Paul Merson states prediction for Manchester United vs. Liverpool

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Paul Merson believes nerves will prove a defining factor when Liverpool face Manchester United at Old Trafford this Sunday.

The Reds are currently second in the Premier League table, level on 65 points with Manchester City and with a game in hand on the champions.

Merely a point will restore their spot at the top as Pep Guardiola’s men turn their attentions towards a League Cup final meeting with Chelsea.

Facing the Manchester United of now is a completely different prospect to facing the Manchester United that Liverpool beat 3-1 two months ago.

Whilst a draw would perhaps suffice, earning all three points would arguably mark the biggest statement Klopp’s men will have made yet in their pursuit of the title.

In his Sky Sports predictions, Merson said: “If Liverpool get anything from this game, I think they have had a result. I am not saying that because I think Man Utd are a better team, but I think the pendulum has swung.”

“You have a team that is very confident and a team that is very nervous and are snatching at chances. Look at Liverpool’s game against Bayern Munich – two months ago, they would have scored two or three of those chances.”

Jurgen Klopp – image by Liverpoolfc.com

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He added: “I think United will have a go. They are not a team under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer that will sit back. They will take the game to Liverpool, and I think the nerves of Liverpool will be too much.”

The title won’t be decided this weekend, but Sunday’s fixture beckons as an indicator of where Liverpool are at in terms of form and mentality.

United are yet to lose in the league since suffering defeat at Anfield back in December, registering eight wins and one draw since then.

Their resurgence under Ole Gunnar Solskjær may have taken centre stage, but it’s worth remembering just how explosive Liverpool looked again in the win over Bournemouth last time out.

More Stories Jürgen Klopp Liverpool Manchester United Ole Gunnar Solskjær Paul Merson