Liverpool v Man Utd: Red Devils no match for rampant Reds

PREMIER LEAGUE expert Daniel McCulloch (@DMcCulloch1984) previews Super Sunday's blockbuster showdown between rivals Liverpool and Manchester United.

Liverpool v Manchester United | Sunday 16th December 2018, 16:00 | Sky Sports

At first glance, 4/7 on a home victory may seem a little short but I struggle to see anything but a Liverpool win on Sunday afternoon.

I don't doubt that Liverpool's return of 42 points from 16 Premier League game does flatter them a little but the reality is that United's 26 points is actually fairly reflective of their performance level. Indeed, it could be a lot worse, with late goals against Newcastle and Bournemouth giving them slightly fortuitous victories.

United are simply not a side you come to expect from a Jose Mourinho outfit. They've managed just two clean sheets domestically this term and I struggle to see how they will contain a side with Liverpool's attacking options.

Since Jurgen Klopp became Liverpool boss his side have lost just one of their 16 home games against fellow members of the Big Six. However, they have drawn nine of those matches. Klopp's two home games against Mourinho have both finished 0-0 but as much as I want to make a case for No Goalscorer this weekend, I just cannot see it happening.

Instead, I want to back Liverpool and Over 1.5 Goals at 4/5 with Ladbrokes. This bet has been a winner in four of their seven home games this term and while the 1-0 victory against Everton concerns me a little, their performance data in that match was still very strong.

Defensively, I'd argue that United presently are weaker than that Everton side and I believe that United's reputation is generally causing them to go off shorter than they should be. I am fairly confident that my bet on United to fail to get in to the top four this season will be a winner and I hope Liverpool can aid that this weekend.