Two pundits have given their predictions ahead of Sunday afternoon’s FA Cup quarter-final encounter at Old Trafford
Liverpool have been backed to return to Wembley quickly ahead of the weekend’s FA Cup quarter-final clash against Manchester United.
The Reds visit Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon as they look to make it to the semi-final of the competition as they hunt more silverware in Jurgen Klopp’s final season in charge.
The game is the latest episode of one of the fiercest rivalries in England. It comes just a few weeks before the two teams meet again in the Premier League in what could be a big encounter in the title race and the top four battle.
But all eyes are on FA Cup matters, with the winners just one step away from the final of the competition. The semi-final will also take place at Wembley Stadium.
Ahead of the latest meeting between the two teams, former Premier League striker Chris Sutton has given his thoughts. He’s backing Liverpool to get one over on their rivals this time around after a 0-0 draw in the Premier League back in December.
“A friend of mine told me he thought Manchester United would win this tie. I told him not to be so stupid,” he told BBC Sport.
“United have dug deep and got some good results against Liverpool in recent years – for example, they beat them 2-1 at Old Trafford at the start of last season, when I didn’t give them a chance that day either. I know United fans might be getting excited about their 0-0 draw at Anfield earlier this season too – with what felt like about 2% possession.
“But Liverpool are getting key players like Mohamed Salah back to full fitness and if they turn up and perform like they did in the second half against Manchester City last weekend, then they are going to win – no doubt about it. There is some good news for United because their striker Rasmus Hojlund is going to be back from injury, and starting the game by all accounts.
“That is massive for them and gives them a far greater chance of getting through, but if Liverpool are anywhere near their best they will still have too much for them.”
Chris Sutton’s prediction: Manchester United 1-3 Liverpool.
Fellow pundit Paul Merson is in agreement with Sutton. The former Arsenal man has picked out three players who could be key for Liverpool during the match.
“If you’re a Manchester United fan this weekend, you have to be patient. There is every chance Erik ten Hag puts ten men behind the ball at home against Liverpool – which kind of shows how badly the Red Devils have fallen in recent years, It’s not going to be a nice watch for them,” he told SportsKeeda.
“Wataru Endo is a player I’ve been really impressed by, what a signing he’s been! Very rarely does Klopp get it wrong with transfers, I can’t recall looking at one of their signings over the years and saying’ damn, he was a major waste of money’, which is a huge compliment to everyone who works behind the scenes.
“The likes of Jarrell Quansah and Conor Bradley have also been absolutely different class. Liverpool have good professionals at the club, making it a great environment for these young players to come into the team and flourish.”
Paul Merson’s prediction: Manchester United 1-3 Liverpool
