3 reasons why Liverpool will beat Manchester United this afternoon

Coutinho returns

Philippe Coutinho’s return to first team action against Southampton in midweek will give Liverpool a huge boost ahead of the United game.

The Brazilian international sustained an ankle ligament injury against Sunderland at the end of November and thus spent a while on the sidelines, but his half an hour cameo against the Saints reminded everyone of the 24-year-old’s quality in the final third.

Although he wasn’t quite match sharp, Coutinho still made a difference when he came on and, should he be fit to start against United this afternoon, he could have the crucial say.

Klopp needs his best players playing at their best to get past an in-form United – Coutinho is arguably his best, and just his presence on the pitch will give the Reds a boost, and will also give United something else to think about over the course of the 90 minutes.