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Liverpool vs. Manchester United Preview: Prediction, Team News, and Lineups

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Liverpool will host long-time rivals Manchester United at Anfield this Sunday in a much-anticipated Premier League clash. The Reds, under Arne Slot’s guidance, are soaring as title favorites, holding an imposing 23-point lead over a struggling Manchester United side led by Ruben Amorim. 

While Liverpool’s march toward stardom continues, Manchester United teeters on the edge, nervously looking over their shoulders at the relegation zone. 

Liverpool’s Dominance:

Liverpool closed 2024 in style, demolishing West Ham United with a 5-0 victory at the London Stadium. Goals from Luis Díaz, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Diogo Jota, Mohamed Salah, and Cody Gakpo capped off a dominant display. This win extended Liverpool’s unbeaten streak to 23 matches across all competitions, a run that stretches back to their solitary loss to Nottingham Forest in mid-September. 

Currently leading the Premier League table by six points over Arsenal, with a game in hand, Liverpool’s form at Anfield has been particularly formidable. They boast the best home record in the league, having overtaken Brentford in this regard, and have scored at least two goals in their last 11 Premier League games. 

Despite a brief lapse in defensive stability over the festive period, Liverpool restored order with a clean sheet against West Ham. Slot’s men will aim to continue their ruthless form against their bitter rivals on Sunday. 

Manchester United’s Struggles:

On the other hand, Manchester United enters the match amid a disastrous run of form. A 2-0 loss to Newcastle United on December 30 marked their fourth consecutive defeat, leaving the team in 14th place, just seven points clear of the relegation zone. 

United’s problems have been stark: three straight home league losses, failure to score in their last three games, and the looming threat of a fourth consecutive Premier League defeat without scoring—a scenario not seen in over a century. 

The pressure on Ruben Amorim continues to mount, as breaking unwanted records has become a theme during his short tenure. However, United’s recent history against Liverpool is not entirely bleak. The Red Devils have avoided defeat in three of their last four encounters, including a 0-0 draw at Anfield last season. 

Team News:

Liverpool:

Joe Gomez is sidelined with a hamstring injury, while Ibrahima Konaté (knee) and Conor Bradley (thigh) have returned to training but may not be match-fit. Jarell Quansah is expected to partner Virgil van Dijk in central defense. Dominik Szoboszlai is set to return from suspension, vying for a midfield spot alongside Curtis Jones, who assisted Mohamed Salah’s 17th league goal of the season. 

Predicted Liverpool XI:

Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Quansah, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Gakpo; Díaz 

Manchester United:

Manuel Ugarte and Bruno Fernandes are available after serving suspensions, while Marcus Rashford could feature after returning to the squad. Mason Mount (thigh), Victor Lindelöf (unspecified), and Luke Shaw (calf) remain unavailable. Joshua Zirkzee is likely to be dropped after a poor outing against Newcastle, with Kobbie Mainoo expected to start. 

Predicted Manchester United XI:

Onana; Yoro, Maguire, Martinez; Mazraoui, Mainoo, Ugarte, Dalot; Diallo, Fernandes; Højlund 

Prediction:

Liverpool 3-0 Manchester United

Disjointed in attack and fragile at the back, Manchester United is likely to struggle against Liverpool’s relentless pressing and attacking prowess. While the expected return of Fernandes, Mainoo, and Ugarte may bolster the visitors slightly, it is difficult to envision anything other than a comfortable Liverpool victory. 

Liverpool’s title ambitions should receive another boost, while United’s woes deepen, further threatening their Premier League status. 

7-Year-Old Zimbabwean Boy Survives 5 Days in Lion-Inhabited Game Park

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A 7-year-old boy survived five harrowing days in Zimbabwe’s Matusadona Game Park, home to lions, elephants, and other wild animals, after wandering away from his home, officials said. 

The boy, identified as Tinotenda Pudu, traveled at least 23 kilometers (14 miles) into the perilous game park, according to Mashonaland West MP Mutsa Murombedzi, who detailed the incident on social media. The park is known for its dense lion population, with about 40 lions inhabiting the area. 

Tinotenda endured five days sleeping on rocky perches surrounded by roaring lions and passing elephants. He survived by eating wild fruits and digging small wells into dry riverbeds with a stick to access drinking water — a survival skill common in the drought-prone region. 

The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority confirmed the incident to the BBC, though officials said the boy was seven years old and had walked 49 kilometers (30 miles) from his home, contrary to earlier reports. 

“The young boy demonstrated incredible survival skills and knowledge of the wild, which ultimately saved his life,” Murombedzi said. 

Members of the Nyaminyami community launched a search effort, beating drums daily to help guide the boy back home. Despite their efforts, it was park rangers who ultimately found him. 

On the fifth day, Tinotenda heard a ranger’s vehicle and ran toward it but narrowly missed being seen. Undeterred, the rangers spotted fresh human footprints and tracked him until they found him. 

“This was probably his last chance of being rescued after five days in the wilderness,” Murombedzi added. 

Matusadona Game Park spans more than 1,470 square kilometers (570 square miles) and is home to zebras, elephants, hippos, lions, and antelope. Once, it boasted one of Africa’s highest lion population densities, according to African Parks. 

Social Media Reaction 

The boy’s survival story has drawn widespread praise on social media, with many lauding his resilience and resourcefulness. 

“This is beyond human comprehension,” one user wrote on X (formerly Twitter). 

Another said, “He’s going to have one hell of a story to tell when he gets back to school.” 

Russia Suffers Record 430,000 Casualties in Ukraine War, Says Kyiv

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Russia suffered record casualties in 2024, with Ukraine estimating 430,000 soldiers killed or wounded as Moscow’s forces captured less than 1 percent of Ukrainian territory during the year. 

According to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), a Washington-based think tank, Russian advances in Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region totaled 4,168 square kilometers (1,609 square miles), or just 0.69 percent of the country. The findings were based on satellite imagery and geolocated video footage. 

“Russian forces have seized four mid-sized settlements – Avdiivka, Selydove, Vuhledar, and Kurakhove – in all of 2024,” the ISW said, adding that the largest of these had a pre-war population of just over 31,000. 

Despite significant efforts, including months-long battles for individual towns, Russian troops failed to achieve the rapid, mechanized maneuvers necessary for deeper territorial gains, the ISW noted. At this rate, the think tank projected, it could take Moscow two more years to complete its conquest of Donetsk alone, far beyond Russian President Vladimir Putin’s initial deadline of October 1. 

Record Casualties Amid Stalled Advances 

Ukraine’s Commander-in-Chief, Oleksandr Syrskii, reported that Russian forces had suffered an estimated 427,000 casualties in 2024. Days later, Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense revised the number to 430,790, surpassing Russia’s losses in 2022 and 2023 combined. 

The average daily casualty rate was 1,180 soldiers, but losses escalated sharply in November and December, with 45,720 and 48,670 casualties respectively. Ukrainian officials linked the increased assaults to Russia’s apparent attempt to influence the U.S. presidential election. 

“This year, the Russians paid the highest price for the war against Ukraine,” Syrskii said in a December 31 address, highlighting the destruction of more enemy equipment and manpower than in previous years. 

Russia briefly doubled its daily land gains in November, but progress slowed again in December. During the final week of the year, Russian casualties reached approximately 1,700 killed and wounded daily, according to Ukrainian officials. 

December also saw record losses for Moscow, with 2,010 soldiers killed on December 29 and an all-time high of 2,200 casualties on December 19 during 191 combat clashes. 

Ukraine also reported significant destruction of Russian equipment, including 3,689 tanks, thousands of armored combat vehicles, and over 13,000 artillery systems. Ukraine’s navy claimed to have sunk five ships and 458 smaller vessels. 

Amid manpower shortages, Russia reportedly recruited North Korean soldiers. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said a quarter of these fighters had been killed, with more than 3,000 casualties in the Kursk region alone by late December. 

Zelenskyy accused Russian forces of executing wounded North Korean soldiers to prevent their capture. “Their own people are executing them; there are such cases,” he said in a December 27 address. 

Ukraine’s military intelligence agency, GUR, reported that Russia was bringing additional North Korean fighters to Kursk to compensate for the losses. 

Bernardo Silva: Manchester City’s Premier League Title Hopes Over

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Manchester City’s hopes of defending their Premier League title are all but over, midfielder Bernardo Silva said Thursday, as the reigning champions trail league leaders Liverpool by 14 points. 

City, who secured a record fourth consecutive English top-flight title last season, have struggled this campaign and sit sixth in the table after managing just two wins in their last 10 league games. 

Injuries have plagued Pep Guardiola’s team, with key players like Ballon d’Or winner Rodri ruled out for the rest of the season and several others sidelined for extended periods. 

“Right now, it’s about accepting reality,” Silva told Sky Sports. “I’m not looking at Liverpool. I’m sixth in the league; I cannot be looking at Liverpool or Arsenal. I’m looking at the next game to try and win three points.” 

While Silva didn’t completely rule out a comeback, he admitted that the title is effectively beyond City’s reach. “I wouldn’t say it’s impossible because in football there are no impossibles, but right now Manchester City is completely out of the title race. No question about that—it’s too late for us,” he added. 

Silva emphasized the harsh reality of the situation: “People say you cannot win the league until January, but you can lose it. This season, the reality is that we have lost it.” 

Upcoming Matches

City will host 13th-placed West Ham United in a Premier League clash on Saturday, followed by an FA Cup tie against fourth-tier Salford City on Jan. 11. 

Greenland’s Prime Minister Pushes for Independence from Denmark

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Greenland’s Prime Minister Mute Egede renewed calls for independence from Denmark during his New Year’s speech, signaling a significant shift in the Arctic island’s future aspirations. The self-governing territory, once a Danish colony, has steadily advanced its independence movement in recent years.

Greenland’s Prime Minister Mute Egede

“It is time we take control of our destiny and decide our future, including who we closely cooperate with and who our trading partners will be,” Egede said, emphasizing Greenland’s need to break free from what he referred to as the “shackles of colonialism.”

Egede’s remarks come as Greenland continues to grapple with its colonial past, including revelations of misconduct by Danish authorities, such as a 1960s involuntary birth control campaign. While Denmark granted Greenland self-governance in 2009, full independence requires a national vote, a step Greenland has yet to take.

Greenland’s government unveiled its first draft constitution in 2023, a major step toward potential independence. Egede acknowledged that achieving independence depends on Greenland’s 57,000 residents but did not propose a timeline for a referendum. 

“The history and current conditions have shown that our cooperation with the Kingdom of Denmark has not achieved full equality,” Egede said. “It is now time for our country to move forward and remove barriers to true cooperation.”

FILE PHOTO: Snow covered mountains rise above the harbour and town of Tasiilaq, Greenland, June 15, 2018. REUTERS/Lucas Jackson/File Photo

Despite broad support for independence among Greenlanders, debates continue over its timing and potential economic impacts. Greenland’s economy remains fragile, heavily reliant on fishing and annual financial grants from Denmark. Though the island holds vast mineral, oil, and natural gas resources, these have yet to be fully developed.

Egede also reiterated Greenland’s stance against foreign ownership, indirectly referencing past offers by former U.S. President Donald Trump to buy the island. Greenland rejected Trump’s bids in 2019 and again last year, with Egede asserting, “Greenland is ours. We are not for sale and will never be for sale.”

The prime minister’s speech made no direct mention of the United States or Trump. Greenland’s capital Nuuk, located closer to New York than Copenhagen, has become a geopolitical focal point in the Arctic amid rising global interest in the region’s resources.

Greenland is scheduled to hold parliamentary elections before April 6. The outcome could further influence the island’s independence trajectory. Egede called for unity among Greenlanders to build a future shaped by their own decisions, a message resonating with a population seeking greater self-determination.

Ghana Passes Provisional Budget, Avoids Government Shutdown Amid Political Disputes

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Ghana’s parliament approved a provisional budget allowing the government to spend 68.1 billion Ghanaian cedis ($4.65 billion) through March, narrowly averting a historic government shutdown, Parliamentary Speaker Alban Bagbin announced late Thursday night.

The budget’s passage ensures the continuation of government operations until John Dramani Mahama takes office next week as Ghana’s new president following his Dec. 7 election victory. Mahama’s win marks a political comeback after his previous tenure as president from 2012 to 2016.

Outgoing President Nana Akufo-Addo is expected to deliver his final state of the nation address Friday, concluding his eight-year leadership of Ghana, a key gold and oil exporter.

Typically passed in November during election years, this year’s provisional budget was delayed by disputes over parliamentary majority control between the outgoing New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the incoming National Democratic Congress (NDC). Finance Minister Mohammed Amin Adam assured lawmakers the delay would not disrupt government activities.

Former Finance Minister Seth Terkper told Reuters the budget’s approval avoids a potential government shutdown and reduces the risk of exacerbating Ghana’s debt default crisis. Nearly one-third of the budget is allocated for payments to energy-sector service providers, underscoring the country’s critical energy challenges.

President-elect Mahama warned last month of severe difficulties in Ghana’s energy sector, with arrears surpassing $2.5 billion amid erratic power supply. As he prepares to assume office, Mahama faces the dual challenge of stabilizing Ghana’s economy and addressing the country’s energy crisis.

Mahama, who returns to power as leader of the main opposition party, is taking office amid tentative signs of economic recovery following Ghana’s worst financial crisis in decades.

Reuters

At Least 30 Killed in Gaza by Israeli Strikes as Ceasefire Talks Near Resumption

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Israeli airstrikes overnight and into Friday morning killed at least 30 people, including children, in Gaza, hospital officials said, as sirens sounded across Israel and ceasefire negotiations were set to resume. 

The Al Aqsa Martyrs Hospital reported that more than a dozen women and children were among those killed in strikes targeting areas in Central Gaza, including Nuseirat, Zawaida, Maghazi, and Deir al-Balah. Officials said at least 56 people had been killed in the last 24 hours, marking one of the deadliest recent periods in the ongoing conflict. 

The Israeli military declined to comment on the latest strikes but, in a statement Friday, said it had targeted Hamas gathering points and command centers throughout Gaza over the past day. The military added that precision munitions and aerial surveillance were used to minimize harm to civilians. 

Among those killed was freelance journalist Omar al-Derawi, who died during strikes on Thursday. Witnesses at the Al Aqsa Martyrs Hospital described colleagues mourning beside his body, with a press vest placed atop his shroud. 

Missile Fire Reported from Yemen

Meanwhile, early Friday, Israeli air raid sirens were triggered in Jerusalem and central Israel after missiles were reportedly launched from Yemen. The Israeli military stated that one missile was intercepted, and no immediate injuries or damages were reported. 

Ceasefire Negotiations to Resume

Amid ongoing violence, efforts to negotiate a ceasefire were expected to resume Friday. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed that a delegation comprising members of the Mossad intelligence agency, Shin Bet internal security, and military officials had been authorized to continue discussions in Qatar. 

Conflict Timeline and Casualties

The war, which began on Oct. 7, 2023, after a deadly attack by Hamas-led militants on southern Israel, has resulted in over 45,500 Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. The ministry reported that women and children account for more than half of the fatalities. 

The Israeli military claims its airstrikes exclusively target Hamas militants, whom it accuses of operating within densely populated civilian areas. The military says it has killed 17,000 militants during the war but has not provided evidence for these figures. 

Hamas’s initial attack, which killed 1,200 people in Israel—mostly civilians—and resulted in around 250 hostages being taken into Gaza, marked the deadliest day in Israel’s history. The ongoing violence has displaced 90% of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents, many of whom remain without homes or access to basic necessities. 

Drunk Zambian Policeman Frees 13 Prisoners on New Year’s Eve to Join the Celebration

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A Zambian police officer has been arrested after allegedly releasing 13 prisoners from custody on New Year’s Eve while intoxicated, authorities said Wednesday.

Detective Inspector Titus Phiri, stationed near Kanyama in the southern region of Zambia, reportedly “forcibly seized cell keys” and unlocked both male and female detention cells, according to a statement from Zambia’s Police Service.

Phiri allegedly told the detainees, who were held on charges including assault, affray, and theft, that they were “free to cross over into the New Year,” the statement said. The incident occurred on Tuesday morning, January 1.

Police have launched a manhunt for the 13 prisoners who remain at large. The Zambia Police Service emphasized its commitment to enforcing the law and vowed to take decisive action against any officers found abusing their authority.

“The Zambia Police Service reiterates its commitment to upholding law and order and assures the public that decisive action will be taken against any officer found to be abusing their authority or acting contrary to the law,” the statement added.

Authorities are urging the public to report any sightings of the escaped prisoners.

At Least 27 Dead, Dozens Rescued as Migrant Boats Sink off Tunisia

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The Tunisian coast guard has recovered the bodies of 27 African migrants after two boats sank in the Mediterranean off the coast of Sfax, a city frequently used as a departure point for those attempting to reach Europe. 

According to the national guard, the incidents occurred as migrants tried to cross the perilous waters in hopes of finding better opportunities abroad. Rescuers managed to save 87 people who were aboard the same two boats that sank. 

This tragedy follows a similar pattern of fatal incidents in recent months. In December, Tunisian authorities recovered the bodies of approximately 30 migrants in two separate incidents, after their boats capsized en route to Europe. 

Tunisia is currently facing an unprecedented migration crisis, having overtaken Libya as the main launch point for African migrants and Tunisians seeking a better life in Europe. The country’s coastal regions, particularly around Sfax, have become hotspots for these high-risk journeys across the Mediterranean. 

As the crisis deepens, the need for collaborative international efforts to address the root causes of migration and improve safety measures for migrants becomes increasingly urgent. 

Reuters

Israeli Military Confirms Commandos Raided Syrian Missile Plant in September

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The Israeli military announced on Thursday that its special forces conducted a raid in September on an underground missile production facility in Syria. The plant, located near Masyaf on Syria’s Mediterranean coast, was allegedly designed to produce hundreds of precision-guided missiles for Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed militant group, for potential attacks on Israel. 

Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani described the site as “the flagship of Iranian manufacturing efforts in our region” during a press briefing. 

“This facility was capable of producing hundreds of strategic missiles annually from start to finish, enabling Hezbollah to enhance its aerial attack capabilities against Israel,” Shoshani stated. 

The facility, built into a mountainside, had been under Israeli surveillance since construction began in 2017. By the time of the September 8 raid, it was reportedly on the verge of becoming operational, with the capacity to produce missiles with ranges of up to 300 kilometers (190 miles). 

“This was an immediate and significant threat,” Shoshani said, emphasizing the urgency of the operation. 

Official Confirmation 

Although details of the operation had circulated in Israeli media, this marks the first official acknowledgment by the Israeli military. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed the raid as a critical defensive measure. 

“This was one of the most important preventive operations we’ve undertaken against the Iranian axis’ efforts to arm itself for attacks against Israel,” Netanyahu said in a statement. 

Shoshani described the nighttime raid as one of the most complex missions carried out by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in recent years. It involved dozens of aircraft, approximately 100 helicopter-borne troops, and airstrikes to support the mission. 

“At the conclusion of the operation, our troops dismantled the facility, including all manufacturing machines and equipment,” Shoshani added. 

The military released footage showing troops boarding and dismounting from helicopters, navigating concrete-lined tunnels, and examining documents at the industrial site. Additional footage displayed senior commanders monitoring the operation from a control center. 

Syrian state media reported that Israeli airstrikes in the region on September 8 resulted in at least 16 fatalities. 

Israeli officials have long accused Syria’s former government under Bashar al-Assad of aiding Hezbollah by facilitating the transfer of Iranian arms. Israel has repeatedly stated its commitment to preventing the flow of weapons into Lebanon and disrupting Iran-backed military infrastructure in the region. 

With Assad’s government losing control of key territories toward the end of last year, Israel increased its strikes on Syrian military installations and weapons manufacturing sites to prevent their potential acquisition by hostile forces. 

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