JAKARTA - The FA Cup quarter-finals brought together an interesting duel between Liverpool and Manchester United at Old Trafford, this Sunday, at 22.30 WIB.
This match is considered to feature a fiercer match as both teams have extra pressure.
Liverpool must qualify for the semifinals because they are eyeing four titles (quadruple) as a farewell gift for Juergen Klopp, while United need a win over their main rival as proof for Eric ten Hag whose performance is being watched by the new owner, Jim Radcliffe.
"The history of matches with the two biggest clubs in England carries expectations and extra pressure," Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk said.
"But, why not go there and enjoy, play games and hopefully qualify for the next round," said the defender from the Netherlands.
Liverpool have good memories of beating MU 5-0 at Old Trafford in 2021 and winning 7-0 at Anfield last year. But Van Dijk was reluctant to turn around and ensure tomorrow's game would be very tight.
"We always face difficult matches against them and I expect difficult matches to happen on Sunday," he said.
"They are looking for a way to win, but I focus on fighting them. It's always difficult, always intense," said the former Southampton player.
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MU, who has a target to enter the Champions League zone, is still stuck in sixth position with 47 points, eight points away from Aston Villa's fourth-placed team from 10 matches remaining.
Ten Hag's position is also threatened if his team loses to Liverpool and MU still has difficulty breaking into the position of four domestic leagues. MU only won three times in 18 matches against Liverpool.
The Dutch coach also wants to win the FA Cup match against Liverpool as a driving force for his team to hunt down another victory.
"Sunday tomorrow we have another good chance to get momentum. The team has recently shown a very good series of matches with lots of wins," said Ten Hag.
An additional factor for MU is the recovery of Danish striker Rasmus Hojlund and defender Harry Maguire and Aaron Wan-Bissaka. Meanwhile Liverpool still lost a number of main players due to injury.
"They have to believe that they can do it. Now we have to take advantage of this momentum," concluded Ten Hag
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