Liverpool vs Manchester United: Match Preview, Team News and Prediction | OneFootball

Liverpool vs Manchester United Preview: Tactical Insights, Team News, and Match Details

The Premier League’s fiercest rivalry reignites as Liverpool and Manchester United lock horns at Anfield this Sunday. With the hosts leading the table and United desperate to salvage a faltering campaign, this clash promises to provide high drama, tactical intrigue, and potentially decisive moments in both teams’ seasons.

Kick-Off Details and How to Watch

Liverpool vs Manchester United is set for a 4:30pm GMT kick-off on Sunday, 5 January 2025, at the iconic Anfield Stadium.

TV Coverage: Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League, and Sky Sports Ultra HDR.

Live Streaming: Available for Sky subscribers through the Sky Go app.

Match Blog: Follow live updates and coverage via Standard Sport’s dedicated match blog.

Liverpool’s Defensive Dilemmas

For Liverpool, this fixture comes amidst a defensive crisis. Joe Gomez’s injury in the recent win over West Ham has compounded issues in Arne Slot’s backline. With Ibrahima Konate and Conor Bradley yet to return since November, the options for the Reds in defence remain threadbare.

Federico Chiesa’s gradual return to full fitness is a welcome boost, though the Italian forward is unlikely to feature prominently. Nevertheless, the attacking trident of Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo, and Luis Diaz offers Liverpool a potent threat, ensuring their front line will carry the burden of continuing their title charge.

United’s Boost from Returning Stars

Manchester United arrive at Anfield with their own challenges but are buoyed by the return of key players. Both Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte are back from suspensions and will add much-needed quality and dynamism to the midfield.

Photo: IMAGO

However, Erik ten Hag’s side remains without Luke Shaw, Mason Mount, and Victor Lindelof, who are not expected to feature due to injuries. United’s inconsistency this season has been glaring, and the absence of experienced heads only heightens the difficulty of the task they face against the league leaders.

Tactical Insights and Key Battles

Liverpool’s high-intensity pressing and relentless attacking patterns under Arne Slot have propelled them to the summit of the Premier League. Mohamed Salah’s form remains irrepressible, and with Gakpo’s versatility and Diaz’s pace, United’s defence could face a torrid afternoon.

United’s midfield battle will be crucial, especially with Fernandes back to dictate play and Ugarte providing the steel. If the visitors can disrupt Liverpool’s rhythm, they might find joy on the counter-attack, particularly through Marcus Rashford’s speed and directness.

The battle in wide areas will be equally pivotal, as Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson look to stretch United’s defensive line while keeping tabs on Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho.

Prediction

Liverpool’s formidable form and Anfield’s roaring atmosphere make them favourites in this encounter. However, Manchester United have shown they can rise to the occasion in such fixtures. A tightly contested match is expected, with Liverpool’s attacking edge likely to make the difference.