Man Utd vs Liverpool – Old Trafford set for blockbuster as Fernandes nears Premier League record

After a 2-2 draw on Merseyside last season, Man Utd can now go three consecutive league meetings with the Reds without losing for the first time in a decade.

Interim manager Michael Carrick hailed his side’s ‘best start’ after Monday’s victory over Brentford, and replicating that intensity from the opening whistle could prove crucial here.

Bryan Mbeumo fired the Old Trafford giants 1-0 up in the second minute in October, while they also opened the scoring in last season’s stalemate at Anfield.

Drawing first blood has been a proven recipe for success in recent meetings between the two sides, and United will be eager to repeat that pattern on home soil.

Defensive solidity key for Liverpool

Arne Slot’s future at Anfield looks safe despite mounting pressure on his job, and taking three points at the Theatre of Dreams could be a perfect way to repay the club’s trust.

Given Man Utd’s recent performances, it could be easier said than done, but there is potentially a way for Liverpool to knock their bitter rivals off their perch here.

Liverpool’s last four Premier League wins over Man Utd all saw them keep a clean sheet. Indeed, the last time they defeated the Red Devils while conceding a goal came in May 2021.

Slot’s men have looked more like their former selves in recent games, largely thanks to a return to greater defensive stability, with the Reds conceding just twice in their last three league outings.

It’s also worth noting that they conceded a highly controversial goal in last weekend’s 3-1 home win over Crystal Palace, as Daniel Munoz slotted into an empty net after goalkeeper Freddie Woodman went down injured.

However, the odds of 4/5 for both teams to score suggest there is still a strong expectation that United will find a way through Liverpool’s improving defence

All eyes on Premier League assist king as Liverpool miss their talisman

Mohamed Salah’s farewell season has gone all wrong, and the 33-year-old will not make his mark in one of English football’s most storied rivalries as he has often done in the past.

The outgoing Liverpool legend has been a nightmare for Man Utd defenders, netting 16 goals and adding six assists in 18 previous appearances in this iconic fixture.

His goals have often brought good fortune for Liverpool in this match-up, with the Reds winning six, drawing two and losing just one of the matches in which he has scored.

However, Salah picked up a season-ending injury against Palace, with teenage sensation Rio Ngumoha expected to take his place in the starting line-up.

Meanwhile, Bruno Fernandes is likely pull all the strings for Man Utd. The Red Devils captain has tallied eight goals and 19 assists in 31 league appearances this season.

Fernandes is only two assists away from setting a new Premier League record for most assists in a single season and is priced at 2/1 to set up one of teammates in this clash.