Later today, two of England’s most accomplished clubs will go toe-to-toe in another episode of one of English football’s most heated rivalry as Liverpool will welcome the Red Devils at Anfield. The game holds promises of excitement and unforeseen outcome since the visitors are surprisingly poised and most likely favoured to come out on top as they head into this fixture with a better form than Liverpool.
Match News and Head-to-Head
Liverpool have recently faced a negative turn to their impressive start with three consecutive defeats all of which has been away from Anfield. With the international break, club manager, Arne Slot expects the Reds to pick up and “show real progress” starting from this game against United.
“Due to the international break, this will be our first game for two weeks so I am hoping our players and staff have returned refreshed and ready to go because it is clear to all of us that the period we are now entering is one in which we have to make real progress.
“This isn’t to say everything that happened in the week leading up to break was bad, in the same way that a run of victories does not necessarily mean everything is good. But we are in the results business so we have to find the improvements that will be required for our form to improve.
“Losing three consecutive matches is not something a club like Liverpool can ever or should ever get used to, which is why it is so important that we respond in the right way. For this to happen, we all have to pull together on and off the pitch and we have to show proper Liverpool character as it is us, and us alone, who can put things right.
“No one, certainly not today’s opponents will be looking to give us a helping hand. I would like to welcome Ruben Amorim and the players, staff, officials and supporters of Manchester United to Anfield for this fixture. The rivalry between our two clubs is often spoken about in terms of passion and success and rightly so, but what is often overlooked is the mutual respect that also exists,” said Slot in today’s match programme notes.
Last season, Liverpool were able to join United on 20 league titles. However, United who are currently 5 points behind the hosts will try to make a statement and break their deadlock as they went the entirety of last campaign without back to back league victories, a streak which has extended to this term. They are currently without a win in their last eight away top flight games with two draws and 6 losses – their longest of sick streak since 1989.
In the area of Head-to-Head, Liverpool has lost only one of their last 14 H2Hs, winning seven and drawing six. They also have not lost any of their last nine home games, making them only the second side in the league to go for 10 consecutive games without defeat against United.
Lineups
With goalkeeper Alisson set to return next month for Liverpool, and growing concerns over Ibrahima Konate’s form after dropping from international duty, they will possibly start Mamardashvill in goal with Kerkez, van Dijk, Konate and Frimpong on the back line. In midfield will be Szoboszlai, Gravenberch, Gakpo, Wirtz and Salah while Alexander Isak will lead the attack.
Mazraoui and and goalkeeper Martinez will sit this one out due to thigh and knee injuries respectively while Ruben Amorim will field new goalkeeper Bayindir with a defensive line of Yoro, de Ligt and Shaw. In midfield will be Diallo, Casemiro, Fernandes and Dalot while Mbeumo and Mount will offer support to Sesko on the attack.
