DEADLY rivals Liverpool and Man United meet in Europe for the first time tonight and it’s a tie that has captured the imagination.
Jurgen Klopp’s men have a poor record against their fierce rivals – two wins in 10 and four defeats in a row to Louis van Gaal – but are in good shape after superb wins against Man City and then with 10 men at Crystal Palace.
Daniel Sturridge could return to Liverpool's starting line-up and right-back Nathaniel Clyne will be back at the expense of Jon Flanagan who is not registered to play in the Europa League. Midfielder James Milner is doubtful after he was sent home from training with illness.
Jesse Lingard is suspended for United and fellow winger Adnan Januzaj is cup-tied but Antonio Valencia is set to be involved after a foot injury. Wayne Rooney, Ashley Young, Will Keane, Luke Shaw, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Phil Jones are all still out.
United’s only away win in five was at Shrewsbury and they’ve lost to Midtjylland, Sunderland and West Brom. Form says Liverpool can win but h2h says United.
Maybe it would be wiser to back the draw or goals but I’m taking a chance on a home win at 23-20 with William Hill. Both teams could score as United will know the value of an away strike and that pays 23-20 at Coral.
Brazilian striker Roberto Firmino scored in those victories against City and Palace and is worth a look at 11-4 with bet365 to score. His countryman Phillipe Coutinho netted versus City in the Capital One Cup Final and is 3-1 with the same firm.
For United with Wayne Rooney still out most fans will be looking to Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial. Rashford bagged four in his first two games while Martial hit a cracker against Liverpool at Old Trafford earlier in the season. Martial is 16-5 at 888sport to net while Rashford is 9-2.
Both sides picked up a red at the weekend and there's chance of another one tonight and that pays 3-1 at bet365.
You can have a refund up to £188 on losing correct score, first/anytime scorer, both teams to score and double result markets with 188Bet if there is a red in the match.
There have been three in the last nine meetings, including Steven Gerrard’s infamous 38-second showing last season.
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Resident football tipster at Scotland's most read newspaper, the Daily Record, for over 20 years and proud host of one the best betting communities on the web with daily betting tips.
5 defeats to Louis. Lost a friendly too. They all count when it comes to these 2. Like yer Liverpool Couthinho bets, don’t like the btts one. No away goals please. 6 O’Clock I’m gonna need a drink to calm me down.
mrfurious, I don’t count friendlies. Would really fancy Liverpool if it wasn’t for the h2h.
I like the Coutinho shout however Firmino’s scored 7 in 14 games across all competitions so far this year and he’s always appeared to be a ‘big game’ player so I reckon he’s got a good chance of adding to that tonight. He’s 5/2 anytime but I’m on the 4/1 for first team goalscorer on bet365.
Also given that there has only been one draw in the last 25 meetings between the clubs the 4/11 for the Liverpool/Man Utd double chance might be a worth addition to an accumulator.
Damnit, Firmino was also 4/1 for last team scorer, although I should have stuck with the anytime.