Focus Fixture: Can Liverpool get revenge for FA Cup defeat at Old Trafford

Liverpool head to Old Trafford to take on Manchester United on Sunday. Jurgen Klopp’s side have their sights set on the Premier League title while United’s hopes of securing a place in the Champions League are quickly fading.

The Form 

Erik Ten Hag has plenty of critics after his team’s performances this season. His decision to press from the front while refusing to commit the defence further up the pitch has left gaping holes in the United set-up. They are conceding a host of chances as a result. They have played 10 league matches in 2024 and conceded an average of 22.5 shots per game, that’s more than Sheffield United.

Manchester United are sixth in the Premier League and have a negative goal difference after playing 30 matches. The underlying data suggests United are fortunate to be that high in the table. Their xPTS tally courtesy of Understat suggests they should be sat in 12th place.

The Red Devils continued to falter midweek as they were beaten 4-3 by Chelsea. They looked to have the win in the bag but conceded two very late goals and came away with nothing. Their last win came against Liverpool in the FA Cup but it's difficult to make a case for the home side after their last two performances.

Liverpool have already lifted the EFL Cup this season but they are chasing two more trophies in Klopp’s final season at the club. They have lifted just one league trophy in the German’s tenure and this would be their first with fans in the stadium.

The Reds had survived a scare against Sheffield United midweek but they thoroughly deserved their victory. They have suffered just two defeats in the Premier League this season but the gap to Arsenal in second is still just two points. Liverpool also have Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City side hot on their heels so they need to be at their best for the remainder of the season.

The Runners and Riders

Manchester United’s injury crisis worsened midweek. They are missing several key defenders for this clash. Erik Ten Hag will be unable to call upon Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia, Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez, Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans in this game.

Klopp also has a few absentees. Thiago remains out with a thigh injury. Trent Alexander-Arnold, Diogo Jota and Alisson Becker will miss the trip to Old Trafford.

What They Said

Erik Ten Hag refused to acknowledge the deficiencies of Manchester United’s defensive structure following the defeat to Chelsea. He instead focused on his player’s inability to make the right decisions. He said, "you have to do your job, you have to make the right decisions, and we didn't react quick enough to avoid this situation.”

Jurgen Klopp said he would like his side to create more chances following the win over Sheffield United. He felt his team lacked edge at 1-0. Klopp said, “then obviously we controlled the game but there are different ways to control a football game and the way we controlled it today was not the right one with not enough creating.”

Tip

Our single tip for this match is for Liverpool to have at least three more corners than Manchester United. 

Erik Ten Hag’s willingness to invite the opponents to shoot has seen his team give away an average of 7.43 corners per game in the league this season. Only Sheffield United, the bottom side in the division, are conceding more corners per game.

The Red Devils have been particularly open in 2024. They have played 10 Premier League games in that period and conceded an average of 10.1 corners per game. That’s an average of 4.5 more corners per game than they have won.

Liverpool have had at least three more corners than their opponents in 10 of their 11 league matches in 2024. They won the corner count 7-4 when they played at Old Trafford last month. Klopp’s side had 12 more corners than Manchester United in the last league meeting.

Recommended Bet: Liverpool -2.5 corners handicap at 1.96

Bet Builder Tip

Our bet builder tip for the match also features the Liverpool -2.5 corners handicap. We will also be backing Jurgen Klopp’s side to win and both teams to score in the match.

Manchester United are averaging 2.14 goals per game across regular time of their 14 matches in all competitions in 2024. They have scored in every single one of those games.

Both teams have scored in both of the matches between these sides at Old Trafford with Erik Ten Hag in charge of the home side. Liverpool are still awaiting their first win away against the Dutchman’s side but all signs point towards them getting that inaugural victory this weekend.

Manchester United were second-best against Brentford. The Bees squandered a wealth of opportunities as they racked up a total of 31 shots and finished the game with an xG of 3.29. That trend continued against Chelsea. Mauricio Pochettino’s side had 28 shots and finished the game with an xG of 3.02.

Liverpool have the second most potent attack in the Premier League and will be relishing inflicting misery on their great rivals here. The Reds have won six of their last seven matches in the league and scored an average of 2.29 goals during that run.

Recommended Bet: Over 12.5 corners, Liverpool to win & both teams to score at 4.80