Manchester United and Liverpool have 40 top-flight titles between them but the two most successful clubs in English football are not competing for top honours this season.Instead, it is a battle for third place while also ensuring they play Champions League football next season.That does not mean the stature of the fixture has been reduced in any way, according to Uniteds interim boss Michael Carrick.He said: Its certainly always been one of my favourite games, without a doubt. It is a standout game.There are obviously big games and rivalries that we have with other teams, but this one is certainly right up there because of the history, the ups and downs this match-up has produced in the past, the entertainment and the emotion. All of those things make it a really special game.When I think about this game, the first thing that comes to mind is that air of competition really, irrespective of league positions over the years. Things like that have never changed the emotion of the players and the supporters. I also really appreciate what it means to them.That view was echoed by his Liverpool counterpart Arne Slot, who said: We are aware that it is a very big game. Not only because we play Man United, but to qualify for the Champions League and to get the highest possible league position.We wanted to win the league that is not possible so we are trying to finish as high as possible.A win [which could secure a top-five finish] is the right step forward. It is an important step, it is definitely not a step backwards.United start the weekend in third place, three points ahead of Liverpool but a win for Slots side will see them leapfrog their North West rivals.It will be a big summer at both these clubs as they attempt to close the gap on the current two powerhouses: Arsenal and Manchester City.United have to decide whether Carrick is the long-term replacement for Ruben Amorim while the Merseysiders will have to replace Andy Robertson and Mohamed Salah.Table of ContentsTeam news for Manchester United v LiverpoolPredicted line-ups for Manchester United v LiverpoolWhere to watch Manchester United v Liverpool: TV and online streamsStats for Manchester United v LiverpoolPrediction for Manchester United v LiverpoolTeam news for Manchester United v LiverpoolUnited are hopeful Matheus Cunha will be fit but he may have to settle for a place on the bench. Luke Shaw is likely to play despite coming off with a minor injury against Brentford. Matthijs de Ligt is not yet ready to return while Lisandro Martinez is still suspended.Liverpool will wait till the last minute to see if goalkeeper Alisson can play. If not third-choice Freddie Woodman will continue between the sticks. Salah is sidelined with a hamstring injury.Predicted line-ups for Manchester United v LiverpoolManchester United: Lammens; Dalot, Maguire, Heaven, Shaw; Casemiro, Mainoo, Mbeumo, Fernandes, Diallo; SeskoLiverpool: Woodman; Gomez, Van Dijk,Konate, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Wirtz, Szoboszlai, Gakpo; IsakWhere to watch Manchester United v Liverpool: TV and online streamsManchester United versus Liverpool kicks off at 3.30pm UK time on Sunday afternoon. You can watch it on Sky Sports or stream via the Sky Go app.If youre watching from outside the UK, clickHEREfor details of the channels showing the game in your region.Stats for Manchester United v LiverpoolLiverpool have won on three of their last five visits to Old Trafford in the league, as many as in their previous 18Only in their opening five matches of the campaign have Liverpool enjoyed a longer winning run in the Premier League than their ongoing run of three victoriesAlexander Isaks next Premier League appearance will be his 100th in the competition. He is looking to score in successive top-flight outings for Liverpool for the first time Prediction for Manchester United v LiverpoolIt has been a disappointing season for Liverpool but they can at least secure bragging rights over their North West rivals with victory on Sunday.We think the Merseysiders have the superior quality and fancy them to edge it.Prediction: Manchester United 1-2 Liverpool Topics Liverpool F.C. Manchester United F. C. Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read Manchester United v Liverpool: Merseysiders hopeful of Alisson return while Salah expected back soon Jon Fisher 1st May, 2026 FPL: Make sure to dump injured Spurs duo ahead of gameweek 35 Jon Fisher 30th April, 2026 FPL: Time to pick Cherries as Gameweek 35 opens the final chapter of the season Blake Hurst 30th April, 2026 Premier League Predictions: Arsenal and City to stay neck and neck, Tottenham lurch towards the trap door Nicholas McGee 30th April, 2026 Van Dijk claims Alisson departure would be big blow for Liverpool Mitch Fretton 29th April, 2026 BREAKING NEWS: Mohamed Salah wont play for Liverpool again, according to Egypt boss Jon Fisher 28th April, 2026
