Live Commentary - Man Utd vs Liverpool

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Sky Sports' betting expert Lewis Jones:

When you're assessing the player markets at this stage of the season, motivation and narrative can be just as powerful as the raw numbers and this is one where everything is aligning.

Bruno Fernandes to register an assist at 6/4 with Sky Bet looks a cracking play. Fernandes is sitting on 19 Premier League assists this season - just one shy of the all-time single-season record held by Thierry Henry (2002/03) and Kevin De Bruyne (2019/20).

Watching him recently, it's obvious he's actively looking to create rather than finish moves. His first instinct in and around the box is to slide passes, pick runners, and manufacture chances. That mindset is exactly what you want when backing assist lines.

At 6/4, you're getting a playmaker in elite form, with a clear target in sight, pulling the strings in a home environment where he thrives.

Everything points towards another assist being firmly on the agenda.

SCORE PREDICTION: 3-2 | JONES KNOWS' BEST BET: Bruno Fernandes to register an assist (6/4 with Sky Bet)

Manchester United vs Liverpool. It never needs extra billing.

A rivalry between two powerhouses.

United are on the cusp of qualifying for the Champions League with a win and if Bournemouth fail to beat Crystal Palace.

Liverpool will secure a top five finish with a win if both Brighton and Bournemouth fail to win.

Both teams are basically there, meaning this is all about bragging rights. With jeopardy lifted, this could be a cracker.

Let's get it on.

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Liverpool head coach Arne Slot:

"Every game you play has influence on your league position, That is not only when you play Man Utd.

" We are aware of the fact that it is a very big game, not only because we play Man Utd but also to qualify for Champions League and to get the highest possible position in the league table.

"We wanted to win the league. That is not possible, so we are trying to finish as high as possible. That is something we are going to try again on Sunday."

On potentially being able to confirm top-five finish with a win:

"I wouldn't say it is a step forward, but it is the right step to make. We know how important it is to qualify for the Champions League for any club, but definitely for our club.

"It is an important step. Is it a step forward? It is definitely not a step backwards but it is an important step to make."

Liverpool boss Arne Slot says Mohamed Salah is not fit to face Manchester United on Sunday – but he has confirmed he will be back before the end of the season.

It was feared that Salah, who is moving on in the summer, had played his final game after being forced off with an injury against Crystal Palace.

However, Liverpool expect him back playing before the season is out, giving the forward an opportunity to have a proper Anfield send-off.

"As we know from Mo, he is always working incredibly hard when he is fit but also when he is injured to be back as soon as possible.

"We expect him to be back for the final part of the season but not for Sunday."

He added: "In all ways it is a big relief that his injury is minor so he is able to play for us [again] and at the World Cup.

"If ever there was a player that deserves a big send-off, it is definitely Mo."

Goalkeeper Alisson Becker has not yet trained with his Liverpool team-mates ahead of Sunday's trip to Old Trafford.

Slot did not rule him out but said they would not "take a risk".

"He is very close to training with us. I have to hear today from the medical staff if he is able to train with us today, tomorrow or the start of next week.

"He's very close. We never want to take a risk with a player."

Man Utd head coach Michael Carrick on potentially finishing above Liverpool this season:

"It shows the improvements of the group and getting stronger to be coming into this game in a good position on the back of some good results and trying to achieve moving forward.

"We're fully aware of the situation in the league and how close it is between us, but that's not something we've focused on.

"It's a one-off game. They've got some good players and they won the league last year, and we respect everything that goes into the game.

"We're treating it as a one-off game and the league is what it is. Sunday is a whole different ball game.

"It's real privilege for us all to be involved in it... it's two incredible football clubs and to be so close together in so many ways, in terms of titles and geography, to have such an impact over such a time is so special.

"We all appreciate that."

Man Utd head coach Michael Carrick on Liverpool rivalry:

"It's certainly one of my favourite games. It's a standout game.

"There's big games and big rivalries that we have with other teams, but this one is right up there.

"The history, the ups and downs the history has produced in these kinds of games and the excitement, entertainment and emotion, which is a huge part of it, it makes it a really special game.

"It's the edge and the competition, irrespective of league positions over the years of who has ben on top at certain times, it's never really changed the feeling of the game and the emotion of the supporters.

"It's appreciating what it means to the supporters, we have to do that. It's a special game to be part of and to come out on top is the best feeling you can get."

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