PREM: Liverpool v Manchester United preview

Liverpool v Manchester United preview

Jose Mourinho says he plans to attack when his injury-hit Manchester United side travel to Liverpool on Sunday.

United have nine players either doubtful or ruled out as they look to close a 16-point gap on their rivals.

However, United have not lost in their last eight league meetings with Liverpool and Mourinho plans to "fight for victory".

"I'm going to try (to win)," he said. "We know that we are going to play against the leader, against a team on a high. But we have our qualities, we have our potential, and even with the problems we have and the doubts in terms of team choice, of tactics, approach, philosophy.

"We have doubts about everything because we don't know who's available, but we are going to arrive on Sunday and with the players we have available, we are going to have a team capable of going there and fight for the victory."

United have won just one of their last four matches in all competitions and were beaten 2-1 at Valencia in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Liverpool overcame Napoli in midweek to secure their progress to the last 16 of the Champions League and are unbeaten in the Premier League this season.

They start the weekend as Premier League leaders and manager Jurgen Klopp said: "I know it will be a very intense game and we will be ready for that.

"This week we reached a big target in the Champions League, we had one day to feel the relief of that. Since yesterday (Thursday) we are back on track. I'm really looking forward to it. Big one."

Liverpool will be forced into a defensive reshuffle with Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joel Matip and Joe Gomez all out injured.

James Milner could replace Alexander-Arnold at right back, while Nathaniel Clyne may return to the squad having not played since September.

Meanwhile, Mourinho is hopeful some of his injured players will be available.

Marcos Rojo joined the ranks of sidelined defenders during Wednesday's loss to Valencia and looks certain to miss out along with Victor Lindelof and Alexis Sanchez. Chris Smalling, Diogo Dalot, Anthony Martial, Matteo Darmian, Luke Shaw and Scott McTominay are all also doubts.

David de Gea and Nemanja Matic, who were both rested for the trip to Spain, will return, while Mourinho must decide whether to again leave out midfielder Paul Pogba, who failed to impress at Mestalla.