Anfield Index
·3. Januar 2025
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Yahoo sportsAnfield Index
·3. Januar 2025
This weekend’s Premier League fixture at Anfield could be a pivotal moment in the season as Liverpool host Manchester United. The home side, guided by Arne Slot, aims to bolster their position at the summit of the league, while the visitors seek to recover from recent setbacks.
Liverpool enters the clash in sparkling form, unbeaten in 23 matches and riding a four-game winning streak across all competitions. Their recent performances have solidified their status as title contenders, and they currently hold a six-point advantage over Arsenal, with a game in hand. This commanding position is underscored by their resilience since a rare defeat to Nottingham Forest in September.
Manchester United, in stark contrast, find themselves in a rough patch, languishing in 14th place and only seven points clear of the relegation zone. The team managed by Ruben Amorim has struggled for form, losing their last three league games without finding the back of the net, including a 2-0 setback at Newcastle.
The host’s preparations have been hampered by several injuries within their squad. Joe Gomez is the most notable absentee, having sustained a hamstring injury during the 5-0 thrashing of West Ham, with Slot confirming he will be out for “quite a bit.” This leaves a gap in defence, which might not be filled easily.
Photo: IMAGO
Ibrahima Konate and Conor Bradley are also doubts for the encounter. Both players are expected to resume training, but their participation on Sunday remains uncertain. Similarly, Federico Chiesa, although nearing full fitness, might not be ready to feature in this crucial match.
Predicted XI: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Quansah, Van Dijk (C), Robertson, Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Salah, Diaz, Gakpo
The visitors are not without their troubles either. Victor Lindelof and Luke Shaw are both sidelined, with Lindelof’s injury occurring in a recent match against Tottenham and Shaw suffering from a new hamstring issue shortly after returning from a calf problem. Additionally, Mason Mount’s absence in midfield continues, with no specified timeline for his return as confirmed by Amorim.
However, there is a silver lining for United as they welcome back Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte, both of whom were suspended during their previous outing against Newcastle.
Photo: IMAGO
Predicted XI: Onana, Mazraoui, De Ligt, Maguire, Martinez, Dalot, Casemiro, Ugarte, Amad, Fernandes, Hojlund
This match promises not only to be a test of tactics and resilience but also an opportunity for Liverpool to potentially put distance between themselves and their closest challengers, while Manchester United desperately needs a positive result to steer away from the relegation conversation.
As the teams prepare for Sunday, the atmosphere at Anfield is set to be electric, with both sets of fans aware of the high stakes involved. This isn’t just a game; it’s a chance for Liverpool to underline their title credentials and for Manchester United to kickstart their campaign under the watchful eyes of their supporters and critics alike.