UEFA Europa League: Liverpool vs Manchester United preview

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March 9th, 2016
Back UEFA Europa League: Liverpool vs Manchester United preview

An English derby will take place in the Europa League on Thursday as rivals Liverpool and Manchester United clash at Anfield Road. The two teams have never met in an European competition before, but their derby has a long history in England. Louis van Gaal, heavily criticized by Manchester United fans throughout his tenure at Old Trafford, has one thing going for him: he beat Liverpool in all four matches so far. However, the Red Devils have won just four of their last 15 away matches in all competitions. Liverpool have not defeated Manchester United at home since 2013.

Liverpool have not lost a match since the start of February, when they were defeated by Premier League leaders Leicester. It's true that they lost two cup matches, against West Ham in the FA Cup and the League Cup final against Manchester City, but those defeats came in extra time and on penalties. They are coming from two consecutive league wins, including an impressive 3-0 triumph over Manchester City. Last weekend they won 2-1 at Crystal Palace, even while resting three important players: Philippe Coutinho, Daniel Sturridge and Nathaniel Clyne.

After an impressive run of four consecutive wins in all competitions Manchester United were pegged back by West Brom last weekend, the Red Devils lost 1-0 as Juan Mata got sent off rather stupidly in the first half. The result dropped the Red Devils to sixth place, pressure from the fans is rising again, so a good result against rivals Liverpool could calm things down, at least for a while. Jesse Lingard is suspended for the match, Bastian Schweinsteiger is not yet fully fit, but Marouane Fellaini is ready to make his return after sitting on the bench last weekend.

Probable line-ups:

Liverpool: Mignolet - Clyne, Lovren, Sakho, Moreno - Milner, Henderson, Can - Sturridge, Firmino, Coutinho

Man United: De Gea - Darmian, Smalling, Blind, Rojo - Herrera, Schneiderlin - Martial, Mata, Depay - Rashford

My prediction: Liverpool to win 3-1.

Here are the odds for the match at Bet365:

Liverpool win - 2.15 Draw - 3.30 Man United win - 3.90

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