Manchester United host Liverpool at Old Trafford in the Premier League this evening in what is expected to be a mouthwatering clash for their fans, and the neutrals.
Man United come inspired from their 6-2 demolition of AS Roma in the Europa League on Thursday, with Ole Gunnar Solskjser boasting a wealth of options (players) at his disposal.
It was expected Solskjaer would rest key players having put one foot into the Europa League final, but he has since ruled that out, explaining the importance of the Man United-Liverpool rivalry.
"Throughout the season you have games you look forward to and this Liverpool game is one of the biggest of the season. It doesn’t matter if we are first or second, third or fourth. No matter, this is a massive, massive game," Solskjaer told press.
With only Phil Jones and Antony Martial missing through injury, Solskjaer will look to set up Man United to win.
READ MORE
Arsenal, Liverpool fight to keep Premier League race alive
Advantage Man City in the Premier League title race after losses for Arsenal and Liverpool
AFC Leopards 60: President Ruto urges Ingwe to adopt corporate model
Dean Henderson looks to have cemented his position as number one in the Premier League and is expected to be shielded by a defence consisting of English trio Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw, accompanied by Swede Victor Lindelof.
Bruno Fernandes looks to lead proceedings from midfield, with in-form Paul Pogba flanked by Scott McTominay.
Edinson Cavani is also a contender to start the game considering his exploits midweek and will have either Marcus Rashford or young Mason Greenwood beside him to lead the attack.
Predicted Man United XI: Henderson, Wan-Bissaka, Maguire, Lindelof, Shaw, McTominay, Pogba, Fernandes, Greenwood, Rashford, Cavani.
Liverpool, on the other hand, are having a season to forget.
Jurgen Klopp has praised Solskjaer’s impact at Man United so far but is willing to give the Red Devils a run for their money, as he seeks to avoid missing on a coveted UEFA Champions League spot.
“It's nice to see when the quality of a manager is more important than the experience you have. I'm happy for him to be honest because I'm really happy for a colleague to do really well and that's what he does. If you need to have 50 Champions League games as a manager before taking on a club like Man United, it'll be tricky to find one because there are not a lot of coaches out there with that experience,” said Klopp.
For Klopp, today’s match is a must win. Last season’s champions sit 6th on the log after 33 games, seven points behind fourth-placed Chelsea.
Key players remain on the sidelines including Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez, Divock Origi, Jordan Henderson, and Joel Matip.
Having dropped points at home to Newcastle last week, Klopp will look to set up at attacking side.
Liverpool predicted XI: Alisson, Arnold, Phillips, Robertson, Kabak, Fabinho, Thiago, Wijnaldum, Firmino Salah, Mane.
The match begins at 6:30 pm East African Time.
