Martin Keown states his prediction for Liverpool v Man United

Martin Keown is backing Liverpool to beat Manchester United in Thursday night’s crunch Europa League clash at Anfield.

The Reds head into the game having beaten Crystal Palace 2-1 in the Premier League last weekend and looking for a win against their bitter local rivals to take a step closer towards the quarter-finals of Europe’s second tier club competition.

It is the first time that the two teams have met in European competition – and former Arsenal defender Keown is tipping the home side to have too much for Louis van Gaal’s men.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Keown said: “Liverpool for me. I just have a bit of a feeling about them at the moment. I like Jurgen Klopp and the emotion he brings to the table and Liverpool are just coming into a bit of form.

“I like that forward line, all of the players are chipping in with goals and assists, and they just need to get their defence right. It should be a fantastic game and I’m really looking forward to it.

“People say it’s like a yesteryear game but this is still a big prize as fighting for the Europa League gives both teams a chance to get back into the Champions League. I’m sure both sets of supporters feel that’s where they belong.”

The two sides have met in 166 domestic league games.

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Liverpool are unbeaten in eight European games this season (W3 D5), and have not lost in six Uefa home matches.

Manchester United’s record in six Europa League matches to date is W2 D0 L4 (W1 D0 L2 at home – W1 D0 L2 away).