Liverpool vs Manchester United Preview: High-Flying Reds Face Struggling Red Devils

Gameweek 20 of the 2024/25 Premier League campaign continues on Sunday, offering fans two exciting fixtures. The day kicks off with Fulham hosting Ipswich Town at Craven Cottage, followed by the highly anticipated clash Liverpool vs Manchester United at Anfield.

Liverpool’s season under Arne Slot could hardly have started better. Despite early concerns following a loss to Nottingham Forest in the opening month, that remains their sole defeat across all competitions this term. The Reds have been dominant in the Premier League, establishing a six-point lead at the top of the table while still holding a game in hand.

Conversely, Manchester United have endured a turbulent season, emerging as the crisis club of the league. Erik ten Hag’s tenure ended within two months of the 2024/25 season, and Ruben Amorim has faced a steep learning curve since taking charge. A dire end to the year, including three consecutive losses, has left the Red Devils languishing in 14th place, only seven points clear of the relegation zone.

The reverse fixture earlier this season saw Liverpool secure a commanding 3-0 victory at Old Trafford, with Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah getting on the scoresheet. Ahead of this weekend’s showdown, here’s a closer look at the two teams and their tactical setups.

Team News & Tactics

Liverpool

Arne Slot has received mixed updates on the fitness front ahead of Sunday’s showdown. The Liverpool boss will be missing just one key first-team player against Manchester United.

Joe Gomez is sidelined with a hamstring injury sustained last weekend. However, Conor Bradley (thigh) and Ibrahima Konate (knee) have resumed training and will undergo late fitness checks to determine their readiness. Additionally, Dominik Szoboszlai is back in contention after serving a suspension.

Alisson Becker will play in goal, and Liverpool is expected to play in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jarell Quansah, Virgil van Dijk, and Andrew Robertson will likely form the defensive line. Should Konate prove fit, he could replace Quansah in the starting XI.

In midfield, Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch are expected to anchor the double pivot, with Szoboszlai operating as the playmaker. Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz will occupy the flanks, while Diogo Jota is tipped to lead the attack, though Cody Gakpo offers a strong alternative.

Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Quansah, van Dijk, Robertson; Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Salah, Szoboszlai, Diaz; Jota

Manchester United

Ruben Amorim faces no fresh injury concerns as he prepares for the trip to Anfield. However, the Manchester United manager will still be without four senior players for the encounter.

Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte return from suspensions served in the midweek game against Newcastle United. Meanwhile, Victor Lindelof (muscle injury), Luke Shaw (calf), and Mason Mount (hamstring) remain unavailable, with Marcus Rashford sidelined due to illness.

Andre Onana will retain his place in goal, with United expected to adopt a 3-4-2-1 formation. The defensive trio should comprise Leny Yoro, Harry Maguire, and Lisandro Martinez.

Noussair Mazraoui and Diogo Dalot are likely to continue as wing-backs, though Amorim will demand more creativity from the pair. Ugarte is set to partner Kobbie Mainoo in midfield, while Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo will take up playmaking roles behind Rasmus Hojlund, who leads the attack.

Probable Lineup (3-4-2-1): Onana; Yoro, Maguire, Martinez; Mazraoui, Mainoo, Ugarte, Dalot; Diallo, Fernandes; Hojlund

Liverpool vs Manchester United Key Stats

• Liverpool have lost just one of their last 13 Premier League games against Manchester United (W7 D5), with their only defeat coming in a 2-1 loss at Old Trafford in August 2022.
• Manchester United are winless in their last eight league visits to Anfield (D4 L4), their longest streak since going nine games without victory there between 1970 and 1979.
• Liverpool will start a new year atop the Premier League table for the seventh time, having done so five times in the past seven seasons. However, they have only converted this position into a title once, in the 2019/20 season.
• Under Arne Slot, Liverpool have suffered just one defeat in 27 matches (W23 D3), with an unbeaten run spanning 23 games. Slot’s only loss as Liverpool manager came against Nottingham Forest in September.
• Manchester United are on the verge of losing four consecutive league games in a single season for the first time since 1979. They haven’t suffered four straight defeats without scoring since 1909.

Prediction

Liverpool 3-0 Manchester United

All signs point to another one-sided affair between these fierce rivals. Liverpool have dominated recent meetings, and with Manchester United struggling for goals and cohesion in attack, it’s hard to see anything other than a convincing win for the hosts. The Hard Tackle predicts a 3-0 victory for Arne Slot’s men, with Mohamed Salah once again shining against United.