Man Utd vs Liverpool: FA Cup team news and probable lineups

 

After last weekend's goalless draw at Anfield, here's hoping take II of the fierce rivalry - this time being played out at Old Trafford, is a more entertaining affair. The two face off for the chance to play West Ham in the fifth round of the FA Cup, with Jurgen Klopp never having progressed passed that phase of the competition.

United's record in the cup isn't as strong as one might expect in recent years either, with both sides having lifted the trophy just twice since the turn of the millennium.

When is kick off?
Sunday 24th January, 17:00
Where is the match?
Old Trafford, Manchester
Where can I watch it?
BBC One

Form Guide

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side came from behind away from home yet again last time out to stretch their unbeaten record in the league to 12 matches. That's now the longest current streak without defeat in Europe's top five leagues. The Red Devils reached round four of the FA Cup courtesy of a narrow 1-0 win over Watford, with Scott McTominay's early header enough for the win.

Liverpool, meanwhile, saw their unbeaten record at Anfield ended at a sensational 68 matches against Burnley in midweek and have now failed to score in more consecutive games than any other team in Europe's top five leagues at present. They reached this phase of the competition courtesy of a 4-1 win over Aston Villa, though the hosts on the night were forced to field an academy side, with the story of the game being 17-year-old Louis Barry's equaliser.

 

 

Team News

There are no major injury concerns as far as United are concerned, with youngster Brandon Williams having joined outcasts Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo on the sidelines. With rotation expected it will be interesting to see who starts up front, though Marcus Rashford was rested at Fulham and should return, while Dean Henderson, Alex Telles and Edinson Cavani are all likely to make the lineup.

Liverpool are of course still without Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez but Joel Matip made his return in midweek. Diogo Jota and Naby Keita also remain sidelined, with a late fitness test required for Jordan Henderson. Academy graduate Curtis Jones, Neco Williams and Rhys Williams will all hope for playing time, while Roberto Firmino and Mo Salah will surely return having been rested from the off in the week.

Probable XIs

 

Man Utd vs Liverpool: FA Cup team news and probable lineups

 

Manchester United (4312): Henderson; Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Maguire, Telles; McTominay, Matic, Pogba; Fernandes; Cavani, Rashford

Liverpool (433): Alisson; N. Williams, Matip, Fabinho, Robertson; Milner, Henderson, Jones; Salah, Firmino, Minamino

Key Battle: Edinson Cavani vs Roberto Firmino

After the dour affair last week, every neutral will be wanting goals this time around, and it's likely to be a South American duo leading the line for either side. Cavani has had to be patient for his opportunities thus far but has already proven a very shrewd signing for United, chipping in with five goals in all competitions along with two assists. It's his movement off the ball that makes him such a threat, and a very different one to his opposite number.

 

Man Utd vs Liverpool: FA Cup team news and probable lineups

 

Firmino is often criticised for a lack of goals by comparison and indeed has only managed the same number as Cavani despite starting 12 more matches in all competitions this season. The Brazilian has, of course, proven the perfect foil for Salah and Mane over the years but will be desperate to improve upon a pretty dismal record in this fixture, with just one goal in 13 appearances against the Red Devils.

 

Score prediction: Manchester United 1-0 Liverpool

Man Utd vs Liverpool: FA Cup team news and probable lineups