Manchester United vs Liverpool match preview

A look ahead to this weekend's clash at Old Trafford

Friday 12 December 2014 17:33 GMT

A frustrated Brendan Rodgers on the touchline on Tuesday (GETTY IMAGES)

Liverpool will travel to Manchester United on Sunday, in a game which could be their last attempt to change their season around.

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The Reds' dream of reaching the knock-out stages of the Champions League went up in smoke after a 1-1 draw against FC Basel last Tuesday.

United, meanwhile, have built up confidence, wining their last five matches. Striker Robin van Persie was heavily criticised for his form this year but appears to turn the tide scoring both goals against Southampton last Monday which saw them taking home the win.

Argentinian winger Angel di Maria is expected to make his return on Sunday after missing out on United’s previous two games.

Van Gaal criticised van Persie for his lack of form, but scored two goals last Monday, and with Radamel Falcao almost completely fit again is yet to be seen who will have a place in the starting XI on Sunday.

Liverpool 1 Basel 1 player ratings

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1/13Liverpool 1 Basel 1 player ratings

Liverpool 1 Basel 1 player ratings

Simon Mignolet

Not much the Liverpool goalkeeper could do for Frei's brilliantly struck low drive. Made a decent save from a shot from range late on and stood up well at his front post as Basel threatened at the death. 6

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Liverpool 1 Basel 1 player ratings

Glen Johnson

Basel found most success down Johnson's side of the field with the England international over-committing to tackles on more than one occasion. Little end product going forward including a poor final ball when Lambert was ready to pounce. Also made a wayward pass at the death with Liverpool chasing the game. 4

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Liverpool 1 Basel 1 player ratings

Jose Enrique

Looked off the pace and was out-muscled at times. Replaced by Moreno at the break. 3

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Liverpool 1 Basel 1 player ratings

Dejan Lovren

Made some good clearances with his head and stood up well when a challenge was needed. Was booked and can feel fortunate not to have received another. 5

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Liverpool 1 Basel 1 player ratings

Martin Skrtel

Did enough at the back to keep Basel to one goal. His rasping shot from range came very close to finding the back of the net. 6

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Liverpool 1 Basel 1 player ratings

Lucas Leiva

Basel made progress through his area of the field far more often than the Brazilian would have liked. Gave possession away unnecessarily. 5

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Liverpool 1 Basel 1 player ratings

Joe Allen

Largely anonymous for much of the match as the Welshman failed to adequately cover his centre-backs. Offered nothing going forward. 4

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Liverpool 1 Basel 1 player ratings

Jordan Henderson

The best Liverpool player on the pitch, doing more to link up the midfield than anyone else. His energy was nearly rewarded with the winning goal when his deflected header almost rolled in. 7

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Liverpool 1 Basel 1 player ratings

Steven Gerrard

Was nowhere near his best with a few stray passes and at times caught in possession. Yet, as is so often the case, pulled his side back into it with an incredible free-kick. 6

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Liverpool 1 Basel 1 player ratings

Raheem Sterling

Showed his usual energy first down the right and then the left. Final ball wasn't always what it needed to be but the youngster's well weighted pass nearly played Gerrard through only for the goalkeeper to get there first. Just. 6

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Liverpool 1 Basel 1 player ratings

Rickie Lambert

Failed to link up play adequately and some of his passing was nothing better than cumbersome. Replaced by Markovic at the break. 4

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Liverpool 1 Basel 1 player ratings

Off the bench: Lazar Markovic

Replaced Rickie Lambert at half time. Showed a willingness to run at the Basel defence and have a shot. That was before he was sent off after 61 minutes for throwing his arm out at Safari and making contact with his finger tips. 4

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Liverpool 1 Basel 1 player ratings

Off the bench: Alberto Moreno

Replaced Enrique at half-time and managed to get forward better. However his final delivery wasn't always up to scratch. 5

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Liverpool finished runners-up in last year’s Premier League and beat Manchester United 3-0 last March. The confidence Liverpool had built up towards the end of the end of the season is disappearing very rapidly.

KICK-OFF: Sun 1.30pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS...

Man Utd 0 – 3 Liverpool (Gerrard 34, 36, Suarez) Sun March 2014

Man Utd 1 (Hernandez) - 0 Liverpool Wed 25 Sept 2013 Capital One Cup

Liverpool 1 (Sturridge) – Man Utd Sun 01 Sept 2013

STATS...

Each of the last seven Premier League meetings at Old Trafford have featured at least three goals

Steven Gerrard has scored more goals as an away player at Old Trafford than any other player in Premier League history (5).
Juan Mata has scored four goals from just five shots on target in the Premier League this season.

Robin van Persie has netted six goals in his last nine Premier League appearances against Liverpool.

Manchester United has secured 20 league titles opposed to Liverpool’s 18

ODDS...

Man Utd to win 1.75

Liverpool to win 4.4

Draw 3.7

TV: Sky Sports 1, from 12.30pm

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