Manchester United
Manchester United’s predicted XI to face Liverpool in Sunday’s Old Trafford showdown
Manchester United face Liverpool at Old Trafford this Sunday, with the chance to confirm their spot in next season’s UEFA Champions League. The 15:30 BST kick-off gives the Red Devils a massive opportunity to clinch European football and extend their lead over fourth-placed Liverpool in the table.
United need just two points from their remaining four league games to guarantee their place in the competition, meaning a win against the Merseysiders would seal the deal. The atmosphere at Old Trafford is going to be intense; a derby of this magnitude never needs extra motivation, but the stakes feel even higher this time.
Injury picture ahead of the Liverpool fixture
Matheus Cunha missed the victory over Brentford with a sore hip flexor but is progressing well in training, while Luke Shaw is also expected to be available to keep up his run of starting every Premier League game this season. Lisandro Martínez sits out through suspension, which forces Michael Carrick to reshuffle his defensive options.
Matthijs de Ligt remains sidelined with a back issue, though the club expect him back soon. Carrick told reporters during his pre-match press conference at Carrington on Friday afternoon that United are “in good shape really.”
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Manchester United’s predicted lineup against Liverpool
I think Manchester United will likely set up in a 4-2-3-1, and here is how they might line up. Senne Lammens takes his place between the sticks, as he has done consistently throughout this run of fixtures. Diogo Dalot will look to get forward on the right, while Luke Shaw, if fit as expected, should hold down the left-back position.
Harry Maguire and Ayden Heaven, a partnership born out of necessity, would line up in the centre to cover for the absent Martínez and De Ligt. Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo should form a disciplined duo in front of the back four, giving the team a strong physical and technical base.
Bryan Mbeumo, who scored a brilliant opener at Anfield earlier in the season, is likely to start on the right, with Bruno Fernandes taking his usual spot just behind the striker. Matheus Cunha, back in training after his hip flexor scare, could start on the left to bring some pace and directness to the attack.
Manchester United Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1): Senne Lammens; Diogo Dalot, Harry Maguire, Ayden Heaven, Luke Shaw; Casemiro, Kobbie Mainoo; Bryan Mbeumo, Bruno Fernandes, Matheus Cunha; Benjamin Sesko
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Benjamin Sesko, who scored against Brentford in the last game, should lead the line and give Liverpool’s centre-backs plenty to think about. At home and with Champions League football within reach, Manchester United have every reason to be confident heading into Sunday.