Mark Lawrenson states his prediction for Liverpool v Man United
Mark Lawrenson looks ahead to Manchester United's clash with Liverpool on Saturday lunchtime
Mark Lawrenson is backing Liverpool to hold Manchester United to a 1-1 draw in the Premier League clash at Anfield on Saturday lunchtime.
The Reds head into the game looking to get back to winning ways after they were held to a 1-1 draw by Newcastle United at Old Trafford before the international break.
Liverpool have made something of a stuttering start to the new campaign, having won just three of their opening seven games to leave them in seventh place in the table.
Manchester United, meanwhile, have been in superb form so far this season, with Jose Mourinho’s men having won six of their opening seven games to leave them second and level on points with early pace-setters Manchester City.
Liverpool will be keen to kick-start their season with a positive result against their bitter local rivals in front of their home fans.
However, former Liverpool star Lawrenson reckons that the Reds are poised to have to settler for a 1-1 draw with Mourinho’s men.
Writing in his column for BBC Sport, Lawrenson said: “I still think this fixture is the biggest game in the country because of the history behind it.
“It is always a huge occasion and it is probably the type of fixture Liverpool need right now just to fire them up.
“Since they beat Arsenal 4-0 at the end of August, there has not been a game in which Jurgen Klopp’s side have played well for the entire 90 minutes.
“Consequently they have dropped points because they have made defensive lapses after not putting games to bed.
“Liverpool have conceded an average of just under two goals a game in the league this season, so I am expecting United to score, especially with the form they are in.
“Both teams will be missing some key injured players – Liverpool will miss Sadio Mane as well as Adam Lallana and, although it looks like Romelu Lukaku will be fit, United will be without Paul Pogba and Marouane Fellaini in midfield.
“But the referee, Martin Atkinson, is going to play a big part in the outcome too because there are going to be quite a few tackles flying in from both sides.”
Manchester United are aiming to win the Premier League title this season after they ended up in sixth place in the table last term.
They haven’t lifted the top-flight trophy since Sir Alex Ferguson’s final campaign in charge in the 2012-13 campaign.
