MANCHESTER UNITED’S shock draw at Liverpool could have huge ramifications at both ends of the table.
That is according to the latest supercomputer predictions.
United put in a superb performance at Anfield, taking the lead through Lisandro Martinez’s powerful finish.
Cody Gakpo and Mo Salah turned the game on its head before Amad Diallo equalised.
United could have won it in the final seconds but Harry Maguire ballooned a superb chance over the bar.
Nevertheless, it was a massively encouraging afternoon for the Red Devils who were feeling the pressure after four defeats in a row.
That torrid festive form had even led to suggestions United may actually be in a relegation battle.
But the Jeffbet number-crunching machine thinks Ruben Amorim’s side can kick in from yesterday’s point and move up the table.
The draw saw United leapfrog above West Ham into 13th on goal difference with 23 points from their 20 matches.
And the AI calculator believes they will no longer be at danger of the drop into the Championship – although they are still tipped to finish the campaign in a hugely-disappointing 12th.
It is predicted the Red Devils will win 13, draw eight and lose 17 to finish on 47 points.
That is a full 20 points clear of safety, but 24 off the top four and their worst placing since the Premier League launched in 1992/93.
Instead, it is Everton who slip into the bottom three and face the drop alongside strugglers Leicester and Southampton.
Saints are tipped to only pick up 13 points – admittedly more than double their current tally – by the end of their dreadful campaign.
Wolves and Ipswich, though, look set to stay up on 30 points, three clear of the Toffees in the five-way mini-league at the bottom.
At the other end of the table, Liverpool are still predicted to go on and lift a second Premier League title.
However, before Sunday’s game, the estimated gap was a staggering 17 points to second-placed Arsenal – with Liverpool on 97 to Arsenal’s 80.
But the updated revision closes that gap to 12 points.
Liverpool are predicted to win 29, draw seven and lose two this season to finish on 94 – although it is unclear who the supercomputer thinks will follow Nottingham Forest in beating Arne Slot’s men.
Arsenal are set to finish in second on 82, ten clear of Manchester City.
The reigning champions are currently sixth and have lost six times already and the data suggests they will lose another four but climb up the table to secure Champions League football – alongside Chelsea on 70.
Interestingly, there is a shock in fifth with Fulham tipped to claim the first Europa League spot on 66 points, despite currently sitting ninth.
Aston Villa (64) take sixth with Newcastle (63) seventh, both ahead of Forest (62) – even though the East Midlanders are flying high in third with only Liverpool winning more times so far.
Tottenham and Bournemouth complete the top half – both on 58 points – as Brighton (57) just miss out.
Following the Red Devils will be West Ham (43), Brentford (41) and Crystal Palace (41).
Man Utd player ratings vs Liverpool
By Gary Stonehouse
Andre Onana – 7
Saved well from Alexis Mac Allister early on and looked strong on set-pieces – could do nothing about either goal and almost stopped Mo Salah’s penalty.
Another two saves right at the death helped his men earn a point.
Noussair Mazraoui – 7
Strong performance to help frustrate Liverpool and produced important interceptions and tackles to clear danger.
Matthijs de Ligt – 7
The Dutchman was another impressive member of the back three and seemed on a mission not to leave Anfield without a share of the spoils.
Harry Maguire – 7
Marshalled the defence well and won several big tackles and clearances.
Had his day spoiled by a yellow card for what looked to a be another great challenge and then blazed over right at the death.
Lisandro Martinez – 7
Excellent alongside the rest of the back three and finished his strike like a seasoned striker.
Diogo Dalot – 7
Played on the front foot and was an attacking threat throughout but landed himself a booking for a needless and blatant foul on Mo Salah.
Kobbie Mainoo – 7
Great defensive and compact display as he got the better of his England rival Curtis Jones in front of Thomas Tuchel.
Was only taken off after United fell behind as his manager went more offensive.
Manuel Ugarte – 6
Just got caught out of position and was punished for Cody Gakpo’s goal, which marred an otherwise hard-fought and disciplined display.
Amad Diallo – 7
Turning into a man capable of producing big moments after another crucial strike. Had messed up twice in two earlier attacks but took his goal superbly.
Bruno Fernandes – 8
The skipper was on top form for the Red Devils both defensively and with the ball.
Led his team well and fully deserved at least a point.
Rasmus Hojlund – 5
Came underfire for slack marking from Fernandes early doors then blew a big chance after beating the offside trap – a chance you NEED to take at Anfield.
Struggled to make much of an impact with the ball.
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