Manchester United vs Liverpool
It is the biggest game in English football – no amount of new money from mega-rich owners in the English Premier League or beyond will change that.
The two most successful clubs in the country by a distance come head-to-head at Old Trafford this weekend with the tables well and truly turned.
United, for so long the top dogs, are a side either in decline or transition – whichever it is, much of the fall from grace has been self-inflicted.
In contrast, Liverpool, who were knocked off their perch by Sir Alex Ferguson, are on the up and overwhelming favourites to win the title for the first time in three decades.
They have won all eight of their matches so far this season, hold an eight-point lead at the summit and are the reigning European champions. Meanwhile, United are well adrift in mid-table and closer to the relegation spots than the top sides.
Even the Merseysiders must struggle to believe how far United have fallen in just a year and a half and with no sign of a quick recovery.
Yet that is not their concern. Manager Jurgen Klopp has his eyes on the main prize, and if they can end their poor record at the Theatre of Dreams, they will equal champions Manchester City’s record of 18 consecutive top-flight wins to add to their recent Premier League 2019 highlights.
Form always seems to go out of the window in clashes like this but the question remains: have United got enough about them right now to rediscover a swagger not seen since the heady days of spring?
Talking Points
Certainly, they do not appear to have strength in depth.
The loss of Paul Pogba – despite him flattering to deceive and so often, being an exceptional talent insufficiently expressed – is a blow. The likely absence of goalkeeper David De Gea, injured while playing for Spain in midweek, even more so.
Pogba has been sidelined for five of United’s last seven games with an ongoing foot issue, and after spending part of the international break working on his recuperation in Dubai, manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer revealed the France midfielder has suffered a setback.
Anthony Martial might be able to play for the first time since August 24, but it’s clear the hosts are lacking in numbers and quality in midfield and attack. United have won just two of their opening eight league games and sit just two points above the drop zone in 12th place.
Liverpool have no such concerns with their number one goalkeeper Allisson set to return and Joel Matip also training in preparation for a return.
They will surely never have a better chance to end their five year-wait for a win on their arch-rivals’ turf than this Sunday.
Or will they?
History
Last season, this fixture ended goalless and proved costly for Liverpool against a United side who were without key personnel and lost three more to injury during the first half.
The earlier match at Anfield was Xherdan Shaqiri’s finest moment in a Liverpool shirt as two deflected strikes won the game for the home side and, ultimately, paved the way for Jose Mourinho’s dismissal as manager two days later.
That was only Liverpool’s second victory against United in 11 attempts in the Premier League. It was March 2014 when Liverpool last won at Old Trafford when they were chasing the title under Brendan Rodgers and United were in free-fall under David Moyes.
Overall, United have won 88 of their meetings in all competitions. Liverpool have 77 successes and there have been 66 draws – that’s as close as you would probably expect for the two dominant forces in English football.
Betting Tip
 |
 |
Manchester United vs Liverpool | Double Chance Manchester United or Draw @ 2.05 |
| October 20, 23:30 (GMT+8) |
It’s probably the first time for some time that Liverpool have arrived at Old Trafford as firm favourites but that is certainly the case with the SBOBET, Premier League 2019 betting odds.
In fact, United are well adrift with 1X2 odds @ 4.40 compared to Liverpool @ 1.71. Even the draw, a not uncommon result in their clashes historically, is available @ 3.85.
It differs little with Asian Handicap odds with United + 0.50 @ 2.26 and Liverpool -1.00 @ 2.29.
And if you predict a repeat of last season’s goalless encounter, then correct score 0-0 will payout @ 12.00.
So, what can we expect? Goals presumably, given over 3.00 goals is priced @ 2.35 and total goal 4-6 @ 3.20.
Pessimistic home fans may fear defeat but if United cannot up their game for the visit of their most hated rivals, then it will be a poor show.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR ( ) BETS ARE WORTH: |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
 = €20 (Highly confident) |
= €10 (CONFIDENT) |
= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT) |
|
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
●●●
CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS
Stay updated with everything sports and betting.
Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
