Europa League preview and odds: Liverpool vs Manchester United

Published on: 07/03/2016

Europa League preview and odds: Liverpool vs Manchester United

March 10, 2016 21:05pm - Anfield

Europa League

In what is perhaps the most eye-catching tie of the Europa League Round of 16, arch-rivals Liverpool and Manchester United will go head-to-head on the European stage for the first time in their history, with the first leg to be played at Anfield.

Liverpool with a score to settle

Since Louis van Gaal took over reins at Old Trafford, Liverpool have yet to beat Manchester United - a fact that the Dutch boss has taken great pleasure in repeating. On Thursday night, the Merseyside club will have a chance to settle that score when the teams meet in Europe for the first ever time.

The Reds are unbeaten in Europe this season, having won three and drawn four of their seven games. They come into this match on the back of two-straight win in the Premier League against Manchester City and Crystal Palace. With a top four finish looking unlikely, the Europa League now represents the Anfield club`s best chance of Champions League qaulifiaction.

Ironically, Liverpool`s last home defeat (0-1) came at the hands of this week`s opponents, when the teams clashed in the Premier League back in January.

United desperate for Champions League qualification

Champions League qualification would have been a minimum requirement for Louis van Gaal this season. The Dutch boss has been handed plenty of funds since his arrival but so far, his team has not performed at the expected level. With the club currently sitting outside of the top four, the Europa League may present the best avenue to achieve their goal.

Prior to the recent 5-1 home win against Midtjylland, the Red Devils had lost four Europa League games in a row. In all European competitions, they have won just two of their last 12 away games. United come into this game on the back of a 1-0 defeat away to West Bromwich Albion in the Premier League.

Team news

The home side will be without Lucas Leiva, Kevin Stewart, Jordan Rossiter, Danny Ings and Joe Gomez.

Meanwhile, the visitors will be without Donald Love, Will Keane, Cameron Borthwick-Jackson, Wayne Rooney, Ashley Young, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Luke Shaw. While Chris Smalling, Marouane Fellaini, Phil Jones and Antonio Valencia are all doubtful.

Recent form (All competitions)

Liverpool: WWLWD

Manchester United: LWWWW

Betting odds and tips

Derby games are never easy to predict but Liverpool have some momentum in their favour and have recently welcomed several first-team players back into the squad.

You can back the home side to win the first leg at 23/20 with BetFred.

With seven goals and four assists in 2016, Roberto Firmino is Liverpool`s in-form player.

He can be backed to score anytime at 11/4 with Bet365.

By Neil Morris

Published on: 07/03/2016

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (07/03/2016 17:57:18) but are subject to change.