Football tips: Phil Thompson’s top picks for Man Utd v Liverpool on Sunday

Thommo has given his verdict ahead of Liverpool's trip to Old Trafford on Sunday [5.00pm]

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5.00pm: Manchester United v Liverpool

Liverpool and Both Teams to Score

Phil: When the draw was being made, with Man Utd starting to click into gear and the existing rivalry between the two clubs, you just go “I can see this happening.” The timing of this is just right. It’s been quite a while since they played each other in the FA Cup – back in 2012 was the last meeting.

I was there with Gerard Houllier in 1999 when we played each other, and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer scored a winner in the 99th minute. I still remember that well. It’s always a huge battle.

Trying to predict results in the fourth round of the FA Cup is very difficult because you don’t know the teams. I think there will be changes, and with the injuries Liverpool have had it’s very hard to pick the Reds team. Does Klopp go to rest players, because of that massive game against Tottenham coming up?

Manchester United currently have a lot of confidence and everybody wants to play, but how depleted do you go in a match like this? You don’t want to end up with egg on your face. Do Mata play for United? Does Klopp go with Nat Phillips or Rhys Williams at centre-back? It’s a big call they’ve got to make. Liverpool need a good result to turn a corner.

Sunday, 5.00pm: Manchester United v Liverpool
BBC One

This is still a massive fixture. You never want to lose this. This is an important time of the season, and Klopp might call on a few of his bigger players to get back to winning ways. Liverpool’s big problem recently has been decision-making in the final 25 yards around goal, picking that right pass, when to shoot, when to not shoot. This has been happening for weeks, and Klopp will want to give the lads a chance to get back on the scoring sheet. He will want to win this desperately.

I know he got a double against Crystal Palace and the winner against Spurs, but in general Roberto Firmino’s finishing has been poor. That comes down to confidence. And the decision-making from Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane is off. Has Klopp told them to be more selfish and have a go themselves? I think that maybe their judgement has been clouded, and maybe they’re trying to be too selfish and are not aware of each other.

I’m going for a Liverpool victory and I think a great bet is Both Teams to Score.

 

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Mohamed Salah to Score Anytime

I’m going for Liverpool to win 2-1 and Mohamed Salah to score anytime. He might come on, even if he doesn’t start, so there is a chance there and I think Eric Bailly might play. Bailly is very rash with his tackling and there will be a chance of a penalty kick.

We’ve seen the way Liverpool have been dominating games and I would expect Thiago to play, as he’s not had much football. I think he can control the midfield so 2-1 to Liverpool.

*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widget, while in-copy odds are accurate at time of publication but subject to change

Phil Thompson’s bet summary – Sunday, January 24

Liverpool and Both Teams to Score
Mohamed Salah to Score Anytime

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