Liverpool are in an unfamiliar place nearly halfway through the season, the top of the table. It’s been a great last week for the Reds. They are leading the Premier League following a Manchester City loss to Chelsea and are looking to win their first-ever Premier League title. Liverpool were also able to advance to the knockout round of the Champions League on Tuesday with a 1-0 victory over Napoli and are now waiting for word on who they will play. They are hoping to keep the good times rolling against Manchester United this weekend.
Don't miss the English Premier League action from Anfield in Liverpool, England at 11 a.m. ET on Sunday, December 16, 2018. Catch every moment of the match live on NBCSN.
English Premier League Betting at BookMaker.eu
Liverpool -171
Manchester United +465
Draw +298
Over/Under 2.5 and 3
Odds Analysis
Manchester United have recovered after a poor start to the season, and it looks like the decision to keep Jose Mourinho was the right one. United were able to qualify for the Champions League Round of 16 despite a tough first couple matches, and they have earned results in four straight matches ahead of this game. Their chances of making it back to the Champions League next year depend on the Red Devils winning matches rather than settling for draws though. They have just seven wins in 16 matches, and that has them eight points back of Chelsea and Arsenal.
Only one undefeated team remains after City’s loss to Chelsea last weekend. Liverpool are 13-3-0 and one point ahead of City in their race for Premier League supremacy. The Reds were a little fortunate two weeks ago in a 1-0 win over Everton, but they left no doubt who the better team was in their last two matches. They defeated Burnley 3-1 and Bournemouth 4-0 despite being on the road for both games.
Key Injuries
There are a number of injuries to report for both sides in this match. Manchester United will be without Alexis Sanchez, Victor Lindelof, Luke Shaw, and Chris Smalling at the very least. Marcos Rojo and Scott McTominay are both doubtful, while Anthony Martial, Diogo Dalot, and Matteo Darmian are considered questionable.
Liverpool won’t have Joel Matip, Joe Gomez, or Nathaniel Clyne available for this match. Trent Alexander-Arnold is listed as doubtful, while James Milner and Dominic Solanke are both questionable.
Player to Watch
Mo Salah has been in fantastic form lately, looking like the player that dominated the Premier League last season. Salah netted his first hat trick of the season last Saturday at Bournemouth, making the most of his chances versus the Cherries, and he followed that up by scoring the goal Liverpool needed to advance in the Champions League. He was the Premier League Player of the Year last season, and Liverpool are loving his recent form.
Prop Bet of the Game – Liverpool to win to nil +162
The Reds have been the best defensive team in England all season, so I’m a bit surprised at this price. Liverpool have allowed just six goals on the year, three less than Manchester City and seven less than the third-best team (Chelsea). They have shown no real defensive failings and Alisson has looked great in net. Manchester United will have a tough time breaking through.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
I was a little surprised to see Mourinho play most of his first team in an effort to win Group H over Juventus on Wednesday, and his plan ended up backfiring when Valencia pulled out a 2-1 victory. Now, United will be playing with one less day of rest, and they also had to travel back from Valencia to England after the match. I think Liverpool will take advantage and grab all three points here.
English Premier League Odds: Liverpool 2, Manchester United 0
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