Liverpool vs Manchester United: Match preview, what to expect, key players

Manchester United head to Anfield to face high-flying Liverpool today.

United are winless in their last three league games and face an uphill task of turning their fortunes around against in-form Liverpool.

Liverpool could not have hoped for a better time to face the Red Devils as they seek to extend their lead on top of the standings.

Second-placed Arsenal could only manage a draw against Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday.

Liverpool will stretch their advantage over the Gunners to eight points with a game in hand if they defeat United.

Match Preview

United have fared poorly in their recent trips to Anfield.

They have not won a game in their past eight league fixtures at Liverpool and have only scored once within that period.

The Red Devils have also won just once in their last 13 fixtures against their arch-rivals.

Arne Slot could become the first Liverpool manager to do a double over United in his first season since George Kay did the same in 1936/1937.

United will have Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte back for the game- the duo missed the clash with Newcastle United due to suspension.

They could be without Marcus Rashford, while Victor Lindelof, Mason Mount and Luke Shaw will miss the encounter due to injuries.

Liverpool’s only absentee will be Joe Gomez, who sustained an injury in their last game against West Ham United.

Ibrahima Konate and Conor Bradley are back in contention, having resumed training on Friday.

What to expect

Liverpool are vastly superior to United and should enjoy most of the possession.

The Reds have not struggled to break down opponents this term, having generated the highest expected goals tally in the Premier League and scored the most goals.

United must defend better than ever to prevent an onslaught. They dug deep to win at Manchester City and need a similar performance at Liverpool.

Manager Ruben Amorim may change his formation to curb the Reds’ attack and secure a positive result from this game.

Key Players

Man United

Amad Diallo: He has not been at his best lately but remains one of United’s best players. He scored the winning goal against Liverpool in the FA Cup last season. Amorim will be hoping he does the same again.

Noussair Mazraoui: Amorim used the versatile Moroccan defender to stop Bukayo Saka against Arsenal by moving him to left centre-back. He could be given the task to stop Mohamed Salah.

Liverpool

Mohamed Salah: The Egyptian forward is rewriting the history books this term. He loves facing Man United, scoring 15 goals in 16 games, making him one of the key players for this encounter.

Trent Alexander-Arnold: United have struggled to deal with set-pieces and crosses, which are the right-back’s forte. His combination with Salah must be curtailed for United to get a positive result.

Stats from transfermarkt.com & bbc.com

Article written by Henry Thornton .