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Juan Mata, you buffoon. Had the little Spaniard not had two moments of extreme silliness last Sunday, and had United not then been utter dreck for the rest of the afternoon, it might have been possible to head towards this game with something not too far from optimism. Well, hope. Well, not a headache.
As it is, United lost to West Brom in risible fashion, and another brief fluttering moment of happiness and light was broken on the wheel that is this mess of a season. And now Liverpool! In Europe! It could be the worst game of football of all time!
Here are the hard facts: Jesse Lingard is suspended and Adnan Januzaj is cup-tied, so we won't be seeing either of them. Wayne Rooney, Phil Jones, Ashley Young, Cameron Borthwick-Jackson and Luke Shaw are all injured. Bastian Schweinsteiger is fit again but hasn't done much training, so probably won't feature, but Antonio Valencia may make the bench.
As for Liverpool, well, they were appalling against Crystal Palace at the weekend, but Crystal Palace were worse, and gave them two goals, three points, and put everybody in a good mood. Alan Pardew, you buffoon.
HOW TO WATCH
Curled up in a ball in a darkened room, alone, whimpering gently.
NO, BUT REALLY
When: Thursday 10 March, 8:05 pm UK time, 3:05 pm ET
Where: Anfield, Liverpool
Television: BT Sport Europe in the UK, and Fox Sports 2 in the US of A
Online streaming: BT Sport Live Streaming over here, and Fox Soccer 2GO over there
LINEUPS
Will be along later.