Manchester United are set to take on fellow top four contenders and bitter rivals Liverpool
The biggest Premier League fixture of the weekend is undoubtedly Manchester United’s clash with Liverpool on Sunday afternoon.
Having been defeated 2-1 in October’s Anfield fixture, when Ruben Amorim was still in charge, Arne Slot will hope to fare better against Michael Carrick in the opposition dugout this time around. Both clubs have experienced their fair share of pain and misery at points this season, yet they are on course to secure vital Champions League qualification spots.
The afternoon encounter at Old Trafford is expected to bring fireworks, as is often the case when the two biggest clubs in England face off. But several pundits appeared to agree on one particular outcome when predicting the match result.
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Jamie Carragher – 1-1 Draw
Despite his affiliation with Liverpool, Jamie Carragher isn’t backing his former club to come away from Old Trafford with more than a point. He was brutally honest about how disappointing Arne Slot’s men have been recently.
He said: “Man United versus Liverpool – I’m not confident. I’m not. I don’t think United are playing well, to be fair. I think Liverpool are getting results without playing well. I’m not convinced by them at all, to be honest, at the minute. I can’t see Liverpool winning it.
“I’m going to go for a 1-1 draw. I think these teams will probably finish third and fourth in the Premier League but I don’t think either of them are a really good team, to be honest.”
Alan Shearer – Draw
Alan Shearer believes there will be nothing to separate the two rivals at Old Trafford on Sunday, believing their relatively safe positions in the top five suggests they will both be happy to walk away with a draw.
The Newcastle legend wrote in his column for The Metro: “It’s not the Liverpool or Man United we know at all from how they have played this season. I don’t think it’ll be a classic.
“I think because of where both teams are mentally and physically, and also in terms of where they are in the league. I don’t think a draw would be a bad result for both of them.”
Harry Redknapp – 3-2 United win
Speaking to BetVictor, Harry Redknapp has predicted a five-goal thriller. The former Tottenham manager thinks United will come away with a narrow win due to the talent of their in-form captain, Bruno Fernandes, who could make history on the big occasion by breaking the assists record.
Redknapp said: “The big one. United weren’t at their best against Brentford but they got the job done and that’s all that matters at this stage. Michael Carrick’s done a terrific job here, you couldn’t have asked for much from him.
“That’s now three wins in a row for Liverpool as they end the season in some decent form. I still wouldn’t say they’ve been unbelievable but a Champions League finish is essential for them, and it looks like they’ll get it.
“I don’t really trust either of these sides at the back right now, so I think we’ll see goals. I’m picking United, 3-2! All eyes are on Bruno Fernandes as he hunts down that Premier League assist record. It would be typical of him to do something special in this game.”
Paul Merson – 2-2 Draw
Paul Merson is another pundit who has opted to sit on the fence on this occasion. Unlike Shearer, however, the Sky Sports pundit thinks both teams will try to go for the win, resulting in a gripping affair.
Merson told Sportskeeda: “Unlike previous years, this isn’t the biggest game in English football anymore! It’s still massive for both teams though. If Liverpool lose and Brighton beat Newcastle, there will only be five points separating the Reds and the Seagulls in sixth.
“When you look at Liverpool’s fixtures after this game as well, they are not absolute give-me contests. Chelsea at Anfield, Aston Villa away and Brentford again at home is a tricky run.
“Manchester United were poor against Leeds and I don’t think they were great in the wins over Chelsea and Brentford either. Liverpool can cause them problems and I expect there will be goals in this game.
“Alexander Isak scoring for Liverpool last weekend will be a huge boost for his confidence. It has been a long hard season for him, starting with him refusing to play and then the injury after the move to Liverpool. That goal would have meant a lot to him.
“Bruno Fernandes has also played extremely well this season. But when it comes to the Player of the Year award, we must not ignore the fact that he only plays once a week.”
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