5 reasons Liverpool will defeat Manchester United on Saturday
By David Gate
1. Champions League worries behind them
You can make the argument that Manchester United are in the more enviable position in regards to the fixture list. They will have a full week to prepare (the bus) for this game while Liverpool are coming off the back of a Champions League knock out game.
However the way it has worked out has swung the advantage towards Liverpool. The Reds are coming off three home games in a row; they have not had to travel since the trip to Porto. That 5-0 victory in Portugal took all the pressure of this week’s game. Klopp was even able to give significant rest to Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane. Most of the back four got to sit entirely.
On the other hand Manchester United have a huge tie on Tuesday with their Champions League tie in the balance. They failed to get an away goal in Spain against Sevilla in their 0-0 draw. That makes their situation in Europe very delicate. As Liverpool know too well, Sevilla are capable of scoring a goal or two away from home.
Liverpool can give full attention to this fixture with no worries of Champions League progress hanging over them. Mourinho has to bear that in mind in his selection, tactics and substitutions this weekend.