Two great rivals meet again in the oldest cup competition in world football when Manchester United host Liverpool.
Liverpool travel to Old Trafford looking to get a step closer to the quadruple, having already won England’s other domestic cup competition. Meanwhile, Manchester United have one last chance for a trophy this season.
Here’s everything you need to know about the fixture.
Form
Manchester United: WLWLW
This week the Red Devils turn their attention away from the Champion League race and onto the FA cup. With the club’s top-four hopes fading, Erik ten Hag will be desperate to win this competition and salvage the season.
Inconsistency has plagued Manchester United of late, losing two of their last five games, and despite their mammoth total of 12 FA Cup titles, they have only won the competition once in the last 20 years.
Their run to this point has been pretty simple. Clean sheets were recorded in wins over Wigan and Nottingham Forest, though the Red Devils survived a slight scare in round four after an entertaining win at League Two Newport County.
???? An #FACup tie with a difference.
Bring it on! ????#MUFC pic.twitter.com/oWAvLreMlN
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) March 13, 2024
Manchester United have been a major boosts this week, with Rasmus Hojlund, Harry Maguire and Aaron Wan-Bissaka all returning from injury. Maguire has missed the last three games whilst Wan-Bissaka hasn’t featured since January. Hojlund was in fine form before his injury and the club’s attack has looked disjointed without him.
Liverpool: WWWDW
Liverpool come into this meeting on top of the world. In the past few weeks they have won the Carabao Cup, they remain unbeaten in nine games and are right in the Premier League title race, and have just stormed into the Europa League’s last eight after an 11-2 aggregate win over Sparta Prague.
The quadruple remains possible in Jurgen Klopp’s last season, so expect nothing short of a full-strength and fully motivated side on Sunday.
The Reds knocked out Arsenal in round three and have since been awarded with Championship opposition in rounds four and five. First they scored five goals to see off Norwich City, before another three goals just three weeks ago against Southampton.
Mohamed Salah’s return to full fitness has delighted the fans. The Egyptian provided three assists and a goal of his own on Thursday night and has gelled immediately back into the team.
1️⃣⚽
3️⃣????️@MoSalah is your Player of the Match ???? Sparta Prague ???? pic.twitter.com/GDNOMehNIy— Liverpool FC (@LFC) March 14, 2024
Furthermore, their emerging young talents are performing and progressing, adding depth with several senior stars sidelined.On Sunday they will remain without Trent Alexander-Arnold, Alisson Becker, Stefan Bajcetic, Curtis Jones, Diogo Jota and Joel Matip.
Previous Meetings
The two most successful English clubs have met over 200 times, with Manchester United boasting the slightest of advantages head-to-head. However, the Red Devils have won just three of the last 18 meetings and were thumped 7-0 by Liverpool in the Premier League last season.
Manchester United did win the last FA Cup meeting with a 3-2 win at Old Trafford in the 2020/21 fourth round, while the Red Devils battled to a goalless draw at Anfield in the Premier League earlier in the campaign.
Predicted Lineups
Manchester United: Onana; Dalot, Varane, Maguire, Lindelof; Mainoo, Casemiro; Garnacho, Fernandes, Rashford; Hojlund.
Liverpool: Kelleher; Bradley, Quansah, Van Dijk, Robertson; Mac Allister, Endo, Szoboszlai; Diaz, Nunez, Salah.
Who is the referee?
John Brooks
Is the game on TV?
UK – ITV1
What time is kick-off?
15:30 GMT, Sunday 17th March
Odds
Manchester United – 3/1
Draw – 3/1
Liverpool – 4/5
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