7M - Premier League Preview: Manchester United vs Liverpool - prediction, team news, lineups

The rivalry renews at Old Trafford this Sunday, May 3, 2026, as Manchester United host Liverpool in a Premier League clash carrying significant implications for the final standings. With Manchester United sitting on 61 points after 34 rounds and Liverpool close behind on 58 points in fourth, both sides are fighting to secure their position as the season enters its decisive phase.

Recent Form and Momentum

Manchester United have shown impressive consistency at home, winning five of their last six Premier League matches at Old Trafford. Their recent run includes a 1-2 defeat to Leeds followed by back-to-back victories: a 0-1 win at Chelsea and a 2-1 success against Brentford. Across those six home fixtures, The Red Devils have scored 13 goals and conceded seven, demonstrating both attacking intent and occasional defensive vulnerability.

Liverpool arrive with mixed away form, having secured three wins and suffered three defeats in their last six road outings. Their recent results include a 0-2 loss to Paris Saint-Germain, a 1-2 victory over Everton, and a convincing 3-1 win against Crystal Palace. While their attacking output has been solid with eight goals scored in those away matches, they have also conceded eight, highlighting a need for greater defensive stability on the road.

Attacking and Defensive Highlights

Manchester United have averaged 1.6 goals per game across their last ten matches, totaling 16 goals scored while conceding ten. Their home record shows particular strength in front of goal, with over 1.5 goals scored in five of their last six home matches. Defensively, they have kept three clean sheets in that stretch but remain susceptible to counter-attacks, as evidenced by seven goals conceded in their last six home league games.

Liverpool have averaged 1.8 goals per game in their last ten outings, netting 18 times while allowing 11 goals against. Their transitional play remains a key weapon, but defensive lapses have cost them in away fixtures. Notably, over 2.5 goals have occurred in nine of the last ten encounters between these two sides, suggesting an open, high-tempo contest is likely.

Schedule Pressure and Squad News

With only a handful of matches remaining, every point carries heightened importance. Manchester United, pushing to cement a top-two finish, cannot afford dropped points at home. Liverpool, meanwhile, are under pressure to maintain their top-four aspirations and must overcome key absences to do so.

Manchester United may be without four players for this fixture. Patrick Dorgu, Matheus Cunha, and Bruno Fernandes are unavailable due to suspension, limiting midfield creativity and attacking options. Liverpool face their own challenges: Alexis Mac Allister and Andrew Robertson are suspended, while Mohamed Salah remains sidelined with an injury, significantly reducing their offensive threat.

Expected lineups will see Manchester United relying on Casemiro, who has contributed nine goals in 32 Premier League appearances this season, to drive forward play. Liverpool will look to Cody Gakpo and Hugo Ekitike to lead the line in Salah's absence, with Florian Wirtz and Dominik Szoboszlai providing creative support from midfield.

Head-to-Head Context

The last meeting between these rivals ended in a 1-2 victory for Manchester United. Historically, Liverpool hold a slight edge with a 5-3-2 record in recent encounters. However, Old Trafford has proven a challenging venue for visitors, and Manchester United will aim to replicate their previous success on home soil.

Prediction: Manchester United 2-1 Liverpool

Both teams possess strong attacking credentials but carry defensive uncertainties. Manchester United's home advantage, combined with Liverpool's injury and suspension concerns, tips the balance slightly in favor of the hosts. Expect goals at both ends, but Manchester United's recent home form and momentum should prove decisive in a tightly contested match.