LIV vs MUN: Can Liverpool continue their 100% record in the Premier League against their biggest rivals
Liverpool travel to Manchester United for one of England’s biggest games of the season.
United have been dominant in the Premier League era but things haven’t been great since Sir Alex Ferguson left. The Red Devils have struggled under Jose Mourinho and now under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and sit two points above the relegation zone.
Liverpool, on the other hand, have grown every season under Jurgen Klopp and narrowly missed out on the Premier League title last season by one point.
They did win the Champions League and already hold an eight-point lead over Manchester City this season.
The Reds should have a full team to choose from with Alisson returning in between the sticks. The Brazilian was out from the first day of the season but is back in training and ready to face the Red Devils.
United might be playing at home but they have several problems ahead of them. Paul Pogba and David de Gea are major doubts for the game with injuries while the players just aren’t doing enough on the pitch.
The Red Devils have seen Luke Shaw, Jesse Lingard and Anthony Martial pick up injuries in recent weeks.
However, Martial could be fit to start against Liverpool (h/t Manchester Evening News).
Aaron Wan-Bissaka should be back in the defence for the Red Devils which should be a boost for Solskjaer.
Match details
- Premier League 2019/20
- Manchester United vs Liverpool
- Sunday 20 October, 2019 – 9:00 PM IST
- Venue – Old Trafford
Stats
- United and Liverpool have one win each from their last five meetings in the Premier League with three draws
- Liverpool have won their last 17 Premier League games
- The Reds have also scored more than one goal in 16 out of the last 17 league games
- This is United’s worst start to a Premier League campaign
LIV vs MUN Dream 11 Fantasy tips and Predictions
Liverpool should be the favourites for this game given their form and United’s struggles but such encounters often lead to surprising results.
Dream 11 requires a team selection to feature at least four players from each side, and choosing the right players could lead to a greater points haul.
Goalkeeper
With De Gea a major doubt, the choice is between Sergio Romero and Alisson. The Liverpool keeper might not be troubled as much as the Argentine, and he should be chosen for this position.
Defenders
Liverpool
Trent Alexander-Arnold is the costliest defender at the back but he is a threat at set-pieces and could land some valuable points.
The centre-backs selected for the clash are Virgil van Dijk and Harry Maguire.
Van Dijk is one of the best in the world while Maguire could also get a goal from a set-piece.
Midfielders
Sticking with three defenders is the normal choice but going with four makes more sense as this could be a tight affair.
Liverpool’s midfielders don’t create enough goals while United’s players are struggling as it is.
The first choice has to be Fabinho thanks to his excellent tackling and defensive skills. The other slots are taken by United players as the number of stars selected from each side cannot exceed seven from one club.
Juan Mata has a great record against the Reds and could do well in the game while there are a couple of other Liverpool attacks that slot in the midfield.
Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane are listed as midfielders on Dream 11 and they both have to be selected.
Strikers
Using all the money up, the two forwards for the game are Roberto Firmino and Anthony Martial. Marcus Rashford could have been a replacement for either of the strikers, but his form has been a little off in this season.
Captain and Vice-captain
Selecting a captain and vice-captain isn’t easy for this clash but Mane should be the first choice while Salah is the VC.
Prediction
Liverpool should have enough in their tank to beat the Red Devils, but it should be a cagey affair with just a goal or two separating the sides.
Disclaimer
Selections, fantasy tips and predictions are based on historical data related to the team. It is advisable to conduct additional research close to the game for more accurate team news and player availability.
Several factors were taken to build this team, however, individuals should have their own ideas for player selection as this piece only provides some guidelines.
Image credits: Liverpool Twitter, Getty, AFP, Bongarts, (Dream 11 for team line-up)