Liverpool vs Manchester United Betting Preview & Tips

MAN UTD travel to Liverpool on Sunday in the Premier League. Tom Love (@TomLove_18) shares his betting thoughts.

Liverpool vs Manchester United | Sunday 17th January 2021, 16:30 | Sky Sports

This is not only a hotly-contested derby game between two old foes, it is also looking like a pivotal one in the title race, even this early on. Manchester United sit three points clear of their counterparts at the top of the table and a win here would be a sizeable stretch all things considered.

The Red Devils are still rated as outsiders by the bookies for the title compared to Liverpool and Manchester City and it will be interesting to see how that market moves if there is an away win here.

Even though United have been superb on the road, scoring plenty, it’s important to still respect Liverpool’s exemplary record at Anfield. Few can get anywhere near their unbeaten home record and you have to go back to 2017 for the last time you’d have made money backing an opponent at Anfield, so the 3/1 quotes, there or there abouts on them to lose here doesn’t appeal.

I do feel like both sides wouldn’t be too disappointed with a draw and a more risk-averse approach by the pair is to be expected. This game has always been given the big build up before failing to ignite in the majority of meetings in the last decade and with the table scenario it could be another underwhelming affair on Sunday. The draw stands out at almost 3/1.

I can see a lot of this being played in midfield with neither team being gung-ho, it could be quite passive and I think the sides will be patient and wait for the great opportunities to arise. Liverpool won’t want to leave their backline open to the United counter attack so their shot count may be down, and United wanting to play on the break will mean non-insistent pressure from them.

Bet365 have the shot line for this one set at 24.5 and I’m inclined to take the unders in a game that may not live up to the billing.