Manchester United vs Liverpool Preview
Arne Slot’s Reds face their toughest test of the season this Sunday as they travel to Old Trafford to face rivals Manchester United.
After two wins in two games Liverpool have started well under Arne Slot, with four goals scored, zero conceded and an air of confidence in the relaxed possession-based style of play. Manchester United on the other hand sit 11th in the table after narrowly beating Fulham on the opening game of the season, and conceding a late winner to Brighton in their second game. That’s not to suggest that United away will be an easy third game for the Reds, but it’s one they would hope and expect to win if they want to cement their spot in the Champions League spots. Other than the 5-0 demolition in the 2021/2022 season Liverpool have only won twice in their last 10 visits to Old Trafford, but they have only lost once in their last six visits, suggesting a draw would be the sensible prediction. Yet, Slot’s team will know they have the quality to get the best of a sub-par United team.
With no major issues after two games an unchanged XI from the 2-0 home win against Brentford is to be expected. Konate is likely to start over Quansah again after a solid performance last time out, especially with Slot keen to win as many duels as possible on the pitch, with a derby against United likely to produce a number of these. Bruno Fernandes has been operating as a false 9 for United so far this season, and Konate’s presence pushing up the pitch will be crucial to the influence Fernandes may have on the game. In midfield Ryan Gravenberch has started well in his new role as the No. 6, whilst Mac Allister and Szoboszlai have also performed well, meaning Slot is unlikely to make any unforced changes in what is a must win game. The front three of Diaz, Jota and Salah have been at their scintillating best at times so far, with both matches surprisingly finishing with only two scored after a few missed chances. Matches against United seem to be Salah’s bread and butter, with the Egyptian having a whopping 18 goal contributions in just 11 games against Man United. Nunez and Gakpo will likely be made to wait their turn, with the upcoming match against West Ham in the Carabao Cup a better chance for Slot to give them both a full 90 minutes. As for new Italian singing Federico Chiesa, it’s yet to be known whether he will make the bench, but we can hope for a 10 – minute cameo if Liverpool play with the control and composure they have played with thus far.
United are yet to make a change to their starting XI after two games, but have the option of bringing in Alejandro Garnacho and new signing Joshua Zirkzee to their attack. Whilst much will be made of Trent Aleander-Arnold’s potential match up with Rashford, it’s likely that’ll it be Konate shifting over, or Gravenberch covering Trent that will be the key to ensuring Liverpool do not get struck on the counter-attack by like they did in the FA Cup last season. One interesting matchup may be the energetic Dominik Szoboszlai against Casemiro. A world-class DM in his prime, Casemiro has lost some pace leaving him vulnerable to bursts of pace, which Dom has in abundance. At the back, Maguire is clearly United’s weakest link, with the signing of Mazraoui slightly shoring up the left-hand side of a potentially vulnerable back four. Given Man United are at home they are unlikely to sit back and defend like they did in the 0-0 draw at Anfield last season. Ten Hag is likely to instruct Fernandes, Mount and Rashford to press from the front which could play to Liverpool’s advantage. The main trend so far for Liverpool this season has been the slow patient build up, and passing round the opposition’s press. If this is executed well enough, it should leave multiple 5v6 counter attack opportunities which the front three normally thrive off. This patient build up also reduces the clear chances the opposition have, as Liverpool’s possession percentage has averaged at an impressive 62% so far this season. Given the few opportunities that Brentford created at Anfield came from set-pieces, Maguire and Casemiro’s presence in the box will be one to watch for Van Dijk and Konate.
An Old Trafford visit is always one to approach with caution, even with the two rivals having slightly contrasting starts to the season. If the Manchester United of late turns up then Liverpool should be too much for them, but confidence going into a North-West derby can turn into embarrassment easily.
My Prediction:
1-1
