Liverpool’s match at Anfield on Sunday afternoon is a game that neither side can afford to lose as they both fight for a top-four finish and the chance of Champions League football next season.
When the two clubs met earlier in the season at Old Trafford Manchester United easily won 3-0, but it was a Liverpool team full of new player without Luis Suarez, and a manager who still had not worked out what was the best formation to play.
The tide has now turned however with Liverpool being the only Premiership side not to have lost a game in 2015.
Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers is without any new injury concerns and could in fact welcome back Lucas Leiva to the squad after the Brazilian returned to training this week.
Mario Balotelli should also return to the Reds bench after having missed Mondays match against Swansea due to illness.
Predicted Liverpool Line-Up
Goalkeeper
Simon Mignolet will need to perform well if Liverpool hopes to win, but his form over recent matches suggests that the Belgium is well-up for the task and will hope to prove himself against Wayne Rooney and company.
Defence
In defence it will be a case of sticking with Skrtel, Sakho and Emre Can who he hopes will be up to the task of beating United’s Marouane Fellaini in the air.
Midfield
Midfield will be the key area for both teams, and may well be the decider in the match. Steven Gerrard showed his leadership in the match against Swansea when he came on in the second half for Liverpool, yet we think Rodgers will leave him to bring on as a sub late in the game sticking with Joe Allen and Jordan Henderson while utilizing Moreno and Sterling on the wings.
Attack
Rodgers will once more use Raheem Sterling as a right wing-back which allows him to insert Adam Lallana and Philippe Coutinho on either side of front-man Daniel Sturridge. We expect Lallana to have a good game against United and to show the boss why he should be starting each week.
