Manchester United vs Liverpool
There is no greater rivalry in world football as far as I’m concerned.
Sure, ‘old firm’ derbies in Glasgow and the ‘El Clasico’ in Spain – and possibly even one or two Italian match-ups – are at a similar level.
But nothing quite tops clashes between Manchester United and Liverpool.
The country’s most successful clubs by a country mile meet this Sunday in the Premier League at Old Trafford and, while the stakes may not be as high as on some previous occasions (both clubs have all but qualified for next season’s Champions League), anyone who thinks that will lead to a drop in intensity are surely mistaken.
Talking Points
Both sides are without key men. United are missing arguably their first choice centre backs in Lisandro Martinez – after a joke of a suspension – and Dutchman Matthijs de Ligt, who has been out injured since the start of December.
For Liverpool, Hugo Ekitike’s recent injury has ruled him out for half a year, while Mohamed Salah came off against Crystal Palace last weekend with a hamstring injury, although the club says he is expected to return before the end of the season when he will bid farewell to the club he has served with distinction for nine years.
The hosts will be hoping Matheus Cunha can recover from the niggle which kept him out of Monday’s 2-1 home success over Brentford.
Victory for United will cement third place while victory for Liverpool would push them into third.
Premier League 2026 highlights have come their way in recent weeks.
United were 2-1 winners at home to Brentford on Monday night, following on from a 1-0 victory at Chelsea nine days earlier when Cunha scored the only goal of the game.
It built on a display of composure, defensive doggedness and determination at Stamford Bridge.
Last weekend, Liverpool finally beat Crystal Palace after three defeats to them during the season – a victory which, coupled with Aston Villa’s loss to Fulham, has moved them up to fourth spot.
A return to the top tier of European competition next term seems set for both clubs which, at the start of the season, would have been genuine progress for United following a woeful 2024/25 under Ruben Amorim.
For the underachieving Merseysiders, it would have been the very minimum requirement.
History
I have covered a fair few of their meetings and one which stands out was an five-goal FA Cup thriller sealed by the magic of Bruno Fernandes in 2021.
Overall, United have won 92 of their meetings in all competitions. Liverpool have 82 successes and there have been 71 draws – that’s as close as you would probably expect for the two dominant forces in English football.
Last season at Anfield this fixture ended 2-2 with Martinez opening the scoring before the hosts hit back with two quick goals via Cody Gakpo and a Salah penalty only for United to draw level when Amad Diallo grabbed an equaliser as the sides shared the spoils.
Liverpool had comprehensively won 3-0 in the earlier fixture.
Earlier this term, the tables were turned as Bryan Mbuemo opened the scoring for United at Anfield inside the first two minutes and Harry Maguire headed a late winner to seal a 2-1 success for the Red Devils.
Their very first match is considered a Test Match, presumably the then equivalent of a friendly, when Liverpool defeated the then Newton Heath 2-0 in April 1894 at Ewood Park, Blackburn.
The scorers that day were Patrick Gordon and Harry Bradshaw in the opening half hour.
Betting Tip
League positions count for very little when these two meet as United chase a first league double over their arch rivals for a decade.
The SBOTOP Premier League 2026 betting odds give them a slight advantage.
Michael Carrick’s men are priced 1X2 @ 2.35 and Asian Handicap -0.50, also @ 2.35.
For Liverpool, odds include 1X2 @ 2.60 and Asian Handicap 0.00 @ 2.17.
The draw is on offer @ 3.43.
Should United record another 2-1 triumph, which would strengthen Carrick’s chances of getting the job full-time, then Correct Score will earn you a pay day of @ 9.00.
If Liverpool repeat the scoreline from the corresponding fixture last term, then the odds are a pricey @ 38.00. I am expecting goals in this encounter and have looked at over 3.50 @ 2.29 and 2-3 @ 2.18, yet I am going to be a bit braver with this one.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR (⭐) BETS ARE WORTH:
⭐⭐⭐= €20 (HIGHLY CONFIDENT)
⭐⭐= €10 (CONFIDENT)
⭐= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
●●●
CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS
Stay updated with everything sports and betting.
