Ten Hag to make 2 big changes, Ugarte absent | Expected Man Utd line-up (4-2-3-1) vs Liverpool
Manchester United will be aiming to return to winning ways when they host arch-rivals Liverpool in the Premier League today.
The Red Devils suffered a last-gasp 2-1 defeat against Brighton & Hove Albion last weekend and have the chance to make amends.
The last two league meetings with Liverpool have ended in draws, but United beat them in the FA Cup quarter-final last term in dramatic fashion.
Amad Diallo scored a late winner (4-3) in the closing stages of extra-time and the Ivorian is expected to keep his place against the Merseyside outfit.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Predicted Line-up:
Andre Onana has played every minute in goal in the Premier League since his arrival last summer. He is expected to continue between the sticks for United.
We don’t see any changes to the backline. Noussair Mazraoui has had a fine start to his United career. The right-back provided a quality assist for Diallo’s goal last weekend.
Harry Maguire could have reacted better for Brighton’s opener, but the defence looked more disorganised after Matthijs de Ligt replaced him in the second half.
De Ligt was partly to blame for the late Seagulls winner. In our opinion, Ten Hag will stick with the experience of Maguire alongside Lisandro Martinez in central defence.
Dalot had a very good outing at the Amex Stadium until his poor positioning in stoppage time. Despite this, he remains the best makeshift option at left-back with Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia injured.
Casemiro’s performance dipped in the second half of the Brighton game. He needs to step up. The Brazilian is expected to partner Kobbie Mainoo in the centre of the park.
Manuel Ugarte unfortunately won’t make the matchday squad for the much-awaited derby, having not been registered before the Friday 12pm deadline for the game.
Further forward, Bruno Fernandes should return to his customary number 10 role with Mason Mount out injured. Joshua Zirkzee looks set to make his full debut up front.
The Dutch international earned plaudits for his winning goal against Fulham, but had a forgettable experience at Brighton.
Alejandro Garnacho was denied his goal after Zirkzee made contact from an offside position before the ball went over the line.
We expect Diallo to continue on the right wing after a lively second half versus Brighton where he scored the equaliser.
It seems quite clear that Garnacho has to replace an out-of-form Marcus Rashford on the left wing.
The 26-year-old has scored seven times against Liverpool, but Garnacho is a better threat than him on the left flank.
The Argentine has a goal and an assist this term and was unlucky to not find the net against Brighton.
How Man Utd could line up vs Liverpool
Stats from Transfermarkt.com