MANCHESTER UNITED VS. LIVERPOOL
| Sunday, May 3rd |
Premier League | Old Trafford
3:30PM BST/10:30AM EST
Though every game against Manchester United is an event, this particular one is of higher consequence than most. Liverpool sit in fourth place, below Manchester United, conveniently, by only three points and one goal. A win on Sunday could see them jump to third place. It would also stop United, at least momentarily, from securing a Champions League spot, which would happen with a draw or a loss. I mean, they’re going to qualify, but it would be great if defeating the Reds isn’t how they guarantee it.
Making that trickier is the fact that Mohamed Salah is not available after limping off injured in the victory against Crystal Palace last weekend. He joins Hugo Ekitike and Alisson Becker on the list of first team players that have been sidelined.
Liverpool have picked up nine points from their last three games, giving them a huge boost up the table and in confidence. Their performance against Palace was one of the best in recent memory. A trip to Old Trafford always brings out an extra competitiveness, so hopefully the possibility of leaping over United with only three games to play after is incentive enough to keep the good times rolling.
Predicted Liverpool Lineup (4-2-3-1)
Woodman; Jones, Van Dijk, Konate, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Szoboszlai, Wirtz, Gakpo; Isak
As mentioned, Salah, Ekitike, and Alisson remain out. They join Wataru Endo, Giorgi Mamardashvili, Conor Bradley, and Jayden Danns on the sidelines for this one. Woodman had a big performance against Palace in his Premier League debut, but this will be a much bigger test of his mettle.
Michael Carrick has less to worry about, as only Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez are confirmed to be out. Luke Shaw, though he went off injured last weekend, should be fit to feature for the Red Devils.
The Managers Have Their Say
Arne Slot: “We are aware of the fact it’s a very big game, not only because we play Manchester United but also to qualify for Champions League and to get the highest possible finish in the league table. We know how important it is to qualify for the Champions League for any club but definitely for our club.”
Michael Carrick: “It is a standout game, without a doubt. There are obviously rivalries that we have with other teams, but this one is right up there because of the history, the ups and downs, the entertainment and the emotions. Even league position has never changed the emotion for the players or the supporters, so I really appreciate what it means to them.”
The Officials
Referee: Darren England | Assistant Referee #1: Timothy Wood | Assistant Referee #2: Akil Howson | Fourth Official: Anthony Taylor |VAR: Stuart Attwell | VAR Assistant: Constantine Hatzidakis
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