Man Utd vs Liverpool tips and predictions: Klopp's troops to keep the Quadruple bid motoring with FA Cup triumph

Liverpool arrive in formidable form, tasting defeat only once in their last 21 matches, a testament to their relentless pursuit of a possible Quadruple.

With momentum on their side following Thursday night’s 6-1 mauling of Sparta Prague in the Europa League, Jurgen Klopp’s Reds are hungry to extend their stellar run.

For United it is a different story. Ranked second for shots conceded among Europe's top five leagues, conceding a staggering 467 shots this season and a whopping 50 in their last two outings alone, United's backline appears vulnerable.

Manchester United find themselves in dire need of defensive fortification as they brace for a clash against Liverpool, a squad boasting lethal finishers. With Liverpool netting in 20 consecutive matches, the threat is palpable.

The return of Mohamed Salah to Liverpool's line-up only adds to United's woes. The Egyptian, who previously tormented the Red Devils with a brace in their last FA Cup encounter, wasted no time making his mark against Manchester City last week.

Salah's impact off the bench was instant, elevating the game's tempo with a sublime pass to Luis Diaz that should have been buried.

Amid the looming challenge against Liverpool, Manchester United do have some positives to look forward to in the return of a promising talent. Rasmus Hojlund, crowned Premier League Player of the Month for February, is expected to feature in this weekend's showdown.

Denmark manager Kasper Hjulmand has included the 21-year-old striker in their upcoming friendlies after consulting with Erik ten Hag, which bodes well for his return on Sunday, as the Dane scored five goals and assisted once in only four games in February.

Liverpool's FA Cup campaign has been nothing short of prolific, notching two or more goals in every fixture so far this season. As they prepare to square off against United for the 19th time in FA Cup history, the stage is set for another electrifying encounter.

The two teams have met in the FA Cup 18 times, with Manchester United winning 10 of those matches, drawing four, and Liverpool winning four.

However, the tide seems to favour Klopp's Quadruple-chasing Liverpool side, who are clearly hungry for silverware in his final season at the helm.

While Ten Hag's United are aiming to reach the FA Cup semi-finals for the second consecutive season, the task appears daunting against Klopp's Reds.

With a relentless pursuit of glory propelling them forward, Liverpool's offensive prowess is poised to overwhelm the Red Devils.

Therefore, we are expecting a Liverpool win, over 1.5 goals to land and Salah to score to serve up a juicy treble.

 

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Liverpool’s 2023/24 FA Cup story so far  

Liverpool's FA Cup run has been convincing, with victories over two of the top six Championship teams and the club that sits top of the Premier League.

The Reds started off with a statement victory over Arsenal in the third round, triumphing 2-0 in an away clash at the Emirates. This was followed by a resounding 5-2 win over Norwich.

Most recently, they cruised to a comfortable 3-0 victory at home against Southampton in the previous round, further solidifying their status as serious contenders in the competition.

 

Manchester United’s 2023/24 FA Cup story so far

Manchester United’s run saw them kick off their campaign with a 2-0 away victory against League One side Wigan.

Next, they faced off against League Two side Newport County, emerging victorious in a 4-2 win.

Then, finally facing a Premier League team in Nottingham Forest, United relied on late heroics from Casemiro, whose header in the 89th minute secured a narrow 1-0 victory.

 

Man Utd v Liverpool team news

United are expected to be boosted by the return to fitness of Rasmus Hojlund, Harry Maguire and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

The latter is set to return after two months out, with centre-back Maguire and striker Hojlund back after missing three and four games respectively.

Mason Mount – who has been kept out for four months with a calf issue – is back in training, while Tom Heaton is back with fellow goalkeeper Altay Bayindir out.

Lisandro Martinez, Anthony Martial, Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia remain sidelined, while Jonny Evans has been dealing with calf and thigh problems recently.

Mohamed Salah will start for Liverpool, with Ryan Gravenberch also in contention. Ibrahima Konate will undergo a late fitness test.

Alexander-Arnold, Jones, Alisson, Jota, Thiago, Bajcetic, Doak and Matip are all still out.

 

Key stats  

- Both teams kept a clean sheet in their most recent FA Cup fixture

- Liverpool have scored two or more goals in each FA Cup fixture this season

- Manchester United beat Liverpool 3-2 victory in their last FA Cup clash in 2021
 

 

Suggested bets:

- Manchester United 1-2 Liverpool

- Over 1.5 goals

- Mo Salah anytime scorer