A new chapter of one of sport’s best rivalries will be written Sunday morning.
Liverpool, still with a chance to win four trophies in Jurgen Klopp’s final season, will travel to Old Trafford to take on the roller coaster that is Manchester United in the FA Cup quarterfinals.
Liverpool is a -125 favorite to win the match inside 90 minutes.
It’s true Manchester United has dealt with heaps of adversity this season, mostly in the form of injuries, but the Red Devils also have been just inconsistent, plain and simple.
And inconsistent might be an understatement when it comes to United’s defensive form.
That may sound counterintuitive given the fact the Red Devils have allowed just 39 goals (fourth-fewest) in the Premier League this season, but a quick peek under the surface reveals a calamitous defensive process that is just waiting to get exposed.
Man. U. currently ranks 16th in expected goals against (not including penalties), 18th in shots allowed per 90 minutes and 14th in big scoring chances conceded.
The Red Devils have a great transition attack led by some elite footballers and a terrific goalkeeper who can provide some cover for their defensive follies, but this is not a winning formula — especially against Liverpool.
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The Reds rank first in the Premier League in creating expected goals, big scoring chances and getting shots on target.
It’s hard to see how United’s defense is able to keep its wits for 90 minutes against a Liverpool attack that is firing on all cylinders right now.
The play: Liverpool -2.5 (+475, DraftKings)