Two vital United and Liverpool stars walk suspension tightropes heading into next Sunday’s clash

Bruno Fernandes and Darwin Nunez both walk suspension tightropes heading into Manchester United’s clash with Liverpool next Sunday.

The two fierce rivals lock horns for the second time in a three-week span following the seven-goal thriller that took place on March 17, which culminated in the Red Devils reigning victorious courtesy of an emphatic extra-time winner by Amad Diallo.

Old Trafford proved to be the 12th man yet again that night, with the decibels reaching new levels after each United goal scored. Amad’s 121st-minute finish lifted the roof off the place and the players will undoubtedly want to recreate such an atmosphere next week by clinching a win, therefore significantly dampening Liverpool’s title hopes in the process.

There were concerns in the first meeting that Fernandes had sustained an injury in the closing stages. He was spotted walking gingerly while deputising at centre-back, as Harry Maguire had been thrown up front. 

The captain did, however, join up with the Portugal squad over the international break. He scored, assisted and played the full 90 in his nation’s win over Sweden before returning to Carrington early for some much-needed rest. 

Fernandes has to be on his best behaviour

Fernandes is currently on eight yellow cards for the campaign, so if he were to be booked against both Brentford (Saturday) and Chelsea (Thursday), he would be unavailable for next Sunday’s fixture. He also missed the reverse clash at Anfield through suspension.

Similarly, Darwin Nunez has been shown a card four times in Liverpool’s past seven league matches. One more against Brighton and Hove Albion or Sheffield United would also rule him out.