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A composed response to their first home league loss to Leeds United in 45 years has Manchester United just one win away from securing a return to the Champions League.
After narrowly defeating Chelsea 1–0 at Stamford Bridge in what turned out to be Liam Rosenior's second-to-last match as Blues manager, Man Utd survived a late wobble to beat Brentford on Monday night.
As a result, the Red Devils sit comfortably in third place. Only a prolonged slump following the Leeds setback could have threatened their top-five standing.
A weakened Liverpool side are next up for Michael Carrick's men, with the Reds also on the verge of locking down a Champions League spot. In fact, a victory at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon would see them leapfrog United.
Matheus Cunha Returns for Crunch Clash
Matheus Cunha was an unexpected absence on Monday night against Brentford, though Carrick described the Brazilian's hip flexor problem as "nothing too serious." Cunha could slot straight back into the starting eleven for Liverpool's visit.
If not, a wide pairing of Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will likely be kept, even with Patrick Dorgu returning to the matchday squad last time out. Dorgu had been sidelined since February with a hamstring problem and should be pushing for game time this weekend.
Lisandro Martínez is completing the final match of his three-game ban, while Luke Shaw picked up a knock on Monday that may rule him out against the Reds.
Matthijs de Ligt continues to work his way back from a back complaint, and it wouldn't be surprising if he fails to feature again this campaign.
Man Utd Predicted Lineup vs. Liverpool
GK: Senne Lammens—Lammens must have been deeply frustrated to see his clean sheet tally go unrewarded against Brentford, having been beaten by Mathias Jensen's superb long-range effort.
RB: Diogo Dalot—It once appeared inevitable that Man Utd would look to strengthen the right back position this summer, but Dalot's consistent recent displays may prompt a change of plan.
CB: Leny Yoro—The young centre-back came off the bench last time out, and while Ayden Heaven has impressed in his absence, Carrick may opt to restore a Yoro/Harry Maguire partnership.
CB: Harry Maguire—Maguire adapts comfortably to either side of the defence, and he has been a steadying influence in United's backline for much of Carrick's tenure—his red card at Bournemouth aside.
LB: Noussair Mazraoui—Shaw's potential absence would be far from ideal, particularly for United's build-up play. The Englishman has also logged more Premier League minutes than any other player in the United squad this season.
CM: Casemiro—The experienced midfielder is entering the final weeks of his Man Utd career, and he'll be looking to exploit Liverpool's weaknesses from set pieces this weekend.
CM: Kobbie Mainoo—The England World Cup hopeful penned a contract extension this week, and United will look to build their midfield around him heading into the summer.
RW: Bryan Mbeumo—Carrick will likely stick with the Cameroonian despite his difficult recent run. Mbeumo has failed to score since February and has gone seven games without a direct goal contribution.
AM: Bruno Fernandes—Man Utd's key man edged closer to the Premier League's single-season assist record with his open-play setup for Benjamin Šeško on Monday night. Fernandes has been a constant threat for the Red Devils this season, though his record in this fixture is modest, with four goal contributions across 10 Premier League appearances against Liverpool.
LW: Matheus Cunha—Carrick will likely reintroduce the unpredictable Brazilian immediately if he passes fit, though Shaw's injury could influence his decision. United require a dependable outlet down the left flank.
ST: Benjamin Šeško—His goal on Monday moved him ahead of Casemiro and Bryan Mbeumo as Man Utd's top Premier League scorer this season. Šeško has netted 10 league goals in just under 1,600 minutes.