Liverpool vs Man United is always one of the most highly anticipated games on the Premier League calendar with a long-standing rivalry between these two sides with that energy coming from the stands and translating onto the pitch.
Therefore, it's sure to be a game full of intensity, fouls and bookings, especially with Man United lagging behind Liverpool in terms of quality on the pitch so will be looking to disrupt the pattern of play with tactical fouls, so we are going to dive even deeper into the betting market for this clash on Sunday, December 17.
RefWatch: Liverpool vs Man United
Total yellow cards – Under 4.5 bookings: 41/50 (1.82)
While this game is indeed always a feisty battle and one that brings about aggression and passion from both sets of fans and players, there's a chance this one could be different. This is because Man United have picked up the seventh fewest bookings with 35, whereas Liverpool are second last with just 30 yellow cards.
So, with a strong referee at the centre of the action in the form of Michael Oliver, he could do well to let the game flow and on average, has handed out two yellow cards per Man United match and in the sole Liverpool game he's refereed, he handed out four cautions.
Most cards – Man United: 22/25 (1.88)
With Man United being the underdogs in this game going into a chaotic Anfield atmosphere – which will host their biggest-ever home attendance at the stadium – they will likely accept a few bookings to waste time or commit cynical fouls.
Therefore, betting on the Red Devils to make the game scrappy or even get frustrated and pick up the most yellow cards would appear to be very sensible, especially given the rather favourable odds and the fact Man United have picked up five more bookings than their opponents.
Diogo Dalot to be booked: 29/10 (3.9)
Currently sitting on three yellow cards in the Premier League – two of which have come in away matches – Diogo Dalot looks a very good player to bet on when it comes to a yellow card this weekend. Especially with the fact he will be coming up against Luis Diaz or Darwin Nunez if the latter is shoved out on the wing instead of a central role and Dalot certainly isn't afraid to break up the play and take one for the team.
The Portuguese international has already committed 15 fouls in the league as well as losing 11 of his 26 aerial duels, which could also lead to fouls and free kicks for elbows or climbing on the back of an opponent, and with the Anfield crowd going to be on Oliver's back, he could give into the pressure and reach for his pocket quicker than usual.
McTominay 2+ shots on target and McTominay to be carded: 28/1 (29.0)
Out of all the players available for selection on Sunday, Scott McTominay has committed the most fouls by any Man United player and being in a hostile Anfield atmosphere he could be a sure thing to pick up his first league booking of the campaign.
The other part of this special market is for the Scotland international to have two shots on target and given his newfound form in front of goal for both club and country this is not as outlandish as it may have seemed a few months ago. McTominay is currently Man United's top scorer with five goals to his name. He's also averaging 1.33 shots on target per 90 minutes, so managing two goalbound efforts on Sunday certainly can't be ruled out.
Remember to keep checking out our free betting tips ahead of a huge weekend of action in England and across Europe.
