The highlight of Sunday’s Premier League fixture list is the match between historic rivals Manchester United and Liverpool.
Manchester United are on a fantastic run at the moment having won their last nine matches in all competitions which means they are only three points off the top four and still competing in both the League and FA Cup as well as the Europa League.
Jose Mourinho’s team have pretty much the perfect combination right now with both a strong-looking attack and a menacing defence. At the back, the unlikely pairing of Rojo and Jones seems to be keeping the opposition out whilst Zlatan Ibrahimovic, along with the rejuvenated duo of Paul Pogba and Henrikh Mkhitaryan, are causing all sorts of problems for opposition defenders. Their last three matches have been an aggregate score of eight scored and zero conceded – impressive.
Whilst the Red Devils’ run has certainly been picked up on in recent weeks, their home form has generally always been good this term with just one defeat in all competitions this season. However, they are now not only avoiding defeat but winning, as shown by the fact they have claimed six victories in their last six matches at Old Trafford.
As opposed to United’s excellent form, Liverpool have been pretty bad in the last few games and are yet to win in January, despite playing three matches. They lost their most recent match by a 1-0 scoreline away at Southampton in the League Cup but were lucky to not lose 4-0 given the chances The Saints had. The Reds do still sit second in the Premier League but, with so many rivals hanging onto their tails, a continuation of this blip could see them slip down quickly.
Jurgen Klopp’s team have been highly praised for their attacking style of play this season which has seen them record some fantastic wins whilst also being pretty on the eye – a difficult thing to do. However, in recent weeks, it seems that other teams have figured out how to stop Liverpool as, despite dominating possession, they have failed to score in either of their last two matches. Whilst it must be said that the German boss fielded a rotated team for these games, the confidence loss will go through the whole squad and give belief to the likes of Manchester United going into Sunday’s game.
Two of those three matches without a win have come on the road and the fact they have only won two of their last six games away from Anfield will concern Klopp after going on a four match winning streak on their travels earlier in the campaign.
Manchester United have not lost at home to their historic rivals since March 2014 (four matches) and I expect them to keep this run going here. The way things are going, the hosts look the better team right now, that’s for sure. With this in mind, they can take advantage of Liverpool’s blip.
Wayne Rooney is only one goal off the club record set by Bobby Charlton and, after failing to take a big opportunity against Hull in midweek, it seems like the scene is set for the Everton fan and Manchester United legend to do it against Liverpool on Sunday.
Backing the hosts to win at 6/5 is definitely one bet to be on, while combining both a home win and a goal from captain Wayne Rooney, at odds of 3/1, is just too good to resist.
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