Pretty soon, the fortnight of off time gives way to what is, by many definitions, the biggest fixture of the year.
The international break had an extra level of cruelty for fans of both Liverpool and Manchester United, as supporters of both sides saw a key player go down with a significant injury. Boredom and dullness wasn’t the primary concern for fans during this two week period, learning about and adjusting to the loss of a big contributor on the pitch was.
For Liverpool fans, it’s scoring threat Sadio Mane, who went down with a hamstring injury that will keep him out for six weeks.
In addition to missing Saturday’s “circle the date” affair at Anfield against rival Manchester United, he’ll be gone for key clashes against Tottenham Hotspur and quite likely Chelsea as well.
Elsewhere, Roberto Firmino didn’t play against Newcastle on October 1, but is expected to start against United.
Adam Lallana, another one of the Reds key contributors, is coming along, but he’s still several weeks from returning to action.
Meanwhile right-back Nathaniel Clyne is also on the mend, but won’t feature due to a back injury.
Man United injury report: go to this link
MUFC starting XI prediction: go to this link
Liverpool starting XI prediction: go to this link
For a combined starting XI of the two teams, go to this link.
For another collection of news items related to this match, go to this link.
Odds: After the news that Sadio Mané would be out for up to six weeks, Man United were heavily backed to win this weekend’s derby, suggesting punters are seeing Liverpool as a one-man team and not giving them much of chance for Saturday.
Since word of Mané’s injury, a massive 59.8% of bets have been on United, who have best odds of 9/5 to win, the same as Liverpool. Up until then, there had been far more parity in betting between the two teams to win.
Liverpool had also been marginal favorites with the bookies until this news broke. But only 24.6% of bets to win going on the home team since the Mané news has changed many firm’s outlooks on how the game will go.
With passion high on both sides, it’s no surprise the 5/2 draw has been the least backed.
Prediction: Manchester United 1, Liverpool 1
As always, feel free to comment below with your predicted line-up and/or score for Saturday’s match.
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net and TheBank.News, which is partnered with News Now and Minute Media. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, NBC Chicago.com and Chicago Tribune.com, currently contributes regularly to WGN CLTV and Chicago Now.
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