Manchester United host Liverpool in the biggest game of this Premier League weekend and with both teams struggling to varying degrees, this game is about far more than just pride.
The home side may have strung together five consecutive league wins but their play has been far from impressive, notably last time out against Southampton and also in their 2-1 win over Arsenal. However, they are getting the job done and if they can continue to accumulate points whilst playing poorly they will be well placed in the New Year when Louis van Gaal’s methods start taking effect more thoroughly and, perhaps, with another signing or two in January.
In contrast Liverpool are playing poorly and NOT getting the job done, their most recent failing coming in midweek when they were eliminated from the Champions League after failing to beat Basel at Anfield. They are currently ninth in the Premier League but things are so tight in mid-table that they are closer to the relegation zone than they are to their finishing position of last season, second. A few good wins would see them right back in the hunt for a top four finish but equally a run of defeats could, conceivably, see them in a relegation battle and, perhaps, cost Brendan Rodgers his job.
Having drawn 1-1 with Basel in a game in which there were huge questions about the manager’s selection and substitutions, the pressure really is mounting on Liverpool and their boss. After this game they face a potential League Cup banana skin with a trip to Bournemouth, followed by a home game with Arsenal. Would three defeats be the end for Rodgers?
That remains to be seen, however, one thing is certain: United are clear favourites to get the win here and push the former Swansea boss closer to the managerial precipice. The home side are available at odds of 17/20 with Coral here, the draw priced at 14/5 with Bet365 and the away win out at 18/5 with Betfair.
Betting Tips
- Man United to win – United have an impressive home record, with Old Trafford once more becoming a tough place to visit. The Red Devils have the second best home record in the top flight and have won six of their eight matches, drawing one against Chelsea and only losing on the opening day of the campaign (against Swansea). 17/20 looks more than fair to us.
- United to win to nil – There is a misconception that United have a poorly performing defence but, in fact, they have the fourth best backline in the league in terms of goals conceded and they are especially tight at home. Backing them to win to nil here at odds of 5/2 with Sky Bet looks good against a Liverpool team tired from midweek and low on confidence.
- Marouane Fellaini to score – Back the Belgian to score at anytime at odds of 4/1 with Betfred. He has started scoring of late and his presence will trouble Simon Mignolet in the Liverpool goal.