At the outset of the season, it really wouldn't have been imaginable that Match Day 22 in the Barclays Premier League would see both Liverpool and Manchester United outside of the top four. Both still have a shot of securing European soccer slots for next season, but both had better get a move on with just a few months left to the term.
Soccer Odds at BookMaker.eu
Liverpool +126
Manchester United +240
Draw +229
Over/Under 2.5 (under -148)
ODDS ANALYSIS
The offensive woes for Manchester United are continuing, and that's why it's about as big of a dog as you're going to see. The Red Devils are +240 on the moneyline, a price which is usually reserved for visiting top of the table teams, particularly this deep into the year.
Liverpool is just shy of an odds on favorite at +126 on the moneyline.
The total is set at a de facto two, as the number comes in at 2.5 and -148 vig on the under.
KEY INJURIES
Jurgen Klopp is still bothered by a laundry list of injuries at this point. The Reds are without Philippe Coutinho, Danny Ings, John Flanagan, Joseph Gomez, Jordan Rossiter and Martin Skrtel amongst others, and we're still not sure when Daniel Sturridge is going to be back in the fold. This team is still one of the best in the EPL in terms of raw talent, but one can't discount the fact that there are a ton of role players who aren't able to be on the pitch at this point.
Manchester United's hope was that Bastian Schweinsteiger wouldn't miss much time after suffering a mild knee injury against Sheffield Wednesday in the FA Cup last weekend. He sat out against Newcastle on Wednesday and will be a game-time decision against Liverpool this weekend.
QUOTE TO NOTE
"We have a few really talented young lads on the bench but it's not too easy then to change in a game. Hendo cannot train regularly because of his heel. Millie had his injury but had to play nearly all the way through. Adam nearly always has to play. That's the situation." – Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp on Jordan Henderson, James Milliner and Adam Lallana fighting through injuries to help keep the Reds in good form
RECENT FORM
Wednesday provided nearly a full slate of matches in the EPL, but no match was better than the 3-3 draw between Liverpool and Arsenal. The Reds had to fight back time and time again versus the top side in England and were able to secure the point in stoppage time. That's now two straight really good results for Klopp in the new year, as his side also took a 1-0 decision at Stoke City on January 5.
We're really not sure what Manchester United is waiting for. Louis van Gaal has to go, and allowing three goals against Newcastle should've been the end of the road for him. Alas, the Dutchman is still around, but that 3-3 draw at St. James' Park was inexcusable. Sure, the Red Devils have at least a point in four matches in a row, but there are just far too many poor results here to keep van Gaal around forever.
ANALYSIS AND ODDS PREDICTION
United is running out of excuses, and it's officially out of breathing room. A strong start to the season has been completely forgotten, and a loss in this match will arguably make it impossible to get back into the top three this year. Wayne Rooney is really only converting on his spot kicks, and it seems as if playing against a rancid defense is the only way to get the ball in the back on the net.
We expect to see the fight of Liverpool on display in this one. The Reds are overmatched once again, and playing on short rest isn't going to help matters any. However, Klopp has them fighting like champions and could be rewarded here at home. Liverpool's history against the big name teams has been good of late, and United could be the next side to fall by the wayside at Anfield.
Liverpool 1, Manchester United 0
BookMaker offers play-by-play betting odds for live sporting events every day! The user-friendly wagering interface on your smartphone provides an easy way to place bets on the go.
Mobile betting lines are updated by the minute, so click here to start gambling on thrilling live action at BookMaker Sportsbook! The fixture between Liverpool and Manchester United is scheduled for Sunday, January 17, 2016, at 9:05 a.m. ET at Anfield. The match will be televised live on NBC Sports Network.
