The Premier League title race may be all but over, but that will be taking nothing away from the size of the game taking place on Sunday when Liverpool welcome Manchester United to Anfield. The Red Devils had long been the dominant side in the Premier League, but it would seem that Jurgen Klopp’s side are now taking their honour. Meanwhile, Chelsea will be hoping to improve their chances of a top-four finish with a win at Newcastle United.
Liverpool vs Manchester United
There is no doubting the biggest game of the weekend. The fixtures between Liverpool and Manchester United are typically the biggest of the entire season. The two clubs have won more trophies than any other side in England, but there will be an added sense of spice to this fixture as a win for Liverpool would mean that they have beaten every other side in the league at least once this season.
The title race already seems like it is over, with the Reds leading Manchester City by 14 points. They haven’t lost a match for an entire calendar year, and are certainly going to be pushing the Arsenal 49-match unbeaten record close. The only points that Liverpool have dropped this season came against Manchester United, as they needed a late Adam Lallana equaliser to salvage a point at Old Trafford. But, this will be a completely different game on Sunday as it will be played at Anfield.
Manchester United still have hopes of finishing in the top four, and a win would do wonders for their confidence. However, they could be without leading goalscorer Marcus Rashford for the trip to Merseyside as the striker limped off in their 1-0 win over Wolves in the FA Cup on Wednesday night.
The Englishman will be a huge miss if he is to miss out. Liverpool will go into the match as huge favourites, and it’s difficult to see the Red Devils getting anything from the game. A home win will be a popular pick for punters.
Newcastle United vs Chelsea
With Manchester United facing a massive task at Anfield, Chelsea could increase the gap between themselves and the chasing pack to eight points with a win at St James’ Park on Saturday afternoon.
The Blues have recovered from a disappointing festive period to have won two of their last three fixtures. They were dominant in their previous outing as they swatted aside Burnley at Stamford Bridge. Jorginho and Tammy Abraham put them on their way before Callum Hudson-Odoi scored his first Premier League goal in the second period. This Chelsea side are one of the most attractive sides to watch this season, and their attacking players could cause nightmares for the opposing Newcastle defenders.
Steve Bruce wouldn’t have believed his luck over recent weeks, as he has lost six first-team players to injury in just two matches. That made their point last time out against Wolverhampton Wanderers a hugely commendable result. The Toon took the lead in that match through Miguel Almiron’s third goal in three weeks, before Leander Dendoncker equalised before half-time.
The Blues hold a dominant record against Newcastle as they have won 74 of the previous meetings. Newcastle have recorded 53 wins, and there have been 39 draws. Chelsea have also won the last three, and have averaged 1.6 goals per these fixtures, while the Toon have averaged 0.6 goals over the same run of fixtures. Punters would be betting on the away side making it two wins out of two when they visit St James’ Park on Saturday lunchtime.
