FA Cup: This is Still the Biggest Derby of them All…

Liverpool vs Manchester United

Liverpool and Manchester United fans would certainly have you believe that. And with good reason too as these two giants of world football have had some big stakes battles over the years, and no other UK derby clash is as widely anticipated, or watched, as this one.

And now Liverpool and Manchester United are about to get it on in the FA Cup quarter final on Sunday.

The famous Old Trafford stadium will be packed to the rafters and the noise will be deafening when the two teams take to the pitch, and then expect 100 minutes plus of sweat, blood and glory for someone!

Erik Ten Hag’s side come into the game on the back of a hard earned 2-0 win over Everton while Liverpool’s 1-1 draw with Manchester City last week was the perfect result for league leaders Arsenal, though the title odds still strongly back the Sky Blues   

Jurgen Klopp’s team face Sparta Prague in a Europa League clash on Thursday night and the boss is likely to fill his team with youngsters after the Reds took control with a 5-1 win in the first leg.  

Talking Points

United’s nervy defence  

Ten Hag is under pressure, no doubt about that, and in the Red Devils’ home match with Everton the edginess was evident on the pitch as United toiled their way through to a 2-0 win. Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford scored first half penalties both won by the fast improving Alejandro Garnacho, and while it was a pretty good day for the front line, United’s defence looked decidedly unsure as the Toffees spurned a number of good chances. 

The stats tell the story. Manchester United had 15 shots to relegation threatened Everton’s 23 and that comes on the back of the Manchester Derby when Ten Hag’s team lost the shot count by 27 shots to three. Okay, Manchester City are probably the best team in Europe; but Klopp’s Liverpool are not far behind as they proved last week.

The United defence is badly missing two injured players, wing back Luke Shaw and, particularly, centre back Lisandro Martinez. Raphael Varane, Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof have been sharing the responsibility but none have the Argentine’s all round strength and skill. 

There is better injury news for the Red Devils from midfielder Mason Mount who has bee out for five months but is now back training with the squad, and reports in Manchester suggest in form striker Rasmus Hojlund could make a return against Liverpool, and that would give the hosts a huge boost.           

Liverpool hopeful of Konate return

The Reds have been in incredible form when you consider the flood of injuries they have endured this season and they are hoping for some good news of their own. Centre back Ibrahima Konate missed the clash against Manchester City after pulling up with a hamstring strain during the win over Sparta Prague last week; but physios at the Anfield club have given the green light and Konate could be in line for a return alongside Virgil Van Dijk on Sunday. 

Keeper Alisson and midfielder Trent Alexander-Arnold remain sidelined but, in other good news for Reds fans, the return to action of Mo Salah, injured since the start of AFCON, makes the Liverpool front line all the more lethal. Darwin Nunez has been in great form and he works well alongside the Egyptian while, on the left flank, Luis Diaz was simply sensational against the Sky Blues last week with his non stop running and brilliant footwork.

This is an attack which can hurt the Red Devils, and if Konate makes his return, the visitors will be very strong at both ends of the field.   

History

The Red Devils have won the FA Cup 12 times, only Arsenal have won more, while Liverpool are in joint third place with eight wins. Klopp’s team won the 2022 FA Cup final while the Red Devils’ last triumph came in 2016. 

In terms of head to heads United have won 33 to Liverpool’s 24 in all competitions but Klopp’s team has the better recent form. Before their draw with the Sky Blues, Liverpool had won the previous seven while the Red Devils have won four and lost two of the last six  

Betting Tip

Of all this weekend’s FA Cup results this will be the most sought after. The FA Cup betting odds make Liverpool the second favourites to win the 2024 trophy at a price of 4.00, with Manchester United fourth favourites at 9.00.

The Double Chance, Manchester United or Draw is priced at 1.94 but, with apologies to my SBOTOP mate James, I’m going for a Mersey victory. 

 

●●●

CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS

Stay updated with everything sports and betting.

Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.