Darwin Nunez to score hat-trick against Manchester United as Liverpool predicted to crush depleted rivals in Premier League clash

Manchester United's season could be about to get even worse as they prepare to host Liverpool with a badly depleted defensive line.

The Red Devils face the Premier League leaders at Old Trafford on Sunday looking to defeat the Reds again after their 4-3 victory in the FA Cup quarterfinals last month.

But this time, United They will have to overcome the odds if they want to get anything out of the game.

Centre-back pairing Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans appear to have added to their increasingly long injury list during their defeat 4-3 to Chelsea.

Before that match, it had also been confirmed that United would be without their centre-back duo. Lisandro Martínez and Víctor Lindelof for at least a month.

Martínez had returned to the field for the first time since early February during United's 1-1 draw against Brentford – Only to suffer a calf injury during training.

And it was during the match against Brentford that Lindelof suffered a hamstring injury.

Meanwhile, Varane He had been cleared to play at Stamford Bridge, but withdrew during the break.

And things got worse for United as substitute Evans was only on the pitch for 20 minutes before he too was forced off the pitch due to injury.

With midfielder Casemiro also out due to injury, Ten Hag reflected on the difficulties of dealing with player injuries in such a close match.

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He said: “That doesn't help in those moments if you have to manage the game, (it helps) that there are leaders on the field.”

The Dutchman added: “Also, Casemiro we have to go out. That doesn't help. They know how to deal (with pressure) and how to take victory to the finish line.”

“I can't say now what the prospects are for Sunday, but we have to eliminate them both.”

And when asked specifically if Varane would be available for the match against LiverpoolTen Hag replied, “Right now, I don't know. I can't help.”

It means United's starting XI against Liverpool could look unfamiliar compared to some we've seen this season, with a bench severely lacking in experience.

As a result, the former Liverpool striker Dean Saunders He is betting his money on his former employers not only to win the match, but to do so emphatically.

He told talkSPORT Breakfast: “I think Liverpool will win. You can't keep getting hit on the chin like Man United keep getting hit.

“And if Liverpool score first, they might go three or four goals ahead. So I'm going to give Liverpool 4-1.”

And when asked where the goals would come from, he replied: “I'm going to do (Darwin) Núñez's hat-trick. It's coming, it's coming any minute!”

Despite missing 43 “big chances” this season, the Uruguayan striker He has still scored 18 goals in all competitions.

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In total, he has contributed 32 goal involvements and recorded 14 assists in his 44 outings.

His most recent goal came against Liverpool. 3-1 victory on Sheffield United on Thursday night as he helped his team return to the top of the table.

Jurgen Klopp He is still without Trent Alexander-Arnold, Alisson and Diogo Jota, but could welcome the return of midfielder Wataru Endo for the United clash.

And with Liverpool set to field a strong line-up, Ten Hag and his players could be in for a long and painful game.

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