Manchester Utd vs. Liverpool: Team News, Predicted Lineups, Live Stream, TV Info

Manchester United vs. Liverpool sees Louis van Gaal's men seek to overturn a two-goal deficit against Jurgen Klopp's side at Old Trafford on Thursday evening. 

At stake is a place in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Europa League, and the prize of a place in next season's Champions League for the tournament winners is a precious one. 

And Klopp is mindful of his side becoming complacent with their 2-0 aggregate lead and said, per the official Liverpool website: 

"

It is absolutely clear there is a chance for Manchester United, 100 per cent, that’s football. Anything can happen. But we know we know how to play them. That’s another truth, but it doesn’t mean it is easy for us—we will have to work for this really hard, [we need to be] really concentrated, we need to be brave and aggressive in a legal way. That’s all clear.

"

Per the Guardian, United manager Van Gaal laid out the task ahead and said: 

"

Tomorrow we only have to think we have to beat Liverpool—and beat them 2-0 not 3-0 because we can do it in extra time. We can do it 2-0 and then we have a chance to reach the next round. You know we have scored goals within three or four minutes this season so it is possible.

"

It is a long shot, and Old Trafford is not what it once was in terms of belief and sporting achievement, but it remains a possibility.

A miracle recovery would go a long way to strengthening Van Gaal's popularity with United's fans.

On the other hand, Klopp has the opportunity to use victory to strengthen belief in his already-popular project at Anfield.

Date: Thursday, March 17

Time: 8:05 p.m. GMT/4:05 p.m. ET

Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester, England

TV Info: BT Sport Europe (UK only)/Fox Sports 1 (U.S. only)

Live Stream: BT Sport (UK only)/Fox Soccer 2Go (U.S. only)

Form Lines

Manchester United: WWWLLD

Liverpool: DWDWWW

Team News

Van Gaal has told MUTV (h/t the club's website) that it is too soon for Bastian Schweinsteiger to start, in spite of his substitute appearances against Liverpool and West Ham United.  

Additionally, he confirmed Ashley Young, Cameron Borthwick-Jackson and Antonio Valencia would not be available.

ManUtd.com added that "Luke Shaw, Phil Jones, Will Keane are Wayne Rooney are still long-term absentees." 

For Liverpool, Alberto Moreno is a late doubt after limping off in training on Wednesday, per the Liverpool Echo.

BBC Sport claimed that "midfielder James Milner returns after missing the first leg through illness but the visitors are still likely to be without defender Martin Skrtel, who has been out with a hamstring injury." 

Predicted Lineups

The key selection dilemma for Van Gaal centres around his midfield. Marouane Fellaini is shown above, given the manager's decision to start him against both Liverpool and West Ham in United's last two games.

However, Michael Carrick or Ander Herrera could be a better option, especially with the Red Devils starting the game with a two-goal deficit. 

There is a decision to be made up front. Memphis Depay has been less integral to Van Gaal's selections of late in spite of his improved form. It is possible Marcus Rashford will feature instead of the Dutchman. However, the Netherlands international should start, given how much he stretched the game against West Ham.

He is clearly still adapting to his surroundings in England, but there have been enough glimpses of quality of late that he should be trusted here.

Jack Lusby of Bleacher Report and This is Anfield suggests that Liverpool will line up as above. Of course, if Moreno is unavailable, then the Liverpool Echo suggest Brad Smith "is likely to deputise at left-back." 

Lusby also suggests Milner could feature after illness, while Joe Allen may be called upon in place of Jordan Henderson, whose form has dipped of late.

Players to Watch

As was the case ahead of the West Ham game, it is genuinely difficult to single out a United player who is in good form. Perhaps their best hope lies in the discovery of some form among their front three. Memphis' bright cameo against the Hammers probably makes him best qualified for a mention here. 

PAUL ELLIS/Getty Images

As for Liverpool, the star man against United at Anfield is again the one to keep an eye on. Roberto Firmino scored, provided three key passes and completed seven of eight attempted dribbles against the Red Devils in the first leg. 

Key Battle

As well as the key battlegrounds discussed here, once again the clash between Daley Blind, Chris Smalling and Liverpool's forwards could be key.

United have given up a lot of chances in their last two games. Liverpool had 13 shots and West Ham 12. Failure to keep a clean sheet will likely deny United any chance of progression given their failure to score at Anfield. 

Jon Super/Associated Press

The other end of the pitch will be crucial too if there is to be any kind of comeback, and Liverpool's full-backs, who were excellent in the first leg, will again be required to keep the Red Devils' wide-attackers quiet.

Odds

Manchester United: 17-10

Draw: 12-5

Liverpool: 19-10

Odds for the game correct at the time of writing, per Oddschecker.

Advanced statistics per WhoScored.com.

Quotations attained firsthand except where otherwise stated.