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.
