Here is everything you need to know ahead of Manchester United’s Sunday trip to Anfield, where they will once more this season face off against Liverpool.
Team News
Liverpool’s dominant win over West Ham was slightly overshadowed by Joe Gomez’s hamstring injury, ruling him out for a few weeks. However, manager Arne Slot confirmed that Ibrahima Konaté (knee) and Conor Bradley (thigh) are set to resume full training on Friday. Despite their return, the duo will have had minimal training time after lengthy absences, making Jarell Quansah the likely partner for Virgil van Dijk in central defence. Meanwhile, Dominik Szoboszlai is available for selection after serving a suspension, though Curtis Jones will push to retain his spot following his assist for Mohamed Salah’s 17th league goal of the season.
Manchester United also welcome back two key midfielders, Manuel Ugarte and Bruno Fernandes, who return from suspension. Manager Ruben Amorim is expected to reinstate them immediately into the starting XI. Kobbie Mainoo, who impressed as a substitute against Newcastle, should also feature alongside Casemiro and Christian Eriksen. However, the Red Devils’ squad remains stretched. Marcus Rashford is doubtful due to illness, while Mason Mount (thigh), Victor Lindelöf (unspecified), and Luke Shaw (calf) are still sidelined.
Form Guide
Liverpool’s dominance in the Premier League shows no signs of waning, with Slot’s side holding an imposing 23-point lead over Manchester United in the standings. They capped off 2024 in emphatic style, thrashing West Ham 5-0, and remain six points clear at the summit with a game in hand. The Reds have not tasted defeat since their mid-September slip against Nottingham Forest at Anfield, enjoying a rich vein of form through the winter. Their recent four-match winning streak has bolstered their title charge, as they continue to outclass their competition.
In stark contrast, Manchester United are enduring a torrid run. A 2-0 loss to Newcastle marked their fourth consecutive defeat and their third successive league loss at Old Trafford—something not seen since 1979. Now languishing in 14th place and just seven points above the relegation zone, whispers of a potential drop are becoming more than just speculation.
Predicted Outcome
We predict Liverpool will beat Manchester United 2-0, as the Red DEvils face a daunting challenge at Anfield, appearing disjointed in attack and fragile in defence as they adapt to Amorim’s system. The return of Ugarte, Mainoo, and Fernandes should bring some stability, but significant improvement is required to avoid another humiliation.
Liverpool, on the other hand, are in scintillating form and are expected to capitalise on United’s vulnerabilities. A similar match to their triumph at Old Trafford earlier in the season seems likely, further boosting their title ambitions while deepening the Red Devils’ woes.
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