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Liverpool, United lock horns in epic clash today


By AFP
Published : 16 Mar 2024 10:07 PM

Manchester United are aiming to derail Liverpool's bid for a quadruple and salvage a difficult second season for Erik ten Hag in Sunday's FA Cup quarter-final.

Newcastle will need to pull off a major shock to maintain their bid for a first major trophy in 55 years when they travel to holders Manchester City. Ten Hag also badly needs a trophy to make a strong case not to be dismissed from the Old Trafford dugout come the end of the season.

United are languishing in sixth in the Premier League, 17 points behind their opponents this weekend.

Liverpool are involved in a thrilling three-way title race and are also into the last eight of the Europa League, having already lifted the League Cup last month.

"We won already one and we have three more left. I said it before, me personally, I want to win all four," said Reds' midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai. However, Liverpool's brutal schedule leaves Jurgen Klopp with some tough decisions to make this weekend.

Mohamed Salah made his first club start since January 1 as a strong side finished the job over Sparta Prague in the Europa League on Thursday.

United could be boosted by the return of striker Rasmus Hojlund, who had scored seven goals in six games prior to a muscle injury.

Meanwhile, Magpies boss Eddie Howe conceded he nearly swerved off the road when he heard his side had been handed a trip to the Etihad.

Newcastle beat City at St. James' Park in the League Cup earlier this season, but Pep Guardiola's men are a different beast at home.

City are unbeaten in 38 games at the Etihad stretching back to December 2022 and have had the rare luxury of a midweek off to prepare.

Kevin De Bruyne is expected to miss out with a groin injury and City goalkeeper Ederson is sidelined with a thigh problem.

However, the English champions are strong favourites to remain on course for a second consecutive treble of Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup.