Manchester United have engineered a remarkable resurgence under Michael Carrick. Since February, no Premier League side has accumulated more points, and Old Trafford has become a fortress—36 points this season already exceeds last year’s entire home total by 12. One victory on Sunday secures Champions League football; mathematically, they’re already almost certain to finish in the top five.

Liverpool arrive as wounded visitors. Three consecutive league wins have lifted them to fourth, yet they’ve won just once in their last dozen matches against top-three sides. The injury toll is catastrophic: Mohamed Salah’s hamstring means his 16 goals and eight assists against United remain unused. Jayden Danns, Hugo Ekitike, Conor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni, and Wataru Endo are all absent. Alisson Becker hasn’t trained. Slot’s side need victory here and favourable results elsewhere to guarantee Champions League qualification—a tall order given their depleted resources.

Bruno Fernandes stands one assist away from equalling Henry and De Bruyne’s single-season record. United have scored twice in six of their last seven home fixtures, sustaining relentless attacking momentum. Matheus Cunha has returned to training, though defensive absences (Martinez suspended, De Ligt injured) create vulnerabilities.

The reverse fixture saw United prevail 2-1; Slot seeks to emulate his Liverpool predecessors by winning both opening away derbies, but current circumstances make that ambition unrealistic.

Verdict

United’s mathematical advantage, combined with Liverpool’s injury decimation and their historical difficulty against top opposition, makes a home victory inevitable.

Tip: Manchester United Win.