Betting Tips: Liverpool vs Man Utd

Considering their recent record against the Reds and Mourinho's knack for big games, Al Hain-Cole expects the guests to avoid defeat at Anfield

Liverpool face a major challenge to their place at the top of the Premier League table when Manchester United visit Anfield on Sunday.

The Reds moved into first place for the first time this season last weekend, but now face a side they have not beaten in eight league encounters.

However, with 13 wins and no defeats to their name in 16 league matches so far, they are 4/7 (1.57) favourites with bet365 to secure their first league win over their rivals since March 2014.

Under pressure due to the 16-point gap already separating his side from top spot, Jose Mourinho is available at 5/1 (6.00) to oversee a precious victory here.

Four of the last five competitive encounters between this pair have resulted in draws, and you can get odds of 3/1 (4.00) on this one to also finish up all square.

Joel Matip suffered a broken collarbone against Napoli on Tuesday, joining fellow centre back Joe Gomez on the sidelines. Trent Alexander-Arnold is also ruled out after injuring his foot, while Nathaniel Clyne is lacking match fitness.

The guests are also facing a defensive crisis, with Victor Lindelof, Chris Smalling, Luke Shaw, Marcos Rojo, Diogo Dalot, Matteo Darmian, and Scott McTominay all doubtful. Alexis Sanchez is also definitely ruled out, and Anthony Martial faces a late fitness test.

Although recent results would suggest an easy win for Jurgen Klopp, this is one match where form cannot be relied upon.

Indeed, Mourinho will be relishing the chance to upset his bitter rivals, and his track record suggests he is certainly capable of doing so.

The Portuguese manager is undefeated against Liverpool in four matches since taking over at Old Trafford, and has the best win percentage at Anfield of any visiting manager to have overseen five games or more at the famous stadium.

What's more, draws with in-form Arsenal and Chelsea, as well as a Champions League victory away to Juventus, demonstrate that Mourinho is still adept at getting results in big games this season.

All in all, United look slightly underrated at 7/5 (2.40) to merely avoid defeat in this clash, and are surely worth backing at that price.