Manchester United vs Liverpool Prediction & Betting Tips (3 May) – Premier League

Manchester United and Liverpool meet at Old Trafford on Sunday in what remains English football’s biggest rivalry, even with neither side competing for the Premier League title this season.

The stakes are still enormous. United can confirm Champions League qualification with victory, while Liverpool could also secure their place among Europe’s elite if they win and results elsewhere go their way. With both clubs arriving in strong form, this Gameweek 35 showdown promises intensity, pressure and major betting interest. ⚽🔥

Match preview

Manchester United: Form, confidence & key themes

Manchester United’s revival under Michael Carrick has been one of the defining stories of the second half of the season. A short dip between early March and mid-April briefly slowed their momentum, but the Red Devils have responded with back-to-back Premier League wins.

After a narrow 1-0 victory over Chelsea, United followed up with a 2-1 success against Brentford, with Casemiro and Benjamin Sesko both on the scoresheet. Those tight victories underline the growing resilience in Carrick’s side, who have become increasingly efficient in high-pressure moments.

United are now 11 points clear of sixth-placed Brighton & Hove Albion with four matches remaining. A win over Liverpool would guarantee Champions League qualification, while even a draw or defeat could be enough depending on results involving Brighton and Bournemouth.

Carrick’s impact has been significant. Since he took charge, United have collected more Premier League points than any other team in that period. Their home form has also improved sharply, with the Red Devils already earning 12 more points at Old Trafford than they managed across the entirety of last season.

The attacking numbers are equally encouraging. United are on a 23-match scoring streak in all competitions and have scored at least twice in six of their last seven home matches. Bruno Fernandes remains the creative heartbeat, and he is now just one Premier League assist away from equalling the single-season record held by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne.

With qualification almost secured and Old Trafford behind them, United have every reason to approach this rivalry fixture with confidence. 🏟️

Liverpool: Momentum, problems & opportunities

Liverpool arrive three points behind Manchester United and still firmly involved in the top-five race. Arne Slot’s side have won three Premier League matches in a row, most recently beating Crystal Palace 3-1 to climb into fourth place.

However, the Reds’ route to securing Champions League qualification this weekend is more complicated. A win at Old Trafford is required, and they would also need Brighton and Bournemouth to drop points elsewhere.

Liverpool’s biggest concern is the absence of Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian forward has enjoyed a remarkable record against Manchester United, but a hamstring injury rules him out of Sunday’s clash. His loss removes the Reds’ most reliable big-game attacking weapon in this fixture.

Slot must also deal with a long injury list. Liverpool remain dangerous through Florian Wirtz, Dominik Szoboszlai, Cody Gakpo and Alexander Isak, but without Salah’s decisiveness, they may need a more collective attacking performance.

There is also a mixed trend against elite opponents. Liverpool have won just one of their last 12 league matches against teams starting the day inside the top three, drawing seven of those contests. That suggests they can compete in major fixtures, but turning performance into victory has been difficult.

Still, Liverpool have positive recent memories of Old Trafford after winning 3-0 there last season. Slot could become the first Liverpool manager to win both of his first two away league matches against Manchester United, adding another subplot to an already loaded encounter. 📊

Form guide 📊

Manchester United Premier League form:
Mixed spell followed by back-to-back wins

Manchester United form (all competitions):
Strong attacking run with goals in 23 consecutive matches

Liverpool Premier League form:
Three straight league wins

Liverpool form (all competitions):
Improving results but weakened by injuries

United’s home scoring trend is very strong, while Liverpool’s recent winning run keeps them dangerous. Salah’s absence, however, shifts the attacking balance in United’s favour.

Team news & predicted lineups 🧤

Manchester United

Manchester United are optimistic that Matheus Cunha will be available after returning to training following a minor hip issue. Luke Shaw is also expected to be fit despite coming off injured against Brentford.

Matthijs de Ligt remains out with a back problem, while Lisandro Martinez is suspended. That should allow Ayden Heaven to continue in defence alongside Harry Maguire.

Bruno Fernandes will again operate as United’s main creative force, with Benjamin Sesko leading the line after his decisive contribution last time out.

Manchester United possible starting lineup:
Lammens; Dalot, Maguire, Heaven, Shaw; Casemiro, Mainoo; Mbeumo, Fernandes, Cunha; Sesko

Liverpool

Liverpool will be without Mohamed Salah due to a hamstring injury, joining Jayden Danns, Hugo Ekitike, Conor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni, Wataru Endo and Giorgi Mamardashvili on the absentee list.

Alisson Becker is a major doubt after failing to train, meaning Woodman could start in goal. Milos Kerkez has also been managing a minor issue, so Andrew Robertson is expected to begin at left-back.

Without Salah, Slot is likely to use Szoboszlai, Wirtz and Gakpo behind Alexander Isak.

Liverpool possible starting lineup:
Woodman; Jones, Van Dijk, Konate, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Szoboszlai, Wirtz, Gakpo; Isak

Key stats & betting angles 🔍

• Manchester United will secure Champions League qualification with a win.
• United have scored in 23 consecutive matches across all competitions.
• Bruno Fernandes is one assist away from equalling the Premier League single-season assist record.
• United have scored at least twice in six of their last seven home matches.
• Liverpool have won three Premier League games in a row.
• Liverpool have won just one of their last 12 league games against teams starting the day in the top three.
• Mohamed Salah is ruled out despite his outstanding record against Manchester United.
• United beat Liverpool 2-1 at Anfield earlier this season.

Prediction ⚽

Manchester United look slightly better placed heading into this rivalry clash. Carrick’s side are confident, strong at home and highly motivated by the chance to confirm Champions League qualification in front of their own supporters.

Liverpool still have enough quality to threaten, particularly through Wirtz, Szoboszlai and Isak, but Salah’s absence is a major blow. With uncertainty in goal and several defensive concerns, the visitors may struggle to contain United’s attacking rhythm for 90 minutes.

Expect a fierce and open contest, but United’s home form and extra stability could prove decisive.

Likely result: Manchester United win
Correct score: 2-1
Best betting angle: Manchester United Draw No Bet / Both Teams to Score

Correct score prediction: Manchester United 2–1 Liverpool

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