No matter where they are in the standings, matches between Manchester United and Liverpool will always get top billing in the Premier League.
It is no different on Sunday (11.30pm) as the Manchester club hosts its bitter rival knowing a victory would all but confirm its ticket to next season’s Champions League.
The Red Devils have 67 points from 33 matches while fifth-placed West Ham has 55 from the same amount of games.
United is also on a high after its 6-2 drubbing of Roma in the Europa League semifinals on Friday morning.
Liverpool is sixth with 54 points and has conceded last-minute goals in its last two matches. It desperately needs a win to reignite its hopes of finishing among the top four.
But with its strikers not being as prolific as they used to be, the best the reigning league champions can hope for is a draw.
We speak to some fans to get their views on the match.
Arnaz M. Khairul (Manchester United)
“A peculiar atmosphere in the buildup to this Northwest derby, with local (UK) fan base of both teams seemingly putting more emphasis on gearing up for the anti-ESL (European Super League), anti-ownership protests outside Old Trafford rather than the match itself. Undoubtedly, the prospect of missing out on the Champions League means Liverpool should be under more pressure. A drab draw is the most likely and probably fitting result given the circumstances in the background.”
Prem Kumar (Liverpool)
“Honours to be shared between United’s strongest and Liverpool’s weakest team in recent years. Scored draw more likely given Bruno Fernandes’ prowess in converting spotkicks.”
Seeths Nair (Manchester United)
“I admire Liverpool for what they achieved last season. But as a Red Devil, I think we have what it takes to secure a comfortable 3-1 victory at Old Trafford on Sunday. The most beautiful sight is to watch Manchester United chase a game and I look forward to exactly that. Former Liverpool manager Bill Shankly once said: “I want to build a team that’s invincible so that they have to send a team from bloody Mars to beat us!” Well Shankly, if you are watching from above, it did not take any team from Mars to do that. GGMU!”
Patrick Ho (Liverpool)
“Obviously, all Liverpool fans want the club to win this fixture, more so, after victory was thrown away in the previous two matches. A win will be meaningful to lift spirits not just for the players, but for fans worldwide. I predict a 2-2 draw but would love to see Liverpool win it 2-0. Up the Reds!”
Chris Mohan (Manchester United)
“I don’t think there’s a reason for Manchester United not to beat the Kopites. The Red Devils may have been sloppy against a well-organised Leeds last weekend, but the Reds could prove to be a slightly easier task – should Ole Gunnar Solskjaer get his tactics spot on. Both teams will be eager to get all three points as United look to close the gap on City while Liverpool aims to secure a top-four spot in what has been an injury-laden campaign. If fans would like to see a cracker, it’ll be best for United to fall a goal behind, as they’re at their sparkling best when they are a goal down! United to win 2-1.”
Deborah Sta Maria (Liverpool)
“Looking at the form book, it’s not going to be easy for Liverpool. But normally form gets thrown out the window when these two teams meet. I’m hoping for a Liverpool win.”
FIXTURES (Malaysian time)
SATURDAY
Southampton vs Leicester (3am)
Crystal Palace vs Manchester City (7.30pm)
Brighton vs Leeds (10pm)
SUNDAY
Chelsea vs Fulham (12.30am)
Everton vs Aston Villa (3am)
Newcastle vs Arsenal (9pm)
Manchester United vs Liverpool (11.30pm)
MONDAY
Tottenham vs Sheffield United (2.15am)
TUESDAY
West Brom vs Wolves (1am)
Burnley vs West Ham (3.15am)
