Preview: Manchester United vs Liverpool prediction, odds, where to watch, time | Premier League 2025-26
Two clubs chasing Champions League football face off!
Two of English football’s biggest rivals face off at Old Trafford this Sunday, and the timing is perfect. Manchester United, currently third in the Premier League with 61 points, host a Liverpool side trailing just behind in fourth with 58.
United only need two more points from their final four games to lock in a Champions League spot for next season, so a win here would pretty much get the job done. With both teams fighting for a top-four finish, this is going to be one of the most intense North West derbies in years.
Liverpool arrive in Manchester following three straight league wins, picking up maximum points against Everton, Crystal Palace, and Fulham. This bounce-back comes after a tough April where they slumped to three defeats. United, on the other hand, have really found their groove under Michael Carrick. They’ve managed to score in every single one of Carrick’s 13 games so far, which is a stat that shows just how much confidence this front line has right now.
Bruno Fernandes is currently just one assist away from matching the Premier League single-season record of 20, held by Kevin De Bruyne and Thierry Henry. Breaking that record against Liverpool at home would be a massive statement.
Looking back at October’s meeting at Anfield, United walked away with a 2-1 win thanks to an early goal from Bryan Mbeumo and a late Harry Maguire winner after Cody Gakpo had equalised. Liverpool will definitely be out for revenge, and with so much on the line, neither side is going to be happy with a draw.
Kick-off:
- Location: Manchester, England
- Stadium: Old Trafford
- Date: Sunday, May 3, 2026
- Kick-off time: 3:30 PM BST, 8 PM IST
- Referee: Darren England
- VAR: In use
Form:
- Manchester United: W-W-L-D-W
- Liverpool: W-W-L-W-L
Key Players to Watch:
Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)
So far in the 2025-26 season, Bruno has bagged 8 goals and 19 assists in 31 games, averaging an 8.02 FotMob rating. Those numbers show he’s in a bracket of his own when it comes to creating chances. He is the engine room of this United side, and with Liverpool’s backline currently stretched by injuries, he’s got a great chance of making history this Sunday.
Florian Wirtz (Liverpool)
Florian Wirtz has 5 goals and 3 assists from 2,257 minutes of play this season. The German playmaker has started to show exactly why Liverpool signed him as he settles into the league. With Mohamed Salah out with a hamstring injury, Arne Slot will be leaning on Wirtz to take charge and provide the creative spark Liverpool need in the final third.
Match Facts:
- Fernandes has scored or assisted in eight consecutive Premier League appearances at Old Trafford.
- United have won six of seven home matches under Carrick in the league.
- Liverpool won just one of the last five Premier League meetings at Old Trafford.
Manchester United vs Liverpool Betting Tips and Odds
- Manchester United to win: 1.62 (1xBet)
- Both teams to score: 1.45 (Winmatch)
- Total goals over 2.5: 1.62 (1Win)
Injuries and Team News
Manchester United go into this one without the suspended Lisandro Martínez. Luke Shaw should be fit, according to Carrick, and Matthijs de Ligt is out with a back issue, though he’s expected back early this month. Matheus Cunha is back in training after missing the last match.
Liverpool have a much longer list of absentees. Alisson is doubtful with a muscle problem, which likely means Freddie Woodman starts in goal, as Giorgi Mamardashvili is out until mid-May. Conor Bradley’s season is over due to a knee injury. Other players missing include Stefan Bajcetic (hamstring), Wataru Endo (broken ankle), Hugo Ekitiké (Achilles), Giovanni Leoni (ACL), and Mohamed Salah (hamstring).
Head-to-Head Stats:
- Total matches (all competitions): 243
- Manchester United wins: 92
- Liverpool wins: 82
- Draws: 71
Predicted Lineups
Manchester United Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1):
Senne Lammens; Diogo Dalot, Harry Maguire, Ayden Heaven, Luke Shaw; Casemiro, Kobbie Mainoo; Bryan Mbeumo, Bruno Fernandes, Matheus Cunha; Benjamin Sesko
Liverpool Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1):
Freddie Woodman; Curtis Jones, Ibrahima Konaté, Virgil van Dijk, Andrew Robertson; Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister; Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz, Cody Gakpo; Alexander Isak
Match Prediction
United have the home crowd behind them and are playing their best football of the season. Carrick has them scoring freely and staying disciplined at the back. Plus, the chance to secure Champions League football in front of their own fans is a huge motivator.
Liverpool are always a threat on the break, even without Salah, but their away form has been hit-or-miss, and the uncertainty in goal is a concern. Expect United to dictate the pace and edge this one, even if Liverpool make things difficult.
Predicted Scoreline: Manchester United 2–1 Liverpool
Telecast Details
India: JioHotstar, Star Sports Network
UK: TNT Sports and Sky Sports
USA: NBC Sports
Nigeria: SuperSport
What is the significance of this match for Manchester United’s league standing?
Manchester United currently sit in third place with 61 points and need just a single victory against Liverpool to virtually secure their spot in next season’s Champions League.
Which individual milestone is Bruno Fernandes approaching in this fixture?
Fernandes is currently one assist away from matching the all-time Premier League single-season record of 20 assists held by Kevin De Bruyne and Thierry Henry.
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