Manchester United vs Liverpool: prediction, head-to-head stats and probable lineups — 03.05.2026
One of the marquee fixtures of Premier League matchweek 35 will take place this Sunday at Old Trafford in Manchester, where Manchester United host Liverpool. Both teams have all but secured their spots in next season’s Champions League, but clashes like these are never mere formalities—tournament calculations are always mixed with the fierce rivalry of one of English football’s most iconic derbies.
Match preview
Manchester United come into this game off the back of a 2-1 win over Brentford - a crucial statement after three rather lackluster performances. Michael Carrick’s side looked sharper in attack, creating plenty of chances for a bigger scoreline, but still allowed their opponents too much space near goal.
To mathematically guarantee Champions League qualification, United need just one point from their remaining four fixtures, but their schedule leaves no room for complacency. The absence of Lisandro Martínez and Matthijs de Ligt complicates matters at the back, but Bruno Fernandes’ form could outweigh many defensive issues: the Portuguese star has been consistently decisive, especially in recent encounters against Liverpool.
Liverpool are riding a strong Premier League run, with three straight wins, and last time out saw off Crystal Palace 3-1. The scoreline looked comfortable, but the performance raised questions: Palace had their chances to punish Liverpool, while Arne Slot’s defense was not always fully focused.
The Reds have also all but sealed their Champions League berth, but May promises to be a tough month: after United, they’ll face Chelsea, Aston Villa, and Brentford. Injury problems add to their woes, especially the absence of Mohamed Salah, historically United’s chief tormentor in these fixtures, as well as a less-than-stellar away record at Old Trafford in recent years.
Probable lineups
- Manchester United: Lammens, Mazraoui, Heven, Maguire, Dalot, Mainoo, Casemiro, Diallo, Fernandes, Mbeumo, Sesko.
- Liverpool: Woodman, Jones, van Dijk, Konaté, Robertson, Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Frimpong, Wirtz, Gakpo, Isak.
Match facts and head-to-head
- Seven of the last eight meetings between Manchester United and Liverpool have seen at least three goals scored.
- Liverpool have won just one of their last four away games against Manchester United at Old Trafford.
- Bruno Fernandes has scored or assisted in three of the last four head-to-head matches against Liverpool.
The Red Devils have the third-best record for goals (33) and xG (34.79) at home this season - only Man City and Arsenal have better attacking stats.
Under Carrick, United have taken 18 of a possible 21 points at Old Trafford.
- Liverpool have hit over 2.5 goals in three straight Premier League away matches.
- Liverpool have not kept a clean sheet away from home since February 22, with two wins and five losses in that span.
Prediction
Manchester United look the more cohesive side for this clash: they’ve gained an emotional boost from their win over Brentford, have clear motivation in the table, and boast a player who can decide a game out of nothing. Defensive issues remain, so a clean, academic home win would be overly optimistic. Liverpool are still dangerous, even with absences, but without Salah, with away form concerns and forced changes, the visitors seem less convincing. Expect an open contest with chances at both ends, but the Old Trafford factor and United’s attacking leaders may prove decisive.
