Michael Owen has picked out two Liverpool dangermen as he plots the outcome of an impending Premier League showdown with bitter rivals Manchester United tonight (8pm). United will be without five players through injury as Cristiano Ronaldo also misses out due to compassionate leave.
Ronaldo inspired United to victory on Saturday afternoon when he conjured up a hat-trick to down struggling Norwich at Old Trafford. In the process, the 37-year-old took his season tally to 21 goals in all competitions.
However, the Portugal superstar will not make the trip to Anfield after Ronaldo and his partner Georgina Rodriguez announced the tragic death of their newborn son. Tributes and condolence messages have poured in for the United striker and his heartbroken family.
READ MORE: Cristiano Ronaldo to miss Liverpool vs Manchester United after son's death
Writing in his latest BetVictor column, former Liverpool and United striker Owen said: "What a game this should be. Some of Liverpool's football - particularly in the first half - was superb [against Manchester City].
"Thiago was the star man for me. He was so classy and barely gave the ball away. Luis Diaz was a threat throughout and was a problem for a top full-back, Joao Cancelo, all day long."
Owen added: "It was another Cristiano Ronaldo-inspired win for United [against Norwich]. The worry would be how difficult they made it for themselves. Norwich are bottom of the league, but caused United problems and they can't be relying on Ronaldo every week.
"I'd fancy Liverpool against any side right now. There's so much confidence in the side and [Jurgen] Klopp has got so many options at his disposal."
Score prediction: Liverpool 2-0 Manchester United
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