Wes Brown Predicts United 2-0 Win Over Liverpool as Maguire Stars Again

Key facts

• Manchester United can confirm Champions League qualification with a win over Liverpool.
• Wes Brown scored in a 3-0 victory over Liverpool in 2008.
• Brown predicts a 2-0 win for United with Benjamin Sesko as first goalscorer.
• Harry Maguire scored the winner at Anfield in October.
• Liverpool will be without key attackers Mohamed Salah and Hugo Ekitike.
• Kick-off is at 14:15 BST at Old Trafford.

High Stakes at Old Trafford

Manchester United host Liverpool this afternoon in a Premier League fixture that carries enormous consequences for both clubs. A victory for the Reds would secure their anticipated return to the UEFA Champions League next season, cementing a top-five finish in the process. The match is United's penultimate home game of the campaign, adding further urgency to the occasion.

Wes Brown's Predictions

Former United defender Wes Brown, now a pundit for MUTV, has submitted his predictions for the contest. Brown, who scored in a memorable 3-0 victory over Liverpool in 2008, expects Michael Carrick to make only one change to the side that beat Brentford 2-1. He believes Matheus Cunha will return to the lineup after missing Monday's match with a sore hip flexor, with Amad dropping out.

Key Players and Tactics

Brown's predicted starting XI features Senne Lammens in goal, a back four of Diogo Dalot, Harry Maguire, Ayden Heaven, and Luke Shaw, a midfield of Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo, and an attacking line of Bryan Mbeumo, Bruno Fernandes (captain), Matheus Cunha, and Benjamin Sesko. He backs United to keep a clean sheet and for Sesko to open the scoring, adding to his 10th Premier League goal against Brentford. Brown also tips Harry Maguire, who scored the winner at Anfield in October, to be man of the match.

Liverpool's Absences

Liverpool will be without key attackers Mohamed Salah and Hugo Ekitike for the match, a significant blow to their hopes. Brown believes United's defense, marshaled by Maguire, can keep a Liverpool side depleted in attack at bay. The absence of Salah, in particular, removes a major threat that United must contend with.

How to Participate

Fans can make their own predictions in the United Predictions game until 14:15 BST for the starting XI, and up until kick-off for first scorer, result, and man of the match. Prizes include signed shirts and United Store vouchers. The match is set to be a massive encounter as United seek to double their league success over Liverpool this season.

The bottom line

• Manchester United can secure Champions League football with a win over Liverpool.
• Wes Brown predicts a 2-0 victory with Benjamin Sesko scoring first and Harry Maguire as man of the match.
• Liverpool will be without Mohamed Salah and Hugo Ekitike, weakening their attack.
• Brown expects only one change to United's lineup, with Matheus Cunha returning from injury.
• The match kicks off at 14:15 BST at Old Trafford, with fan predictions open until then.