Liverpool will host Manchester United at Anfield on Sunday, looking to continue their impressive run of form against the struggling Red Devils.
Liverpool head into Gameweek 17 on top of the Premier League table, and they will look to pull further clear of their rivals with a victory over bitter rivals Manchester United at Anfield on Sunday evening.
Meanwhile, Manchester United are coming into this game on the back of three defeats from their last four matches across all competitions. So, the Red Devils will be desperate to bounce back strongly.
Manchester United were beaten by Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League during the midweek, with the result dumping them out of Europe. A win over Liverpool at Anfield would give them an immense confidence boost, and it could help them get their season back on track.
The last time these two sides met at Anfield, Liverpool picked up a 7-0 win in the Premier League and the Reds will be hoping for more of the same here. The Hard Tackle takes a closer look at the encounter ahead of the latest meeting between the two sides.
Team News & Tactics
Liverpool
Joel Matip is sidelined with a long-term knee injury, and he is unlikely to return this season. Thiago Alcantara, Andrew Robertson, and Stefan Bajcetic remain on the sidelines, but they are expected to return next month.
Meanwhile, Diogo Jota has resumed training, but Sunday’s game has come too soon for him. In addition, Alexis Mac Allister picked up a knee injury in his last Premier League outing, and he is set to be sidelined for a few matches.
Liverpool are likely to shape up in their usual 4-3-3 formation, with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Kostas Tsimikas as the full-backs. They will look to contribute at both ends of the pitch. Ibrahima Konate will start alongside Virgil van Dijk in the heart of the defence. Alisson Becker is set to start in goal.
As for the midfield unit, Wataru Endo could be handed a start in the absence of Mac Allister. The Japanese international will start as the defensive midfielder, and he will look to break up the opposition attacks and when the ball back for his side.
Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch will add creativity and drive to the side alongside him. Finally, Darwin Nunez will lead the line for Liverpool against Manchester United, with Mohamed Salah on his right and Luis Diaz on the left.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, van Dijk, Tsimikas; Szoboszlai, Endo, Gravenberch; Salah, Nunez, Diaz
Manchester United
Manchester United are already without a number of players due to fitness issues. In addition, Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire picked up injuries during the midweek. Tyrell Malacia, Casemiro and Lisandro Martinez are all sidelined until next month.
Christian Eriksen, Mason Mount and Victor Lindelof are expected to return to action next week. Meanwhile, club captain Bruno Fernandes is suspended after picking up five yellow cards, while Jadon Sancho remains sidelined indefinitely.
The visitors are likely to shape up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Andre Onana in goal. Diogo Dalot and Aaron Wan-Bissaka are likely to be deployed as the full-backs here. They will look to protect the central defenders and help out during counter-attacks. Raphael Varane will start at the heart of the defence alongside Jonny Evans.
In the midfield pivot, Kobee Mainoo will start alongside Scott McTominay. The two players will look to protect the backline and break up opposition attacks. Antony and Alejandro Garnacho are likely to be deployed as the wingers here. The duo will look to add pace and flair from the wide areas. Finally, Rasmus Hojlund will lead the line for Manchester United, with Marcus Rashford operating in the hole behind him.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Onana; Dalot, Varane, Evans, Wan-Bissaka; Mainoo, McTominay; Antony, Rashford, Garnacho; Hojlund
Key Stats
- Liverpool have scored at least two goals in 12 of their last 15 matches in the Premier League.
- Liverpool have won their last three matches in the Premier League.
- Liverpool have won four of their last six matches against Manchester United.
- 29 goals have been scored in the last six matches between Liverpool and Manchester United.
- Manchester United are winless in four of their last five matches across all competitions.
Player to Watch
Mohamed Salah
The Egyptian international has been in phenomenal form for Liverpool this season he has 14 goals and 7 assists to his name in 22 appearances across all competitions and he will look to make his mark against Manchester United.
The 31-year-old has a knack for scoring against the Red Devils and he will look to influence the game with his goal-scoring ability and creativity in the final third.
Prediction
Liverpool 2-1 Manchester United
Liverpool are undoubtedly the better team right now and they are full of confidence and momentum. They will fancy their chances of grinding out all three points at home.
On the other hand, Manchester United are going through a rough patch and they will be desperate to bounce back here. The away side are likely to put up a fight and make life difficult for the home team but Liverpool have the quality to come out on top eventually.
A narrow home win is on the cards for the Reds.