Liverpool vs Manchester United
England - Premier League 2020-2021. Jan 17th.

MATCH PREVIEW

Big Test for United

Manchester United go into this game as leaders of the Premier League. That's not what they expected after earning just seven points from their first six games. A win at Anfield will take them six points clear of defending champions Liverpool.

Since that poor start to the season, United have won nine and drawn two of their matches. At the time of writing, a form guide for the last ten league games has them five points clear at the top. They may have been knocked out of the Champions League and the Carabao Cup but a challenge for the Premier League title is very much on now.

The days of them suffering heavy losses at home seem to be long gone now. They have won four of the last five at Old Trafford and that could be the final piece of their jigsaw. Away form has seen United in top form with only Leicester City avoiding defeat against them in eight games this season.

Can they now take that great away form to Anfield and come away with a win?  Recent form against Liverpool isn't promising for United. They have only one win against the Reds in their last ten meetings. Of those games though, six have been drawn and that includes two of the last three. United haven't won at Anfield since 2016 but have two draws and three defeats in their last three visits.

One big bonus that United have is their ability to score goals on their travels. They have scored in each of their last 15 away league games, netting at least twice in 11 of the last 12. With Liverpool not in the best of form, this weekend is a good opportunity to maintain their lead over Liverpool, perhaps even extending it.

Troubling Time for Liverpool

Liverpool come into this game having failed to win any of their last three league matches. A return of two points from games against West Brom, Newcastle and Southampton is way below their usual standard. Their lead at the top has disappeared and they dare not lose this match.

They may well have a few injuries in defence but the form of their strikers is worrying at present. No goals against Newcastle and Southampton and just one in three league matches. They need the likes of Salah, Firmino and Jota to rediscover their Premier League scoring form, especially on their travels.

Home form continues to be highly impressive. The draw with West Brom last month ended a run of eight straight home league wins. Only West Brom and Burnley have come away from Anfield with a point in the last 34 Premier League games at Anfield.

Clean sheets are a bit of a problem though. Only two have been kept at home in the last ten Premier League fixtures. Both team scoring has happened in eight of the last nine and that looks a bet that has a great chance here.

This fixture has produced its fair share of draws in recent times. A bet on a draw with both teams scoring looks one that can make a profit.