distant memory.
These days I am a nervous wreck and an unflattering shade of nausea green. That will be the PTSD from when Liverpool thrashed us 7-0 last season. Made worse, of course, because this upcoming clash is a cup game and United’s only chance of silverware this season.
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Historic Rivalry
Liverpool versus Man United inspires memories of some of the Premier League’s most famous battles, with a rivalry that stretches back decades for both clubs.
The two teams have built up the most iconic rivalry in English football, with historic divides between the two cities forming a key part of the motivation for the mutual dislike (to put it mildly.)
Team Preparations
Both sides have had their injury struggles this season, although Liverpool showed in their recent 1-1 draw with Manchester City (what a game that was) that they can still perform very well without key players.
Manchester United are currently short on defenders, however, Erik Ten Hag’s squad has been boosted by the welcome return of Aaron Wan-Bissaka. The defender was pictured on the training pitches at Carrington on Tuesday morning, along with midfielder Mason Mount, who has also been absent for the Reds for four months.
It remains to be seen whether Aaron or Mason will be in the matchday squad for the visit of Jürgen Klopp’s Liverpool this weekend, but the timing of their returns is crucial for United, ahead of a busy season run-in.
The Merseysiders have a hellish injury list of their own with Joel Matip, Alisson, Diogo Jota, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Curtis Jones, Ryan Gravenberch, Stefan Bajcetic, and Thiago all ruled out of Sunday’s tie at Old Trafford.
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Defender Ibrahima Konate missed the match against City but Klopp confirmed before that fixture that there was “a good chance” the Frenchman could will be involved against Manchester United.
In boxing, there is a classic saying that ‘styles make fights’, when two brilliant fighters go up against each other it can often produce great contests.
But at Old Trafford this weekend there will be a contrast of styles, one being a team happy to let the opponent take shots at their goal and the other a team more than happy to unleash shots at them.
Latest Odds
Heading into the weekend, here are the latest odds (subject to change) for Manchester United vs Liverpool:
- Manchester United: +280
- Liverpool: -120
The magic of the FA Cup quarter-final takes place this Sunday March 17th, St Patrick’s Day.
Who will have the luck of the Irish? Will I be crying into my Guinness or doing the Irish jig all the way home from Old Trafford?
Let us know who your money is on.
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