Man Utd vs Liverpool preview: team news, lineups, TV, kick-off time, referee & VAR

Liverpool face an enormous hurdle in the race to become Premier League champions this Sunday when they visit Manchester United at Old Trafford. 

Jurgen Klopp's side managed a 3-1 victory over bottom of the table Sheffield United on Thursday night to return to the Premier League summit, with Arsenal and Manchester City both winning midweek as well.

With just eight games of the league season to go, the Reds can't afford even a hint of complacency during the run-in.

Liverpool have never found trips to Old Trafford straightforward, even under Klopp, and lost there in the FA Cup quarter-final before the March international break.

Man Utd may be in disarray this season but they still boast an incredibly talented squad, one that is capable of causing Liverpool significant issues on the counter-attack.

A crucial encounter, here is Anfield Watch's guide to Man Utd vs Liverpool this weekend.

DATE, KICK-OFF, STADIUM, REFEREE & VAR

• Date: Sunday, 7 April 2024

• Kick-off time: 15:30 GMT / 10:30 ET / 07:30 PT

• Stadium: Old Trafford

• Referee: Anthony Taylor

• VAR: John Brooks

MAN UTD VS LIVERPOOL HEAD-TO-HEAD RECORD

One of the most fierce rivalries in British football, Liverpool have faced Man Utd on an impressive 241 occasions since their formation in 1892.

Unfortunately for the Reds, history marginally favours Man Utd, who have won 91 matches to Liverpool's 81 in this fixture.

However, recent meetings with the Red Devils have been largely positive for Liverpool, including the famous 7-0 last season and 5-0 and 4-0 victories during the 2021/22 season.

In fact, Liverpool have won four of the last seven battles, although both defeats in that run have come at Old Trafford.

The most common outcome in meetings between Klopp and Man Utd is a draw, with the game finishing all square in eight of his 20 clashes with the Red Devils.

HOW TO WATCH MAN UTD VS LIVERPOOL ON TV AND LIVE STREAM

Man Utd vs Liverpool is always on TV regardless of the circumstances and will be broadcast on Sky Sports in the United Kingdom and Ireland this Sunday.

In Canada, the match is available on fuboTV as usual, while those in the United States can watch on various platforms such as NBC and Telemundo.

Optus Sport is the provider in Australia, with Star+ showing the game across the entirety of South America.

There are a huge array of broadcasters across Europe for this one, with Viaplay and DAZN among the most prominent.

beIN Sports show the action in North Africa and the majority of Asia, while SuperSport is the main provider in the rest of Africa.

LIVERPOOL TEAM NEWS

Liverpool's victory over Sheffield United saw Curtis Jones return to action for the first time since mid-February, while Ibrahima Konate and Andy Robertson also featured after minor injuries.

However, Wataru Endo was unavailable for the clash after sustaining a knock against Brighton, although Klopp has confirmed that he is likely to return in time for Sunday's match at Old Trafford.

Diogo Jota, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Alisson are all nearing returns and should be part of team training next week, but they won't make the trip to Manchester.

Stefan Bajcetic is currently training with the U21s as he closes in on his first minutes since September and he is likely to join first-team training next week too.

Ben Doak is still sidelined, while Joel Matip and Thiago are almost certainly out for the rest of the campaign.

MAN UTD TEAM NEWS

Erik ten Hag has a whole host of injuries to contend with ahead of Liverpool's visit, with a large portion of them coming in defence.

The Red Devils conceded in the 100th and 101st minute midweek against Chelsea to lose a thriller 4-3, with Jonny Evans, Raphael Varane and Casemiro all suffering knocks against the Blues.

All three are doubts for Sunday, while Lisandro Martinez, Victor Lindelof, Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia are also sidelined at the back.

Back-up goalkeeper Altay Bayindir is out due to injury, as is forward Anthony Martial.

LIVERPOOL PREDICTED LINEUP VS MAN UTD

Klopp is unlikely to make too many changes from recent wins against Brighton and Sheffield United, although he could make a few alterations at the back.

Joe Gomez may come in at right-back to provide more defensive cover than Conor Bradley, while Robertson could return at left-back after making a positive impression and grabbing an assist on Thursday night.

Dominik Szoboszlai's place is at risk after Jones' return from injury, while Endo should also start in holding midfield and allow Alexis Mac Allister freedom further forward.

The forward line used against the Blades will likely be unchanged.

(4-3-3): Kelleher; Gomez, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Szoboszlai, Endo, Mac Allister; Salah, Nunez, Diaz.

MAN UTD VS LIVERPOOL SCORE PREDICTION

It may be an old cliché, but form really does go out of the window in these clashes - exemplified by the FA Cup meeting in mid-March.

Liverpool will always find a trip to Old Trafford challenging given the ferocity of the rivalry and the two encounters this season highlight just how tricky Sunday's clash will be for Klopp's men.

They can ill-afford to drop points in the title race and will be buoyed by Man Utd's low confidence levels and defensive injuries, meaning they may just get the job done at Old Trafford.

Anfield Watch's prediction: Man Utd 1-2 Liverpool