An injury-riddled Manchester United close out their pre-season tour of America when they face bitter rivals Liverpool in Columbia, South Carolina tonight.
Erik ten Hag will not have fond memories of a preseason that has seen him lose multiple players to injury, including new signee Leny Yoro for at least three months. Meanwhile, Arne Slot will be happy with the early days of his reign at Liverpool and would love to see his side finish with a perfect preseason record.
I break down the best betting angles with our Manchester United vs. Liverpool predictions and betting picks for Saturday, August 3.
Manchester United vs Liverpool picks and predictions
My best bet:
Liverpool moneyline (+110 at Betano)
My analysis
Were both teams to be at full fitness, this would be a very intriguing match to handicap. This is one of the best rivalries in all of sports, and despite their full-season results the past few years, the Red Devils have actually had the better of Liverpool. The 7-0 win for the Reds in March of 2003 is the only time they’ve beaten Man United in their last six meetings.
However, it’s been a disastrous preseason for Manchester United, as their injury list has grown by the hour. With the Community Shield looming next Saturday, I doubt Ten Hag will take many chances with his squad. That’s one of the big reasons I’m backing Liverpool to take the victory here.
Additionally, Liverpool have beaten two common opponents for Man United in this preseason, with wins over Real Betis and Arsenal. That same Gunner side defeated Man United, although had they finished better in the second half against Liverpool, they likely would’ve gotten a result there as well.
Liverpool’s attack is going to cause the Man United defense problems, especially with the absences the Red Devils have in defense. Harry Maguire may not start as he picked up a slight niggle against Real Betis, and because he’s needed for next weekend. As such, we’re likely to see Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof in the middle.
At the other end of the pitch, it’ll be interesting to see who starts in the forward line. Marcus Rashford and Antony both came off against Real Betis with injuries, and Rasmus Hojlund is expected to miss at least six weeks. We could see Scott McTominay filling in as an emergency striker, while it’s more likely youth product Ethan Wheatley will go.
Either way, Liverpool boast the clear advantage in attack and have a week off after this match. They’re also playing for a new manager, with many players trying to make an impression as he looks for his best XI.
Manchester United vs Liverpool same-game parlay (SGP)
Liverpool moneyline
Under 3.5 goals
Mohamed Salah anytime goalscorer
I’m expecting three or fewer goals here, but it’s not just because of the lack of bite possessed by the Manchester United attack in this one. The heat in South Carolina will be energy-sapping, and conditions will be wet as well. Both of those lend themselves to a lower-scoring affair, especially in a match where we might see players itching to get back to the locker room down the stretch.
Harry Amass is a promising 17-year-old left-back and he’s done well this preseason for Manchester United. However, Amass will be facing Mohamed Salah if he starts in this one.
Ten Hag may put Aaron Wan-Bissaka on the left as he has in the past few meetings to deal with Salah, but I’m not sure he wants to risk having four important defenders on the pitch in this one. Salah scored against Arsenal and was a threat throughout, and he has a history of success against the Red Devils. Back him to score as part of the parlay.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Manchester United vs Liverpool odds
 Manchester United |
 Liverpool |
|
|---|---|---|
| +175 | Moneyline | +110 |
| +305 | Draw | +305 |
| Over 3.5 (-114) | Total | Under 3.5 (-125) |
Odds courtesy of Betano.
Manchester United vs Liverpool game info
| Location: | Williams-Brice Stadium, Columbia, SC |
| Date: | Saturday, 8-3-2024 |
| Time: | 7:30 p.m. ET |
| TV: | ESPN |
| Weather: | 91F, 11 mph winds, 80% PoP. |
Not intended for use in MA.
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