English Premier League Blood Red Rivalry Preview and Betting Tips

  • In Charles Meshell
  • Sun, Dec 16th, 2018 3:00:52 am
  • By Charles Meshell - ROI Capper


ROICapper breaks down Liverpool vs. Manchester United with predictions and free tips.

English Premier League Blood Red Rivalry

The EPL is closing in on their annual festive fixtures, with 40 matches being played over a 14 day span, their will be a mad scramble to accumulate as many points as possible before they encounter that unforgiving portion on their schedule.

Chelsea and Arsenal start the match day on the south coast, with each coming off of European responsibilities, neither can afford to slip up in their race for a top four finish.  

Liverpool assumed the top spot in the Premier League table last weekend, after Manchester City picked up their first defeat of the new campaign. The Citizens have since reclaimed their top spot in the table, placing the ball back in the in the Reds court to once again surpass the defending champs, with a clear goal of lifting domestic silverware for the first time since 1990. 


Liverpool vs Manchester United
Anfield, Liverpool, England
12-16-2018 - 11:00 am ET - NBC-SN

English football renews it's fiercest rivalry on Sunday afternoon, when Liverpool and Manchester United meet for the 229th time in all competitions, and the first official Blood Red Rivalry during the 2018-2019 season. 

Liverpool are flying high once again, after a shaky spell of play which included dropping spots in the Premier League table, while nearly missing out on a Champions League Round of 16 appearance. The Reds have since stabilized their performances in the Premiership, while narrowly slipping by Napoli to keep their European aspirations alive. 

Jurgen Klopp has his team on an upward projection. The German maestro seems to have steered the ship clear of an early season falter, now with 5 matches over the next 18 days, which includes three "Big Six" affairs, this was the perfect time to have his side playing closer too their full potential. 

The Liverpool front-line rides into the match full of confidence, although they missed several chances to put Napoli away in the second half of Tuesday night's fixture, the Reds danger-men seem to have removed their World Cup hangovers, and are finally rounding into regular season form. 

Key Player

Mohamed Salah has been the main attraction within the English giants high flying attack, the Egyptian winger has answered the call after pundits began to speculate regarding his early season performances. Salah has since reeled off 7 goals in his last 8 matches in all competitions, including a hat-trick against Bournemouth, and the winning goal that propelled Liverpool through into the Champions League knock-out phase, his outstanding pace and clinical precision simply outclasses overmatched defenders.

Player Prop - Mohamed Salah - Anytime Goal Scorer  -110 / 1.91 

"X-Factors"

The Reds fellow danger-men seem set to explode themselves, with Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane finding their rhythm as the season progresses, their 10 goals and 4 assists domestically are certain to increase with their offensive flow starting to hit top gear. Keep an eye on Liverpool's forward tandem in this particular match-up, with so much attention being paid to Salah and his movements in the attacking half of the pitch, each are certain to have open looks to hit the back of the net against a patched up Man-U back-line.

Liverpool will start the match day as the 2nd place side in the EPL table, still the Reds are the only undefeated club to start the new campaign, with an overall record of 13-3-0 and 42 points too date, they must collect a victory against their storied rivals in order to reclaim the top spot in England's top flight league. 

Manchester United make the short trip to Anfield in need of a positive result, after falling to Valencia 2-1 during midweek play, the Red Devils now turn their attention to this massive contest in northern England.

Jose Mourinho steps onto the sideline still fully supported by the Man United board. The "Special One" has struggled to produce consistent winning streaks during his third season with the club, after guiding the famed side to a Europa League title and a second place finish in the Premier League, the Portuguese is now fighting to once again prove himself as one of the top managers in the world.

Player Injuries

The Red Devils arrive in Liverpool with up too 9 players potentially missing out on this must win affair. Alexis Sanchez, Victor Lindelof, Marcus Rojo are all officially ruled out, while Luke Shaw, Anthony Martial, Chris Smalling, Matteo DarmianScott McTominay and Diogo Dalat are all listed as doubtful, making life even more difficult for Mourinho as he attempts to field a solid starting eleven.

The guests have seen a few key components make their way back into the regular rotation, with Romelu Lukaku back in the fold after a brief stint on the shelf, the big Belgium is now set to partner with Marcus Rashford atop Man-U's 4-3-1-2 alignment. Lukaku is a true game changer when in top form, able to create space with his pace and power, he is equally dangerous in and around the box using his physical presence to finish at a clinical rate, with 20 goals in all competitions he truly understands how to hit the back of the net. 

Key Figures

The Man-U midfield must help carry the load if there is any chance of leaving Anfield with positive points. Nemanja Matic, Ander Herrera, Juan Matta and Marouane Fellaini are all in contention to get the starting nod, their ability to contribute on both sides of the pitch will be critical based on this specific match-up.

Manchester United are a unthinkable 16 points behind Liverpool in the standings, currently holders of the 6th spot with an overall record of 7-5-4, with 26 points they also find themselves a full 8 points adrift from the top four clubs in the Premiership. 


Liverpool vs Manchester United - Match Prediction

Sunday's match-up provides us with two of the more successful clubs in European history, with a combined 110 titles between each team, they are used to experiencing success at the highest of levels throughout their long standing history. 

Liverpool have failed to capture a Premier League title since it's inception in 1992, the Reds have been chasing that elusive top spot in England for the past 27 years, now with a realistic chance of lifting the domestic title in May, they seem as focused as ever on obtaining their long-term goal. Sunday will be another huge step in keeping pace atop the EPL table, the hosts have had a difficult time collecting all three points against this Manchester United side, only managing a draw or better in their last 4 meetings at Anfield, that should be additional motivation to finally slay the Red Devils while on their own their own pitch.

The hosts will certainly see large amounts of possession as this match progresses, already averaging 56.6% of the time on the ball this season, Man-U are likely to park the bus and be content with another draw if it the opportunity presents itself. Liverpool will surely understand the Red Devils previous strategies, giving them extra incentive to challenge them down the wings on a consistent basis, while using their creative players to create a plethora of shots on goal, where they hope to find the break through multiple times. 

Manchester United have no problem absorbing the pressure, looking to spring their counter attack into motion, while also using their physical brand of football to create set piece situations, where they have a decided advantage in the air. The Special One has mastered this strategy, it will be interesting to see if he sticks with his usual blueprint, or decides to go off script and attempt to match Liverpool's style of play. 

I anticipate Liverpool coming out content on grabbing the opening first half goal. I project another 1-0 type of score-line as halftime arrives, with the Reds picking up the pace as the second half begins, attempting to bag that decisive second goal to finally grab all three points against their bitter rivals. 


Liverpool vs Manchester United - Betting Tips 

Liverpool  -0.5  +115 / 2.15 - 1st Half Spread
Liverpool - (TT) Over 0.5  -140 / 1.71 - 1st Half Goal 
Liverpool - To Win and Over 1.5 Goals  -115 / 1.87  
Liverpool - To Score in Both Halves - YES  +120 / 2.2 


ROI Capper now offers Premier League and all of Europe's Top European Football/Soccer Picks @ PicksCity.com

All Picks Verified Through Cappersenterprise (Cappers 3rd party service) Twitter @cappersentrprze


Sign-up for the OSGA Newsletter!

Every week get news and updates, exclusive offers and betting tips delivered right to you email inbox.