The last direct train to Manchester is 22:00 anyhow so not feasible with an 8pm koTickets ordered and trains booked a few weeks ago. Now it looks like the train strikes are confirmed for the two days before and after the match date 5th Jan.
This will no doubt effect the match day trains, especially the trains back after the match which will now be rammed.
Hoping they can still come to an agreement before then but doubt it.