Despite both Liverpool and Manchester United facing defeats in the European Cup midweek, their current spirits are starkly contrasting. Liverpool appears poised to maintain their position at the top in the Europa League, while Manchester United must battle through a narrow gap in the Champions League.

Ultimately, Liverpool finds solace in the opportunity to rest key players, while even fielding their strongest squad may not be enough for Manchester United against Bayern.

Excluding the recent loss to Union Saint-Gilloise, Liverpool has been unbeaten in the last six matches, securing five wins. The team’s formidable form is most evident at home, having won all 11 matches at Anfield this season across various competitions. Favorable factors seem to be firmly in Klopp and his team’s hands.

Meanwhile, rumors of Ten Hag’s potential firing have been circulating in the media amid Manchester United’s continuous poor results. With eliminations from the League Cup and Champions League, and limited opportunities in the Premier League, Manchester United’s season seems to be closing prematurely. In their last five matches, they secured only one win and suffered three losses.

Liverpool still grapples with an injury crisis, with a lengthy list of sidelined players, including Joel Matip, Stefan Bajcetic, Andrew Robertson, Thiago Alcantara, Diogo Jota, and Alexis Mac Allister. Fortunately, key figures such as Mohamed Salah, Alisson Becker, Virgil van Dijk, and Trent Alexander-Arnold were rested midweek, ensuring they are at their best to face Manchester United.