Betting Tips: Man United vs Liverpool

Having put in strong counter-attacking performances in big games under Solskjaer, Al Hain-Cole expects the hosts to keep things tight against the Reds

There is more than bragging rights at stake when Liverpool visit Old Trafford to take on Manchester United on Sunday.

The Reds are second on goal difference to Manchester City, who have played one extra game and are contesting the Carabao Cup final this weekend.

However, having not won a league game at this ground since March 2013, they are priced at 13/10 (2.30) with bet365 to move three points clear at the top with a win.

Meanwhile, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men are available at 19/10 (2.90) to strengthen their position in the top four with an eighth win in 10 home league games against their rivals.

Four of the last six encounters between these sides have resulted in draws, and you can get odds of 5/2 (3.50) on them cancelling each out once again in this one.

Jesse Lingard and Anthony Martial could be in contention after recovering quicker than expected from injuries picked up against PSG, although Antonio Valencia and Matteo Darmian remain ruled out.

Virgil van Dijk will return to the lineup after missing Tuesday’s draw with Bayern Munich due to suspension, easing a defensive crisis caused by injuries to Dejan Lovren and Joe Gomez.

While van Dijk’s return is a major boost for a defence that has lost some of the solidity of the first half of the season, his attacking team-mates could be in for a tough afternoon at the other end of the pitch.

Having conceded just two goals in big matches against Tottenham, Arsenal and Chelsea so far, the Red Devils will feel confident of frustrating their high-flying guests in a counter-attacking performance.

This tactic may prove effective against Jurgen Klopp’s side, which has scored more than once in only two of their last eight fixtures.

With a tight match looking likely, even odds (2.00) are well worth backing on under 2.5 goals being scored for the seventh meeting in nine between United and Liverpool.