The Reds will take a strong lead into the second leg
The Reds return to action on Thursday in the second leg of the club’s Europa League last 16 against Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Taking a strong lead to Man Utd put Klopp’s team in a very strong position to progress and look a good option to use your Bet365 welcome offer on, but there will be nothing in the form of complacency, with a place in the last-8 awaiting the victors.
For United, manager Van Gaal finds himself back in a familiar position, with fans a pundits alike questioning his management following a disappointing FA Cup quarter-final draw with West Ham at Old Trafford at the weekend and exit at the hands of Liverpool will put the Dutchman under significant pressure.
Meanwhile, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp finds himself in a rare position with his team in a fairly solid vein of form, having lost just once (in normal time) in the last 15 games. Defeats to West Ham and Man City both occurred in extra time or on penalties, whilst the second leg defeat to Stoke in the Capital One Cup semi final second leg saw the Reds emerge victorious on penalties.
The margin of those defeats would also seem to suggest that Klopp’s methods are finally starting to take hold and the last three results since the cup final have shown a steely, resurgent Liverpool that the 48 year old will hope to see again tomorrow night.
In terms of selection, Liverpool are looking fairly strong again, with only long-term absentees Joe Gomez and Danny Ings, along with Lucas Leiva and Kevin Stewart missing.
For Man Utd, Marouane Fellaini has (somewhat predictably) avoided a ban for his elbow on Emre Can in the first leg, but the home side will still be missing Wayne Rooney, Phil Jones, Ashley Young and Antonio Valencia, whilst Luke Shaw will likely be out for the season.
In terms of form, Liverpool have won all of their last three, whilst Van Gaal’s team have failed to win any of their last three and, as mentioned, only managed a home draw with West Ham in the FA Cup at the weekend.
You can catch the second leg live on BT Sport from 20:05 tomorrow night.
