This is an early outlook on the Premier League game between Manchester United and Liverpool, scheduled to take place on Sunday 2 May at Old Trafford.
Manchester United
The Red Devils are pretty much locked in for 2nd spot in the league with 11 points adrift Manchester City but also 7 points clear of Leicester in 3rd.
The league game against Liverpool is squeezed in between the two Europa League semi-final legs against Roma and I don't think Manchester United will have an urge to kill off the Liverpool game early.
Only 38% of Manchester United's scored league goals at home so far this season have been scored in the first half.
Only 43% of Manchester United's conceded league goals at home so far this season have occurred in the first half.
There's been under 0.5 goals scored in the first half in 44% of Manchester United's home games so far this season (7 of 16 games).
When facing top half teams at home this season, there's been less than 0.5 goals scored in the first half in 57% of Manchester United's league games (in 4 of 7 games).
When facing top 7 teams at home this season, there's been less than 0.5 goals scored in the first half in 75% of Manchester United's league games (in 3 of 4 games).
Also, Manchester United have the best track record in the league when it comes to restricting top half opponents from creating shots on target.
When facing top half teams at home this season, Manchester United have only conceded 2.71 shots on target per game - the best defensive numbers in the league.
When facing top 7 teams at Old Trafford this season, Manchester United have only conceded 2.75 shots on target per game - also the best defensive numbers in the league.
Liverpool
The Reds are chasing a pack of London clubs as they aim for yet another top 4 finish.
The game against Manchester United is Liverpool's hardest obstacle on the run-in and I think there will be a cautious approach hoping to exploit some faltering focus in the later stages of the match.
Only 30% of Liverpool's scored league goals on the road so far this season have been scored in the first half.
Only 42% of Liverpool's conceded league goals away from home so far this season have occurred in the first half.
There's been under 0.5 goals scored in the first half in 44% of Liverpool's away games so far this season (7 of 16 games).
When facing top half teams on the road this season, there's been less than 0.5 goals scored in the first half in 50% of Liverpool's league games (in 4 of 8 games).
When facing top 6 teams on the road this season, there's been less than 0.5 goals scored in the first half in 60% of Liverpool's league games (in 3 of 5 games).
Only Manchester City display better numbers than Liverpool when it comes to restricting top half opponents from creating shots on target. When facing top half teams on the road this season, Liverpool have only conceded 3.38 shots on target per game - the second-best defensive numbers in the league.
When facing top 6 teams away from Anfield this season, Liverpool have only conceded 3.00 shots on target per game - also the second best defensive numbers in the league.
Check out more Premier League stats here!
Prediction & Betting Tips
There's been under 0.5 goals scored in the first half in 75% of Manchester United's home games against top 7 teams so far this season, United displaying the best defensive numbers in the league against top 7 opposition.
There's been under 0.5 goals scored in the first half in 60% of Liverpool's away games against top 6 teams so far this season, Pool displaying the second-best defensive numbers in the league against top 6 opposition.
With none of the teams likely to go for the jugular early on I really fancy the price for a goalless first half here.
Betting Tip: Total Goals 1st Half: Under 0.5.
Stake at 7.5/10 units.
