One of the best rivalries in all of sports, Liverpool and Manchester United will meet for in a high-stakes Premier League match for the second time in three weeks.
United defeated Liverpool, 4-3, in penalties in a thrilling FA Cup quarterfinal on St. Patrick’s Day.
Let’s take a look at Sunday’s Liverpool vs. Manchester United matchup (10:30 a.m. ET, USA Network/NBC.com) and make a pick.
Liverpool vs. Manchester United odds
| Liverpool | ManU | Draw | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| -160 | +350 | +350 | o2.5(-300)/u2.5(+200) |
Liverpool vs. Manchester United analysis
Coming down the stretch, this is a tricky matchup for favored Liverpool that could end up deciding if it lifts the Premier League championship trophy in six weeks.
In the matchup three weeks ago, Liverpool notably closed as a -115 road favorite on the three-way moneyline ahead of that match.
There are a couple of ways that teams can have success against Liverpool.
The first is to stay disciplined and not allow the Reds to get their chances in transition.
The second is to engage Liverpool in the type of game they want by trading chances and betting that you’ll come out ahead. Very few teams are equipped to do the latter, but Manchester United can pull it off.
So much of this season has been a mess for the Red Devils because of their defensive flaws, and that sounds like an indictment against a team with as much firepower as Liverpool.
But there is a reason that United had success against the Reds a few weeks back: Their style plays into Manchester United’s hands.
Teams that invite United forward by sitting deep and waiting to counter have found success all season, but Liverpool doesn’t fit that bill.
The Reds will be on the ball plenty in this tilt, which should allow the Red Devils to hit them back on the counter. And for all of their flaws, this Manchester United side can still attack in transition better than most clubs in the world.
No teams play with more tempo or puts as much emphasis on pressing as Liverpool.
So while they’re certain to get their chances against United, there will be opportunities for the Red Devils to expose Liverpool’s main flaw — their transition defense.
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Liverpool vs. Manchester United pick
Old Trafford has not been a warm place for Manchester United, and their fans seem fed up with the team’s inconsistencies.
But this is a massive match and the atmosphere should be electric, especially since United is a live underdog.
The Bet: Manchester United (+390, BetRivers)