Manchester United vs. Liverpool Prediction: Arch-Rivals Ready for Battle

There is no love lost between Manchester United and Liverpool, both of whom are pushing for a third-place finish in the Premier League ahead of their meeting on Sunday.

• Manchester United are third at present after a victory over Brentford on Monday

• Liverpool, like their adversaries, have won back-to-back games in the Premier League

Manchester United vs. Liverpool Odds

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My +130 Pick for Manchester United vs. Liverpool 

Back Manchester United to beat Liverpool on Sunday. This is likely to be a close game, but we expect the Red Devils to strengthen their grip on third place by beating their rivals on home turf.

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Manchester United Have Big Decision to Make on Carrick

When Manchester United sacked Ruben Amorim around the turn of the year, the consensus was that they would struggle to qualify for the Champions League. Yet although they are not mathematically over the line just yet, the Red Devils are on the verge of securing a seat at Europe’s top table with a handful of games to spare this season.

Michael Carrick deserves great credit for that. His only prior experience in management came at Middlesbrough in the second tier of English soccer. Upon being handed the reins in January, he was tasked with restoring some pride at Old Trafford, with a top-five finish seen as a potential bonus rather than a requirement.

Carrick has exceeded expectations. Following a 2-1 victory over Brentford on Monday, United are now in pole position to finish third. Since Carrick took charge on January 13, no team in the Premier League has accumulated as many points as United (although Manchester City have played a game fewer in that time). 

It now seems almost certain that Carrick will get the job on a full-time basis. Possible alternatives, like Carlo Ancelotti and Thomas Tuchel, look set to remain in their international posts beyond World Cup 2026. Carrick may not have the same amount of top-level experience as certain other coaches out there, but he has passed his trial with flying colors.

“The way the boys managed it, it's a tough league to get results in. To get the amount of wins we have, we are delighted with that,” Carrick said after the defeat of Brentford last time out, a result which leaves them 11 points clear of sixth-placed Brighton & Hove Albion with four matches left to play.

“It’s another win and we have an important game coming up at the weekend. It’s a big game for different reasons and we’re looking forward to that. We put ourselves in a good position with a win tonight.”

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Liverpool Sitting More Comfortably Inside the Top Five

Liverpool are three points behind Manchester United, so they are not quite as secure in the top five as their rivals are. However, it would take a remarkable turn of events for the Reds to drop out of the Champions League spots from here. An eight-point cushion above sixth place gives them a decent amount of breathing space.

It has not been entirely smooth sailing for Liverpool in their pursuit of Champions League soccer. As recently as March, they collected one point from a possible nine against Wolverhampton Wanderers, Tottenham Hotspur and Brighton. But back-to-back victories over Everton and Crystal Palace have left Liverpool sitting more comfortably. Chelsea's collapse has also helped, essentially removing Liverpool’s main rivals from the race.

Liverpool did not have everything their own way against either Everton or Palace. They required a last-gasp winner to see off the former in a game which could have gone either way. A 2-1 win there was followed by a 3-1 defeat of Crystal Palace, but Liverpool's opponents could have got something from the match had they been more efficient in front of goal.

Still, Liverpool are on course to realize their prinicipal goal for the campaign. That should be enough to earn Arne Slot a stay of execution. The powers that be at Liverpool no doubt recognize that the coach has not been entirely responsible for the team's shortcomings this term. 

As such, Slot will be kept on provided Liverpool finish in the top five. He deserves to be too. After all, the Dutchman guided the Reds to the Premier League title last season, and Champions League qualification means this campaign could hardly be termed a disaster. Slot has done enough to earn another shot.

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Will Manchester United or Liverpool Claim the Bragging Rights?

A couple of months ago, it looked like this match could be a titanic tussle in the race for the Champions League. Instead, it is unlikely to have any bearing on who finishes in the top five. A defeat for either team would be far from fatal.

However, there is no such thing as a meaningless match between these two. Manchester United and Liverpool are historic rivals. Every time they go head-to-head, it matters - and neither set of supporters would allow anything less. Sunday's showdown is no exception.

Besides, third place is up for grabs behind Arsenal and Manchester City, while both managers could do with a strong end to the season as they seek the backing of their superiors. Four defeats in their final four matches could leave Carrick or Slot vulnerable.

On balance, we favor United. They have home advantage behind them and have been much improved at Old Trafford this season. Moreover, Carrick has a terrific record in big games, having led United to triumphs over Manchester City, Arsenal, Aston Villa and Chelsea. Given the opposition, a win here would earn him even more credit.

This United team sometimes struggles against low blocks and opponents that give up the ball. Liverpool do not fit that description. United will cause them problems in transition, and while Liverpool will threaten too, we fancy the home side to edge this one.

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How to Watch Manchester United vs. Liverpool

• Teams: Manchester United vs. Liverpool

• Location: Old Trafford, Manchester, England

• Date and Time: Sunday, May 3 at 10:30 AM ET

• How to Watch: Peacock Premium