Manchester United vs Liverpool preview: Team news, line-ups, where to watch (03/05/2026)

Author: Andy McDougall

Preview, team news, head-to-head, probable line-ups, tactical analysis and where to watch Manchester United v Liverpool in Sunday’s Premier League clash

Manchester United host Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday, 3 May 2026, at 15:30 local time / 16:30 CET / 10:30 ET / 07:30 PT in one of the standout fixtures of the Premier League season.

The meeting arrives with both sides targeting strong finishes to the campaign, with Manchester United and Liverpool aiming to strengthen their grip of Champions League places for next season.

It is mainly about pride, however, at this stage in the season for these two old foes as, barring any major surprises, they should finish 3rd and 4th. The question, though, is in which order and this game could go a long way to settling those particular bragging rights.

Team news & injury updates

Manchester United

Michael Carrick has a number of injury concerns heading into the fixture. Luke Shaw is a doubt and so is Matheus Cunha, while the game comes too early for Matthijs de Ligt. Meanwhile, Lisandro Martínez is suspended

Liverpool

Arne Slot is without Alisson Becker, Wataru Endo, Conor Bradley, Mo Salah, Stefan Bajcetic, Giorgi Mamardashvili, Giovanni Leoni and Hugo Ekitiké through injury.

Mohamed Salah playing for Liverpool
Mohamed Salah will miss the fixture due to injury / Shutterstock

Manchester United vs Liverpool head-to-head (H2H) 

Recent meetings between the sides have been competitive, with Liverpool holding the stronger record across recent seasons, although several fixtures have been closely contested or high scoring.

Last five meetings:

  • 19/10/25: Liverpool 1-2 Manchester United (Premier League)
  • 05/01/25: Liverpool 2-2 Manchester United (Premier League)
  • 01/09/24: Manchester United 0-3 Liverpool (Premier League)
  • 07/04/23: Manchester United 2-2 Liverpool (Premier League)
  • 17/03/23: Manchester United 4-3 Liverpool (FA Cup)

Manchester United vs Liverpool probable line-ups

PositionManchester United Predicted XILiverpool Predicted XI
GoalkeeperLammensWoodman
DefenceDalot, Maguire, Heaven, ShawJones, Konaté, Van Dijk, Robertson
MidfieldCasemiro, Mainoo; Mbeumo, Fernandes, AmadMac Allisyer, Scoboszlai; Chiesa, Wirtz, Gakpo
AttackSeskoIsak
Manchester United's Old Trafford stadium
Manchester United will host Liverpool at Old Trafford / Shutterstock

Tactical analysis: How the game will be won

This fixture is expected to be played at high intensity with both sides looking to impose themselves through pressing and quick transitions rather than long controlled possession spells.

Manchester United’s best route will likely come through exploiting space behind Liverpool’s defensive line, particularly in wide areas, while relying on Bruno Fernandes to create chances between the lines.

Liverpool, meanwhile, are likely to control longer spells of possession and use fluid rotations in attack to stretch United’s defensive structure and create overloads in advanced zones.

The game is likely to be decided by efficiency in transition moments and defensive concentration inside both boxes.

Where to watch Manchester United vs Liverpool

The Premier League clash between Manchester United and Liverpool kicks off on Sunday, 3 May 2026, at 15:30 local time / 16:30 CET / 10:30 ET / 07:30 PT.

Broadcast coverage will depend on regional rights, with UK viewers able to watch via Sky Sports and US fans on USA Network.

Market insights & probability

According to current market data, home advantage makes Manchester United the favourites at 42%, but Liverpool are also rated highly at 35%, while a draw is ranked at a 23% likelihood.

Expect an entertaining contest with both teams to score priced at over 65%. A 1-1 draw could be on the cards, or a narrow win for the hosts.