Premier League preview: Man Utd star Juan Mata excited about Liverpool clash

Liverpool vs. Manchester United

Juan Mata has fond memories of facing Liverpool at Anfield, a clash that the Manchester United midfielder calls one of the most “special” in Premier League history.

Mata scored a spectacular scissor-kick in the 2-1 win, back in 2015 - and he’s hoping his team will enjoy equal success when they return to Liverpool tomorrow.

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Man Utd are unbeaten in the Premier League this season. By contrast, the Merseysiders have only won one of their past seven league and cup games.

Whatever the two teams’ form, Liverpool against United is a “stand-out” fixture, says Mata.

In an interview with Sky Sports, he said: “I always knew the rivalry was big over the years. Everyone in the training ground, fans in the street, they remind you that Liverpool is the game.

“There is no game like this. Through the history there have been great games, big rivalries, and it is a special game to play in, and we feel very lucky to have the chance to play.”

Mata - who according to the Daily Mail, has turned down a big-money move to China - added: “United vs. Liverpool stands out. I have pretty good memories from our games against Liverpool. Every United supporter even now, after a few years, remind me of that goal. When you play for United and score at Anfield and win the game, it stays in people’s minds.”

Liverpool will be without the injured Sadio Mane tomorrow, but expect to be able to name Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino in the squad as they return from South America following the World Cup qualifiers.

Manchester City vs. Stoke City

League leaders Manchester City may be able to call upon Sergio Aguero, who has returned to training after injuring his ribs in a car accident in Holland. Goal.com says Vincent Kompany may also return to the City squad.

Stoke will be without captain Ryan Shawcross, who has a back injury, and midfielder Joe Allen is a doubt after suffering concussion during Wales’ loss to Ireland earlier this week.

Tottenham vs. Bournemouth

The Daily Mirror reports that the all-time Premier League attendance record looks set to be broken when Spurs host the Cherries at Wembley Stadium.

Ticket sales are on course to break the 76,098 record set when Manchester United played Blackburn in March 2007 at Old Trafford. Spurs could see a crowd of more than 80,000 at Wembley.

Crystal Palace vs. Chelsea

Although Palace are at the bottom of the table with no points from their seven matches, Chelsea still face a “hard game” at Selhurst Park, says Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson.

The reigning Premier League champions will be without two of their star players, owing to injuries. Merson, predicting a 1-0 Chelsea win, said: “This is a hard game for Chelsea without N’Golo Kante or Alvaro Morata. They are two massive players and not having them will make a difference.

“But Chelsea still have a good defence, and Palace don’t have Christian Benteke, so it will be hard for them to score.”

Tomorrow’s Premier League fixtures (3pm unless stated)

• Liverpool vs. Manchester United (12.30pm, live on Sky Sports Premier League)
• Burnley vs. West Ham United
• Crystal Palace vs. Chelsea
• Manchester City vs. Stoke City
• Swansea City vs. Huddersfield Town
• Tottenham Hotspur vs. Bournemouth
• Watford vs. Arsenal (5.30pm, live on BT Sport)

Sunday’s Premier League fixtures

• Brighton and Hove Albion vs. Everton (1.30pm)
• Southampton vs. Newcastle United (4pm, live on Sky Sports Premier League)

Monday’s Premier League fixture

• Leicester City vs. West Bromwich Albion (8pm, live on Sky Sports Premier League)