The primary of two quickfire conferences with Man United comes Liverpool’s approach this weekend, as the 2 rivals meet within the FA Cup quarter-finals.
Man United vs. Liverpool
FA Cup Quarter-Last | Previous Trafford
March 17, 2024 | 3.30pm (GMT)
Jurgen Klopp‘s aspect head to Previous Trafford on Sunday afternoon, trying to sustain their hopes of successful all 4 competitions this season.
Whereas Liverpool stands out as the superior crew, type can exit of the window on this fixture, because the 0-0 draw at Anfield within the Premier League proved again in December.
Right here’s all you must know forward of the sport.
1. Liverpool’s ultimate recreation for a fortnight
The fixtures have come thick and quick for Liverpool, however they may give Sunday’s journey to United all they’ve acquired forward of a much-needed breather of kinds.
The FA Cup conflict is the Reds’ final match earlier than the worldwide break, with their subsequent outing the go to of Brighton within the league on March 31.
Internationals can really feel like a drag more often than not, however this upcoming break will enable key gamers to return to the aspect – and provides Klopp an opportunity to reset earlier than his ultimate hurrah.
It’s a case of going full power and leaving nothing on the pitch at Previous Trafford, as Liverpool look to keep away from a dispiriting cup exit by the hands of their most bitter adversaries.
2. United nonetheless unconvincing below Ten Hag
Ever since Alex Ferguson left United in 2013, the Reds’ rivals have flattered to deceive, having 5 completely different everlasting managers and never threatening to win main honours.
They’ve once more been mediocre this season, sitting sixth within the Premier League, and new part-owner Jim Ratcliffe could possibly be searching for a change of supervisor in the summertime.
From a Liverpool perspective, it’s pretty to see United nonetheless floundering, however everybody is aware of how tough Previous Trafford may be.
Liverpool are favourites, however nice sides have struggled at United many instances up to now.
3. Who’s injured for Liverpool?
Ibrahima Konate is unlikely to be match sufficient to face United, as he continues to beat a hamstring downside.
Bobby Clark is okay after choosing up a knock within the 6-1 win over Sparta Prague, nonetheless, whereas Ryan Gravenberch has educated this week.
Maybe the most important damage enhance surrounds a trio of absent stars – Curtis Jones, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Diogo Jota.
Jones needs to be again for the Brighton recreation later this month, whereas the latter pair are pushing to return for the league journey to United on April 7.
Nothing has modified almost about Alisson, Joel Matip, Thiago, Stefan Bajcetic and Ben Doak.
4. Predicted Reds lineup
As talked about, there isn’t any cause for Klopp to not choose his robust attainable aspect, contemplating there’s a two-week break arising.
With Konate anticipated to overlook out, Jarell Quansah will probably proceed, having proven what a dependable accomplice for Virgil van Dijk he may be.
Joe Gomez may get the nod at left-back, whereas the superb trio of Wataru Endo, Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai ought to make up the midfield.
Mohamed Salah, Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez are all obtainable and anticipated to function prominently, too, that means Cody Gakpo has to make do with a cameo position.
Predicted Liverpool XI: Kelleher; Bradley, Quansah, Van Dijk, Gomez; Endo, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai; Salah, Diaz, Nunez
5. Potential Man United XI
Whereas we don’t like giving United any excuses, they’ve additionally been adversely affected by accidents this season, lacking loads of key gamers.
Essential defensive duo Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw – each of whom would often be assured starters – are each out.
Meaning Raphael Varane and, if match himself, Harry Maguire will probably begin at centre-back, with teen Kobbie Mainoo and veteran Casemiro additionally anticipated to play.
Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford will pose a risk out extensive, with Bruno Fernandes probably taking over a false 9 position, relying on whether or not Ramsus Hojlund is match sufficient to start out.
Potential Man United XI: Onana; Dalot, Varane, Maguire, Lindelof; Casemiro, Mainoo, McTominay; Garnacho, Rashford, Fernandes
6. Klopp’s press convention
Talking to the media on Friday, the Liverpool supervisor took a second to show his consideration to the Europa League quarter-final draw with Atalanta:
“Difficult, Atalanta. [It’s] not like I’ve watched them 100 instances, however they’re uncomfortable to play towards and really nicely organised. I didn’t anticipate any simple opponent.
“[I have a] lot of respect for what Atalanta is doing within the final years so yeah, [they are] very constant.”
The Reds will come towards Teun Koopmeiners over the 2 legs, with the Dutch midfielder a recognized goal for the membership.
7. Liverpool’s FA Cup historical past with United
Liverpool and United have a particular rivalry throughout numerous competitions and Sunday would be the fifteenth time they’ve been drawn towards one another within the FA Cup.
It was the Pink Devils who prevailed within the ultimate in 1977 they usually additionally gained within the semi-finals in 1979 and 1985, following replays each instances.
Then there was the painful Eric Cantona winner within the 1996 ultimate, in addition to a heartbreaking loss at Previous Trafford within the fourth spherical in 1999, following two last-gasp strikes.
Fortunately, Liverpool have loved a little bit extra success since then, with Peter Crouch and Dirk Kuyt scoring winners at Anfield in 2006 and 2012 respectively.
The latest assembly noticed United prevail 3-2 at Previous Trafford within the fourth spherical in 2021, in what was an eerie, behind-closed-doors assembly.
8. Do you know?
Salah can usually be at his greatest within the largest video games and his document towards United is a testomony to that.
The Egyptian has scored 12 targets in 13 when going through Liverpool’s rivals, additionally registering 4 assists.
Salah famously scored a hat-trick within the unforgettable 5-0 win at Previous Trafford in 2021/22, netting 5 instances at United general.
It wouldn’t be a shock to see him be the difference-maker as soon as once more on Sunday.
9. Sunday’s referee
John Brooks has been confirmed because the referee on Sunday, as he seems to maintain management of a probably feisty encounter.
That is his fourth Reds match of the marketing campaign, with Klopp’s aspect successful each recreation.
The primary was the dramatic 2-1 victory at Newcastle when he despatched off Van Dijk, and he additionally refereed the 2-1 win away to Bournemouth within the Carabao Cup fourth spherical and the 2-0 victory at Arsenal within the FA Cup third spherical.
In the meantime, Tim Robinson is on VAR.
10. Observe Man United vs. Liverpool with TIA
Man United vs. Liverpool is dwell on ITV 1 from 2.45pm (UK), with kickoff at Previous Trafford going down at 3.30pm.
TIA’s dwell weblog might be in full swing from 2.45pm, too, with Harry McMullen offering up-to-date protection of the motion whereas dealing with his nerves on the similar time.
Come on you Reds!