Liverpool, riding high as Premier League leaders and Europa League knockout stage participants, catch rivals Manchester United at a low point as Erik ten Hag's side go to Anfield on Monday morning (AEDT).
United are under pressure, having been knocked out of Europe entirely after a 1-0 midweek defeat to Bayern Munich left them bottom of their Champions League group. It's the first time they have been dumped from continental action in such a fashion since 2005.
On the flip side, Liverpool are a point clear of anyone else atop the Premier League table, leading a hotly-contested title race with Arsenal a sliver behind, Aston Villa just a point back of the Gunners in third, and Manchester City still a threat in fourth.
United will be looking for revenge from the memorable 7-0 defeat last time these two met at this venue, in which Cody Gakpo, Darwin Nunez, and Mohamed Salah all bagged braces for the Reds in the runaway victory.
Odds via Unibet.
Liverpool vs Man United prediction, odds
- Moneyline lean: Liverpool (1.32)
- Score prediction: Liverpool 2-0 Man United
The Reds have enjoyed making life difficult on themselves this season, but they remain one of the league's most in-form sides, thanks in large part to a midfield transformed this past summer.
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It's impossible to back Manchester United to get a result so soon after being humbled in the Champions League and while the relief from fixture congestion may play into their hands down the road, with their injuries and poor recent form, there's nothing to suggest a turnaround at this stage.
| Liverpool win | Draw | Man United win | Both teams to score Y / N | Over / Under 3.5 goals | LIV -1.5 | MUN +1.5 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unibet | 1.32 | 6.10 | 9.00 | 1.61 / 2.25 | 1.87 / 1.93 | 1.84 | 1.98 |
Liverpool vs Man United match facts
- Date: Sunday, December 17, 2023
- Kickoff Time: 4:30 p.m. local time (3:30 a.m. AEDT, Mon. Dec 18)
- Location: Anfield Stadium (Liverpool, England)
- Official: Michael Oliver
- Last meeting: Liverpool 7-0 Man United (Mar. 5, 2023 | Premier League)
Liverpool vs Man United: best bet
- Pick: Under 3.5 goals
- Odds: 1.93 (Unibet)
While the market seems to favour Liverpool to blow United's doors off for the second straight meeting, that's not as likely to occur as it may seem. There's plenty of reason to believe this match will be a lower scoring affair than expected, and the inflated odds present a massive opening.
Manchester United's defensive unit has been porous all season, largely thanks to Erik ten Hag's baffling banishment of Raphael Varane, who is probably the team's best defender. With the injuries to Ten Hag's side, it may force his hand for the second straight match, with no choice but to play the French defender – as he did against Bayern Munich.
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With Varane on the field, United held Bayern largely in check, conceding just one goal on 1.15 xG to a team that has pummelled opponents with goals all year long. Indeed, most of United's heaviest defeats this season have come with Varane on the bench, including shipping three goals to Arsenal, Brighton, Man City, and Bournemouth in the league, plus the 4-3 loss to Bayern Munich to begin Champions League action and the 3-3 draw away at Galatasaray.
Given Varane's likely participation, coupled with the suspension of United's most creative player Bruno Fernandes, it's hard to imagine either team really letting it fly.
Liverpool vs Man United prop bet
- Pick: Mohamed Salah anytime goal scorer
- Odds: 1.77 (Unibet)
Sometimes the low-hanging fruit can still be the juiciest. Mohamed Salah remains a central figure for his team, and he has often excelled against one of Liverpool's biggest rivals in recent years.
Salah has scored in each of Liverpool's past six matches against Man United, bagging an insane 11 goals across those games. He scored a hat-trick at Old Trafford two seasons ago, and has three braces against United to go along with it.
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Even on recent form, Salah looks one of Liverpool's most consistent attacking options, with a goal contribution in 14 of 16 Premier League appearances this season, including putting eight in the back of the net himself since the start of October. Back the favourite to do the business again this time around against an opponent who are usually unable to deal with the Egyptian.
Liverpool vs Man United prop bet
- Pick: Hannibal Mejbri to be booked
- Odds: 3.50 (Unibet)
With Fernandes suspended and Mason Mount likely still out, the chance to shine in the creativity department will fall to Hannibal Mejbri. The Manchester United youngster has slowly worked his way into the conversation this season, but still has precious few Premier League minutes to his name.
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Yet as Ten Hag has little choice but to deploy the 20-year-old in midfield, he will have to navigate the match carefully, as discipline has been a struggle for him in his career. He's been booked three times in 409 minutes across all competitions this year, and with Liverpool likely to try and counter at pace, he could be a prime target in stopping transitional moves.
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