Liverpool vs Manchester United: The Premier League Showdown Preview | OneFootball

Liverpool v Manchester United – The Premier League Preview

Date – 5th January 2025

Venue – Anfield

Kick-off – 16.30

After the dismantling of West Ham culminating in an emphatic 0-5 win for Liverpool at the London Stadium, the Reds now host their biggest domestic rivals, Manchester United, on Sunday afternoon. Despite the ongoing misfortune that surrounds the Reds Devils, this contest still stands out as perhaps the most important match in the calendar of each club.

The new Old Trafford manager, Ruben Amorim, has struggled to make a positive impact on the European heavyweights since he arrived from Sporting Lisbon. His weekend counterpart, Arne Slot, is enjoying a superb first season on Merseyside and will be looking to prove that his appointment ahead of the Portuguese manager was the right one, which makes for an intriguing Super Sunday clash under the Anfield lights.

Manchester United Availability

United will be without Mason Mount, Luke Shaw, and Victor Lindelof, whereas both Manuel Ugarte and Bruno Fernandes are back after one-match suspensions.

Regarding recent form, the struggling visitors lost 0-2 at home to Newcastle, following a demoralising 0-2 loss at Wolves and a 0-3 defeat at Bournemouth.

After 19 matches played in the Premier League, the Manchester giants currently sit 14th in the standings with a disheartening 22 points.

Here is a predicted lineup for the away side in a 3-4-3 formation. There are sure to be changes undertaken after their most recent loss, however, the desire to stick to the new system will remain.

– GK: André Onana

– RWB: Noussair Mazraoui

– RCB: Matthijs de Ligt

– CB: Harry Maguire

– LCB: Lisandro Martínez

– LWB: Tyrell Malacia

– CM: Manuel Ugarte

– CM: Bruno Fernandes

– RW: Amad Diallo

– CF: Rasmus Højlund

– LW: Alejandro Garnacho

Liverpool Availability

Liverpool may still be missing Conor Bradley and Ibrahima Konaté, who have both just returned to first-team training. Joe Gomez sustained a hamstring injury in his last outing and will be sidelined for an undisclosed period.

The Reds’ recent league form has been impressive as they secured a superb 0-5 win away to West Ham after a 3-1 win at home against Leicester, following a 6-3 victory over Spurs. With 18 games played this far, Liverpool currently leads the Premier League standings with an impressive total of 45 points.

Here’s the lineup I expect Arne Slot to field for this much-anticipated encounter. The team will be selected with a full-strength initiative after a full week’s rest and a pair of cup games ahead. Though Ibrahima Konaté may be fit to make the match-day squad, I would expect to see Jarell Quansah starting this game alongside his captain, Virgil van Dijk. Luis Díaz should once again start in the false nine position, with Dominik Szoboszlai returning after suspension in place of Curtis Jones.

– GK: Alisson Becker

– RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold

– RCB: Jarell Quansah

– LCB: Virgil van Dijk (c)

– LB: Andy Robertson

– CM: Alexis Mac Allister

– ACM: Dominik Szoboszlai

– CM: Ryan Gravenberch

– RF: Mohamed Salah

– CF: Diogo Jota

– LF: Cody Gakpo

How Will This Contest Play Out?

Liverpool is expected to start fast and apply as much pressure to their wounded adversaries. With a raft of men in red enjoying a rich vein of form, it will leave United with a game plan to counter their opponents.

Player to Watch: Dominik Szoboszlai

Steven Smith’s Score Prediction:

Liverpool 2 – 0 Manchester United