Kick-off: 1630, 05/03/2023
Stadium: Anfield
TV: Sky Sports
Liverpool may benefit from being just a bit hungrier for Premier League points when facing fierce rivals Manchester United at Anfield.
The Reds have revived their hopes of securing a top-four finish in recent weeks and will be determined to maintain that momentum.
We reckon 11/8 for a home win is the way to go with our first Liverpool vs Man Utd prediction.
Van Dijk lifts Liverpool
Jurgen Klopp’s side have claimed 10 points out of the last 12 on offer after wearing down Wolves on Merseyside in midweek.
Darwin Nunez had a 66th-minute strike ruled out by VAR but Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah came up trumps in a 2-0 victory.
Getting Van Dijk back from injury has been a big boost for Liverpool, who had previously beaten Everton and Newcastle by the same scoreline before a goalless draw at Crystal Palace.
Admittedly, the Reds were torn apart in a 5-2 loss to Real Madrid at Anfield, but four straight Premier League clean sheets is a promising sign.
“The six weeks out was a good chance for me to reflect but also let my knee settle and get ready for the rest of the season,” said the Dutch defender.
“It was a tough six weeks to watch because you want to help the team but you have to be very patient. Patience is not in my vocabulary but I had to.”
When he is on song, Van Dijk makes his teammates look better and allows them to play with more confidence.
Examining the Liverpool vs Man Utd odds, we’re tempted by 23/4 for the Reds to prevail by exactly two goals again.
Last Liverpool line-up: Alisson, Van Dijk, Konate, Tsimikas, Alexander-Arnold, Fabinho, Elliott, Bajcetic, Salah, Jota, Nunez.
Centre-back Joe Gomez (knock), midfielder Thiago Alcantara (hip) and forward Luis Diaz (knee) are still out.
Klopp is likely to freshen up his midfield having played teenagers Stefan Bajcetic and Harvey Elliott either side of Fabinho in midweek.
United’s Anfield record is a worry
United return to Premier League action comfortably placed in third following some notable triumphs in knockout competitions.
The Red Devils got past Barcelona in the Europa League, beat Newcastle in the EFL Cup final and came from behind to see off West Ham 3-1 in the FA Cup.
Erik ten Hag’s decision to make six changes for that midweek tie looked set to backfire when Said Benrahma put the Hammers in front on 54 minutes.
Casemiro had a header ruled out by VAR but United were level after Nayef Aguerd nodded a corner into his own net.
Alejandro Garnacho then curled in a lovely 90th-minute strike and Fred made sure of victory in stoppage time.
Serial winner Casemiro has helped changed the mindset of the team since joining in the summer.
“I love to play with Casemiro,” said Fred. “He’s a big leader, he talks a lot with us, with every player, every day.
“He is a good guy, everyone knows this, he has a good way in the dressing room. Now the players that were here before change mentality as well.”
It hasn’t escaped our notice that United have been relying heavily on some superb saves by David De Gea as well, though.
The Spanish keeper will be tested again at a ground where the Red Devils have struggled in recent times, featuring in four defeats and three draws since their last win in 2016.
Darwin Nunez now seems to have fully settled in at Anfield and 9/2 for him to open the scoring is added to our Liverpool vs Man Utd betting tips.
Last United line-up: De Gea, Lindelof, Maguire, Malacia, Dalot, Fernandes, Sabitzer, McTominay, Antony, Weghorst, Garnacho.
United expect to have Luke Shaw and Jadon Sancho available after both missed the FA Cup tie. Shaw had a minor injury while Sancho was unwell.
Anthony Martial is not yet ready to return from his latest injury.
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