Game week 30 of the Premier League kicks off with a belter of a game as Manchester United and Liverpool lock horns at Old Trafford on Saturday.
Jose Mourinho’s men will be looking to continue with their impressive home record. The Red Devils have won 11 of their 14 home games, conceding just six goals in the process.
United are favourites to come out on top, but it won’t be easy against Jurgen Klopp’s free-scoring side who are second on the away table, picking up 27 points from 14 games.
This fixture hasn’t lived up to the hype recently – with the sides playing to dull draws in their last three meetings – but despite what recent history suggests, there will still be hope of a Premier League classic. Mourinho and Klopp will be unable to forget Manchester City’s dominance but they will know the importance of finishing the season strongly.
To Win
Man United 16/10
Draw 47/20
Liverpool 33/20
Manchester United
Manchester United will be targeting their fifth straight home win in all competitions. Mourinho’s men were impressive on their last league fixture at Old Trafford against defending champions Chelsea, coming from a goal down to win the game 2-1.
Their top scorer, Romelu Lukaku, was on the scoresheet in that match, scoring for the first time against a top six team this season. Not only did he score but he also managed to set up Jesse Lingard for the winner in what was easily his 
best display in a red shirt. United fans will be hoping Lukaku can fire the Red Devils to victory over their fierce rivals. The Belgian has scored in back-to back league games for the first time since December.
It’s been over two years since United won a match against the Reds and they will want to end their poor run against the visitors, and more importantly, against their direct competitor in the race for second. If United manage to get a win here, they will be five points clear from the Reds.
Mourinho was heavily criticised in the reverse fixture at Anfield for “parking the bus” in the goalless draw in October, with United registering just one shot on target that game. But not many teams can shut out Klopp’s side on their home ground and a point at Anfield isn’t a bad result either. One thing’s for sure, we can expect a more adventurous display from Mourinho’s men on Saturday as they always fancy their chances of victory at Old Trafford.
Liverpool
Liverpool have recorded just one win at Old Trafford in their last 11 trips in all competitions, losing eight times. The Reds claimed a 3-0 win at United in the 2013/2014 campaign when David Moyes was still at the helm. Since joining in 2015, Klopp has struggled to come out victorious at Old Trafford and the German will be desperate for that to change on Saturday.
Liverpool definitely come into this game in better form than their opponents, having won four of their last five Premier league games, scoring 13 goals in the process.
Mohamed Salah has been the catalyst for such a hot run of form, with the Egyptian scoring 24 league goals this season. He has also broken the record of the most left-footed goals (20) in a single season. With him, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino all firing, they truly are a terrifying force.
Only six players have managed to find the net against David de Gea at Old Trafford in the Premier League this season. However, only a few would bet against Liverpool’s attacking trio not scoring here.
After advancing to the UEFA Champions league quarter-finals, Klopp’s side will come into this match full of confidence and they will give United’s defence all kinds of problems.
Probable line-ups:
Manchester United: 4-3-3
De Gea; Valencia, Bailly, Smalling, Young; Matic, Pogba, McTominay; Sanchez, Lukaku, Martial.
Liverpool: 4-3-3
Karius; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Roberston; Oxlade-Chamberlain, Henderson, Can; Mane, Salah, Firmino.
Prediction: Man United Win & Both Teams to Score (36/10)
United are incredibly tough to beat at Old Trafford and although I’m expecting both sides to get on the scoresheet, I’m backing Mourinho’s men to secure maximum points. Back Man United to Win & Both Teams to Score at a valuable 36/10.
Chadley Nagel
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