Manchester United resume their regular Premier League activities this Sunday, but they could not have asked for a tougher opponent since they are set to host Liverpool at Old Trafford. The Red Devils are coming off a loss in their previous league match at St. James’ Park, and are in dire need of a bounce-back performance in front of their crowd. Meanwhile, The Reds look like a bonafide contender and already have a sizable lead at the top of the standings. Kick-off for this match has been listed at 16:30 BST.
Team News
Manchester United won’t have two key players available for this game, as Paul Pogba is out with an ankle problem and David De Gea will also miss this contest after picking up a hamstring injury during international duty. has been ruled out due to an ankle injury. Eric Bailly remains a long-term absentee, but both Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Luke Shaw could be close to return. The left-back has been sidelined for the past two months.
On the other hand, Liverpool could have several players coming back for this game. Alisson is expected to return, while both Mohamed Salah and Joel Matip could be in contention for a starting role. If available, all three would likely start for The Reds. There’s no update on Xherdan Shaqiri, while right-back Nathaniel Clyne is out for a long period of time after suffering a knee injury this summer.
Form guide
Manchester United have been extremely inconsistent so far this season. They own a W2, D3, L3 mark in the Premier League. As a result, they already sit quite far from the top of the standings. To put things in perspective – Manchester United are just one point above the relegation zone, and are on a three-game winless streak in the league (D1, L2). Their defence has been a positive aspect so far, however, as only two teams have conceded fewer goals than United’s eight thus far.
Meanwhile, Liverpool look like massive title favourites already and while we have only witnessed eight league matches, The Reds already have a sizable five-point lead at the top of the standings with a game in hand. They have won their eight league matches to date, while boasting the league’s second-best attacking unit (20 goals scored) and the strongest defence (six conceded). There’s not many areas where Jurgen Klopp could improve his side at the moment.
What is our previous all-time record against Liverpool?
Undoubtedly, this is one of the biggest rivalries in English football, and in the world as well. Manchester United own a decent record of late against The Reds. Incredible as it might seem, they have gone undefeated in the last six meetings against them on home soil. Furthermore, the Premier League home H2H record reads W16, D6, L5 on United’s favour.
The all-time record is a bit more balanced but still shows an edge for Manchester United. In 202 matches, United have won 80 contests against 66 defeats and 56 draws.
Predicted outcome
Manchester United will miss two important players ahead of this game. Plus, they have not been playing at a very high level in recent weeks. If we couple that with the fact that Liverpool have been far and away the best team in the competition this term, it seems The Red Devils don’t stand much of a chance to get a positive result here.
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