Liverpool host Manchester United on Sunday. The Reds sit atop the Premier League table and need a win against their biggest rivals to ensure they stay there. Liverpool defeated Napoli in midweek in the Champions League to qualify for the knockout stage. However, Jurgen Klopp has Liverpool injuries to worry about after seeing two more defenders go down in midweek.
Liverpool injuries
Centre-back Joel Matip joined defender Joe Gomez on the injured list after breaking his collarbone. The defender fell awkwardly in the dying minutes against Napoli and will now miss six weeks of games.
Right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to miss Reds’ match against Manchester United as well. The full-back limped off in midweek, and though his injury is not as serious as Matip’s, he won’t feature against the Red Devils.
Klopp will be forced to field Alberto Moreno, James Milner, or Fabinho at right-back. Based on form, Milner seems likely to be selected while Fabinho could take the Englishman’s place in midfield. Unfortunately, Milner is also suffering from a slight knock.
Right-back Nathaniel Clyne could be a surprise inclusion despite rarely playing this season due to fitness reasons.
Dejan Lovren will most likely play at centre-back, which could be a cause for concern. Lovren has had injury issues in recent weeks, but when played, he has made mistakes.
Against Paris Saint-Germain on matchday 5 of the Champions League, Lovren was slow to react allowing Juan Bernat to score the game’s opener.
Lovren was also at fault for allowing Arkadiusz Milik a chance on goal late in the game on matchday 6. Had Alisson Becker not made an incredible save, pundits may have been talking about Lovren letting Milik in behind him.
Liverpool history against Manchester United
In 228 meetings, Liverpool have won 75 times while losing 88 against Manchester United. Liverpool haven’t defeated Manchester United in the Premier League since 2014 when Brendan Rodgers was the manager of the club. The Reds won 3-0 at Old Trafford on that occasion.
Since that win, Liverpool have won just once in 10 games in all competitions against Manchester United. The Reds win came in the 2015 Europa League knockout stage at Anfield. Until last season’s 2-1 loss at Old Trafford, Liverpool had drawn four straight matches with Manchester United in all competitions.
Klopp has managed against Jose Mourinho nine times in his career. German has not defeated his coaching counterpart since Mourinho took over at Old Trafford. Klopp has managed just three wins against a Mourinho coached team in his career.