The biggest match of the Premier League weekend sees Manchester United host rivals Liverpool at Old Trafford.
They couldn’t really be in more different spots at the moment in terms of fortunes, as Liverpool are riding high at the top of the Premier League, poised to beat Manchester City and Arsenal to the title, while United will struggle to qualify for the Champions League.
Erik ten Hag has to deal with a defensive crisis ahead of this one, as during the dramatic defeat to Chelsea on Thursday, he had take three players off due to injury – Raphael Varane, his replacement Jonny Evans and then Casemiro.
When asked about the prospect of those players featuring on Sunday, Ten Hag suggested they will be assessed before kick-off.
Following injuries to Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof, too, Man Utd only have two fit centre-backs – Harry Maguire and youngster Willy Kambwala.
With Casemiro doubtful, too, and also failing to impress at Stamford Bridge, we could see Scott McTominay come into the starting XI alongside Kobbie Mainoo in midfield.
Marcus Rashford probably didn’t do enough off the bench versus Chelsea to warrant a return to the starting XI.
Man Utd (4-2-3-1): Onana; Wan-Bissaka, Kambwala, Maguire, Dalot; Mainoo, McTominay; Antony, Fernandes, Garnacho; Hojlund.
Key players Trent Alexander-Arnold, Alisson and Diogo Jota are on the mend for Liverpool, but it could still be a week or two before one or all of them become available again for Jurgen Klopp.
Wataru Endo would be welcomed back into the starting XI after he sat out the Sheffield Utd win due to a knock, probably at the expense of Ryan Gravenberch.
Liverpool (4-3-3): Kelleher; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Gomez; Mac Allister, Endo, Szoboszlai; Salah, Nunez, Diaz.
