Top Match Tips: Mourinho set for further success at Anfield
The marketing mastermind behind ‘Red Monday’ needs to give their head a shake. Liverpool vs Manchester United is not a match that ever needs superficial hyperbole behind it. It is one of the standout fixtures of the Premier League season each and every time with generations of narrative behind it, transcending marketing malarkey.
Liverpool did not start their season in ideal fashion. After nearly blowing a 3 goal lead to Arsenal on the opening day of the season they lost to newly promoted Burnley. However, it didn’t take them long to sort their form out. Since that loss they’ve gone unbeaten in seven matches in all competitions, only dropping points away to Tottenham. They've managed an impressive 13 goals in their last four league games.
Manchester United have had differing fortunes in the league this season. They started brightly winning their opening three matches but have had a number of questionable results since. In fact, Jose Mourinho’s side find themselves three points worse off than they were at this time just a year ago.
With that in mind, there is certainly money to be made in this fixture courtesy of Bet365. New Bet365 customers recieve a 100% deposit bonus. When you deposit £10 or more you will qualify for a matched amount to bet with, up to £200. Given the excellent markets on offer for this Premier League contest, you stand to win money from the match.
As prolific as Liverpool have been in front of goal this season, questions about their fortitude at the back loom large. Of teams in the top half of the table, only Watford (13) have conceded more than the Reds (10). They are also one of just three teams that have failed to keep a clean sheet in the Premier League this season - keeping them in the illustrious company of Crystal Palace and Sunderland.
Liverpool’s defensive frailties will be the perfect opportunity for Zlatan Ibrahimovic to get back to goalscoring ways. The Swede is on a run of 3 league games without finding the back of the net - his worst run since January 2015 in league competition. But Ibrahimovic is a player made for the big occasion and will appreciate the significance for him to score against such a fierce rival. You can bet on him to exploit that back line and score anytime tonight at 2.50 with Bet365.
Though United’s defence have performed more consistently than Liverpool’s, they have not been without fault this season. He remains one of the highest rated goalkeepers in the league, but even David de Gea has had the odd wobble this season. It’s unlikely he’ll be able to stop Liverpool’s front 3 from scoring. Liverpool have failed to find the back of the net just once in their last 15 matches in all competitions. You can bet on both teams to score at 1.70.
Much has been made of Jürgen Klopp’s impressive record against Mourinho. Mourinho has beaten the German just once in five meetings. However, the timing of these games has often favoured Klopp with the last win coming against one of the worst Chelsea side’s in recent years. They had mustered just a single win in the 6 games leading up to that 3-1 defeat, and that was at home to Aston Villa.
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Mourinho’s record against Liverpool themselves tells a slightly different story. He has won more games (11) against them than any other opponent he has faced, losing none of his last 4 games at Anfield. United have also enjoyed a lot of success at Anfield as of late - winning 3 of their last 4 Premier League games there.
Liverpool may be in fine form but the pressure will be firmly on them to get a result. Mourinho will relish the chance to stifle Klopp’s side. He has big match players in his ranks that will be able to handle the atmosphere and force Liverpool to play their game. Expect Mourinho’s Red Devils to get another win under Anfield’s floodlights at 3.50.
Yes but previously Monginho met Liverpool under indefferent managers with a considerably stronger Chelsea team. Now the gap has closed between his team and Liverpool, and he is facing a superior manager. I don't think history counts in this case. And whoever scheduled this for Monday should be hung, drawn and quartered.