Date – fifth January 2025
Venue – Anfield
Kick-off – 16.30
After the dismantling of West Ham culminating in an emphatic 0-5 win for Liverpool on the London Stadium, the Reds now host their greatest home rivals, Manchester United, on Sunday afternoon. Regardless of the continuing misfortune that surrounds the Reds Devils, this contest nonetheless stands out as maybe crucial match within the calendar of every membership.
The brand new Outdated Trafford supervisor, Ruben Amorim, has struggled to make a constructive affect on the European heavyweights since he arrived from Sporting Lisbon. His weekend counterpart, Arne Slot, is having fun with an excellent first season on Merseyside and can be seeking to show that his appointment forward of the Portuguese supervisor was the precise one, which makes for an intriguing Tremendous Sunday conflict underneath the Anfield lights.
Manchester United Availability
United can be with out Mason Mount, Luke Shaw, and Victor Lindelof, whereas each Manuel Ugarte and Bruno Fernandes are again after one-match suspensions.
Concerning current type, the struggling guests misplaced 0-2 at dwelling to Newcastle, following a demoralising 0-2 loss at Wolves and a 0-3 defeat at Bournemouth.
After 19 matches performed within the Premier League, the Manchester giants at the moment sit 14th within the standings with a disheartening 22 factors.
Here’s a predicted lineup for the away aspect in a 3-4-3 formation. There are positive to be modifications undertaken after their most up-to-date loss, nonetheless, the need to stay to the brand new system will stay.
– 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 should still be lacking Conor Bradley and Ibrahima Konaté, who’ve each simply returned to first-team coaching. Joe Gomez sustained a hamstring harm in his final outing and can be sidelined for an undisclosed interval.
The Reds’ current league type has been spectacular as they secured an excellent 0-5 win away to West Ham after a 3-1 win at dwelling towards Leicester, following a 6-3 victory over Spurs. With 18 video games performed this far, Liverpool at the moment leads the Premier League standings with a formidable complete of 45 factors.
Right here’s the lineup I count on Arne Slot to area for this much-anticipated encounter. The group can be chosen with a full-strength initiative after a full week’s relaxation and a pair of cup video games forward. Although Ibrahima Konaté could also be match to make the match-day squad, I’d count on to see Jarell Quansah beginning this recreation alongside his captain, Virgil van Dijk. Luis Díaz ought to as soon as once more begin within the false 9 place, with Dominik Szoboszlai returning after suspension rather than 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 anticipated to start out quick and apply as a lot strain to their wounded adversaries. With a raft of males in purple having fun with a wealthy vein of type, it’s going to depart United with a recreation plan to counter their opponents.
Participant to Watch: Dominik Szoboszlai
Steven Smith’s Rating Prediction:
Liverpool 2 – 0 Manchester United