Image Credits: Imago Images
With the Premier League’s top five now confirmed as Champions League spots for 2026/27, Manchester United and Liverpool know exactly what is at stake.
United sit third on 61 points; Liverpool are fourth on 58, separated by just three points and one place with four games remaining. Aston Villa are level with Liverpool on 58 points and breathing down their necks.
A win for Arne Slot’s side at Old Trafford would all but secure a top-four finish and leave them better placed than Villa on goal difference. A win for United would functionally end the argument.
Given the circumstances, it is somewhat ironic that both clubs arrive at this fixture with sizeable injury and suspension lists:
Lisandro Martinez – Suspended
Martinez will feature Old Trafford on Sunday. The Argentine centre-back was shown a straight red card in United’s defeat to Leeds United after pulling Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s hair during an aerial challenge — an act of violent conduct spotted by the video referee and confirmed by referee Paul Tierney.
Matthijs de Ligt – Doubt
De Ligt has not played a single minute since coming off during United’s win over Crystal Palace on 30 November – more than five months ago – with what was initially described as a minor lower back complaint.
It remains to be seen if he will feature vs Liverpool but it seems highly unlikely.
Matheus Cunha – Minor doubt
Cunha is United’s biggest attacking doubt for the game. The Brazilian, who has registered 10 goal involvements in 30 league appearances this season, came off late in the win at Chelsea on 20 April clutching his groin and was subsequently ruled out of the 2-1 win over Brentford.
“He had a bit of a sore hip flexor after the game against Chelsea. He was looking quite promising during the week,” Carrick said ahead of the win over Brentford.
“We thought he’d be okay, but he didn’t quite progress quick enough. It’s nothing too serious, but unfortunately, he misses out tonight.”
Luke Shaw – Doubt
The England left-back came off midway through the second half against Brentford after picking up an unknown injury.
Patrick Dorgu – Minor Doubt
Dorgu has been out since tearing his hamstring in United’s win at Arsenal in January — the same period in which he had been one of United’s standout performers, having scored three goals in quick succession earlier in the campaign. After a three-month absence, the Denmark wing-back made it back into the matchday squad for Monday’s win over Brentford but was not deemed ready to start.
Mohamed Salah – Out
The timing is cruel, but the injury risk has been real all season. Salah came off during Liverpool’s 3-1 win over Crystal Palace having felt something in his hamstring. Ibrahim Hassan, director of the Egyptian national team, publicly stated the issue could keep Salah out for approximately four weeks, which would cover the remainder of the Premier League season entirely.
Hugo Ekitike – Out
Ekitike’s first season at Liverpool ended in the cruellest possible way. Liverpool confirmed he had suffered a complete rupture of the Achilles tendon after the Champions League exit to PSG. Ekitike underwent successful surgery in London and faces a recovery timeline that could stretch well into 2027 — ruling him out not only for the rest of this season but also from France’s World Cup squad.
Giorgi Mamardashvili – Out
Mamardashvili’s season may have ended in the Merseyside derby against Everton when he collided with striker Beto and sustained a significant wound to his knee, requiring immediate hospital treatment. Slot confirmed post-match the injury “didn’t look promising,” and while the Georgian goalkeeper posted on Instagram to reassure supporters it was not a long-term structural issue, he has been ruled out for several weeks.
Alisson Becker – Minor Doubt
Alisson has missed Liverpool’s last six matches with a recurring hamstring injury — his second such problem of the season — and Sunday represents his most pressing target for a return. The Brazilian was working towards a comeback ahead of the Crystal Palace fixture, but Slot remained cautious in his pre-match press conference, saying “let’s see if tomorrow comes too early,” and Alisson did not feature.
Slot will give him every possible chance to be fit but will provide a late verdict.
Conor Bradley – Out
Bradley’s season has been over since January, when the Northern Irish right-back suffered a serious knee injury – involving damage to multiple ligaments, including the anterior cruciate – during the game against Arsenal. He underwent surgery and will not feature again this season.
Wataru Endo – Out
The Japan international has been out action since early February with ankle ligament damage, and is targeting a return for the World Cup with Japan.
Giovanni Leoni – Out
The Italian international suffered an ACL tear September requiring surgery, and the defender is not expected to return in time for the last games of the campaign.