Four pundits predict Man Utd vs Liverpool as third-place favourite emerges

Manchester United and Liverpool are set to clash in a hugely important Premier League fixture on Sunday afternoon, with both teams looking to secure Champions League qualification

The standout Premier League matchup this weekend is clearly Manchester United hosting Liverpool on Sunday. After losing 2-1 at Anfield earlier in the campaign - when Ruben Amorim was still managing United - Arne Slot will be aiming for a stronger showing against the team - now led by interim head coach Michael Carrick - this time.

The two sides have endured difficult spells during the season but both remain on track to clinch Champions League places. Old Trafford is set for an intense afternoon, as is typical of a meeting between England's two most prominent clubs.

Ahead of the game, several of the nation's top pundits have offered their verdict. Here, Mirror Football rounds up their predictions.

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Jamie Carragher - 1-1 Draw

Although strongly associated with Liverpool, Jamie Carragher does not expect his former team to leave Manchester with a victory. In fact, he openly criticised their recent performances.

He said: "Man United versus Liverpool – I'm not confident. I'm not. I don't think United are playing well, to be fair. I think Liverpool are getting results without playing well. I'm not convinced by them at all, to be honest, at the minute. I can't see Liverpool winning it.

"I'm going to go for a 1-1 draw. I think these teams will probably finish third and fourth in the Premier League but I don’t think either of them are a really good team, to be honest."

Alan Shearer - Draw

Alan Shearer also expects a stalemate, suggesting neither side will do enough to win. Given their relatively secure positions in the table, he believes both teams would accept a draw.

The Newcastle icon wrote in The Metro: "It's not the Liverpool or Man United we know at all from how they have played this season. I don't think it'll be a classic.

"I think because of where both teams are mentally and physically, and also in terms of where they are in the league. I don’t think a draw would be a bad result for both of them."

Harry Redknapp - 3-2 United win

Harry Redknapp anticipates a high-scoring contest, backing Manchester United to edge it. He highlighted Bruno Fernandes as a key figure who could influence the result and potentially break the assists record.

Redknapp said: "The big one. United weren't at their best against Brentford but they got the job done and that's all that matters at this stage. Michael Carrick's done a terrific job here, you couldn't have asked for much from him.

"That's now three wins in a row for Liverpool as they end the season in some decent form. I still wouldn't say they've been unbelievable but a Champions League finish is essential for them, and it looks like they'll get it.

"I don't really trust either of these sides at the back right now, so I think we'll see goals. I'm picking United, 3-2! All eyes are on Bruno Fernandes as he hunts down that Premier League assist record. It would be typical of him to do something special in this game."

Paul Merson - 2-2 Draw

Paul Merson is another who cannot separate the teams, though he expects a more open contest compared to others.

Merson told Sportskeeda: "Unlike previous years, this isn't the biggest game in English football anymore! It's still massive for both teams though. If Liverpool lose and Brighton beat Newcastle, there will only be five points separating the Reds and the Seagulls in sixth.

"When you look at Liverpool's fixtures after this game as well, they are not absolute give-me contests. Chelsea at Anfield, Aston Villa away and Brentford again at home is a tricky run.

"Manchester United were poor against Leeds and I don't think they were great in the wins over Chelsea and Brentford either. Liverpool can cause them problems and I expect there will be goals in this game.

"Alexander Isak scoring for Liverpool last weekend will be a huge boost for his confidence. It has been a long hard season for him, starting with him refusing to play and then the injury after the move to Liverpool. That goal would have meant a lot to him.

"Bruno Fernandes has also played extremely well this season. But when it comes to the Player of the Year award, we must not ignore the fact that he only plays once a week."

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