Simon Mignolet predicts Liverpool v Man United

Simon Mignolet is backing Liverpool to beat Manchester United and take a big step towards the quarter-finals of the Europa League on Thursday night.

The Merseyside outfit are preparing to host Louis van Gaal’s men at Anfield in the first leg of their last 16 clash this week.

With Liverpool currently languishing in seventh place in the Premier League table, the Reds’ best chance of qualifying for next season’s Champions League may come through winning the Europa League this term.

It is the first time that the two Premier League sides have locked horns in European competition, and Mignolet is confident that Jurgen Klopp’s men have what it takes to reach the last eight.

Speaking to talkSPORT, Mignolet said: “Let’s hope it is going to be a great night at Anfield.

“There has been a lot of big games in Europe at Anfield so hopefully we can do it again on Thursday.

“It is a big game for both clubs and everybody has seen what a great tournament the Europa League is. We want to go as far as we can do.

“We look forward to it and hopefully we will get through to the next round.”

Liverpool head into the game on the back of their dramatic 2-1 win over Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Sunday.

MORE: The latest Liverpool news and views

MORE: The latest Liverpool player tweets

Manchester United, meanwhile, were beaten 1-0 by West Brom at The Hawthorns.