Liverpool vs Manchester United is finally set to take the European stage when the two English Premier League rivals clash in what promises to be a belter of a Europa League last 16 tie. Both teams will be keen to garner a big advantage from this first leg at Anfield, making this match one to savour.
It is always difficult to call a derby match, with the formbook usually going out of the window in such clashes. And when it is over two legs, it becomes even harder. The first leg is always crucial in such big matches, though, and this Europa League last 16 tie could be made or broken at Anfield.
[Get the goals and highlights of the Liverpool vs Manchester United match HERE]
Liverpool, coming off back-to-back victories in the Premier League, will be keen to get to a fast start and take the game by the proverbial scruff of the neck against Manchester United, who, under Louis Van Gaal, have a stellar record against their rivals. Klopp believes to help Liverpool do that, the Anfield faithful will have to play a big part.
"Hopefully everybody can show from the first second on they're really happy with this game and really excited with this game," Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp told reporters.
"Everybody needs to be in the best shape in these two legs and the crowd is involved. You know I believe in the influence of the crowd – I try everything to show the crowd and show the people that we do it for ourselves, of course, but not only that because we do it for them especially.
"We really enjoy the relationship with the crowd and it helps, there is absolutely no doubt about it. We can show that we can create a better atmosphere in the first leg than Manchester United in the second leg."
Manchester United will be confident of getting something from Anfield, considering they have done really well against the same opponents in recent times. Manchester United won both games in the Premier League this season, and while they might have not been entirely convincing performances, what cannot be ignored is that this United side just seem to know what to do to get the better of Liverpool.
Away goals are always important in European competition, and if Manchester United can get one or even two, they will go back to Old Trafford confident of beating Liverpool over the two legs.
Team news: Liverpool: Daniel Sturridge should return to the starting lineup for Liverpool, who will bank on their striker to find the back of the net against Manchester United. Nathaniel Clyne is another who should play, after he was rested at the weekend. Key midfielder James Milner, though, is a doubt with illness, while Jon Flanagan is not in the Europa League squad list.
Manchester United: Antonio Valencia has a chance to be on the bench for this game, but Bastian Schweinsteiger, despite returning to training, is unlikely to feature. Jesse Lingard is suspended, while Adnan Januzaj and Tim Fosu-Mensah are ineligible.
Where to Watch Live
Liverpool vs Manchester United is scheduled for an 8.05 pm GMT (3.05 pm ET, 1.35 am IST) start. Ten Action and Ten HD will broadcast the Europa League match live in India on TV. Viewers in India and the subcontinent can also watch the action live online by live streaming on Tensports Live.
BT Sport Europe is the channel to watch the Europa League first leg live in the UK, with the online live streaming option on Watch BT Sport.
Fox Sports 2 will show the Europa League game live in the US, while Liverpool vs Manchester United can also be live streamed online on FoxSoccer2Go. TSN, RDS and TSN TV are the places to be to watch the game live in Canada.
Viewers in China and Hong Kong can watch the UEFA Champions League action live on PPTV Sports and LeTV. Eurosport Asia will show the match live in Malaysia and Singapore.
Audience in Australia, France, Spain, Indonesia, Thailand, the Middle East and North Africa can watch the UCL game live on TV on Bein Sports, with the live stream option on Bein Sports Connect.
