Verdict: Away win
Best odds: 10/11
Bookmaker: Unibet
The two most-decorated clubs in English football will face each other on Sunday, as Manchester United welcome bitter foes Liverpool to Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon for a Premier League blockbuster.
The Red Devils have had mixed success at the start of the season, winning one and losing one game so far, and the three points to their name have them sharing places 10 and 11 in the English top flight. The Merseysiders, on the other hand, are one of the four teams to have won both their games.
Manchester United
Though they basically outplayed Fulham in the opening round, United still had to work hard to achieve a 1-0 victory, courtesy of a late goal from newcomer Joshua Zirkzee. The young Dutchman was a lot less happy a week later, when he had a goal disallowed in what ended as a 2-1 defeat away to Brighton and Hove Albion. Danny Welbeck broke the deadlock against his former club in the first half and Amad Diallo equalized on the hour, before Joao Pedro netted a very late winner for the Seagulls.
The future of manager Erik ten Hag was a subject of much speculation at the end of last season, but he obviously still enjoys the trust of the decision makers at the club. Apart from Zirkzee, his squad has been bolstered by defenders Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui, who used to play under his guidance at Ajax. The club have now also confirmed the signing of midfielder Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain.
Meanwhile, United’s performance at Amex last week received plenty of warranted criticism. On one hand, facing an in-form Liverpool side at this point seems a daunting prospect, but on the other, it could be seen as the perfect opportunity to bounce back and restore some optimism among their fans.
Team News
It remains to be seen if Ugarte gets a chance in such a big game so soon upon arrival – it seems far more likely that Casemiro will continue his role at the midfield base.
Harry Maguire was replaced by De Ligt against Brighton, and Ten Hag could opt to give his compatriot a start alongside Lisandro Martinez at the back. Leny Yoro, also a summer arrival in defence, misses out due to a fractured metatarsal, while Victor Lindelof is a major doubt through a toe problem. Furthermore, Tyrell Malacia is out with a knee injury, and the same goes for Luke Shaw (calf).
Defence isn’t the only section where Ten Hag has problems to navigate through. Forwards Rasmus Hojlund (hamstring) and Mason Mount (muscle) are also out. Jadon Sancho is reportedly on the verge of joining Chelsea.
The situation will put plenty of responsibility on the shoulders of Marcus Rashford, with Alejandro Garnacho, Antony and Diallo representing options on the flanks. Bruno Fernandes will, of course, be the the main creator in the team.
Liverpool
Arne Slot has become the first Liverpool boss to win his first two league games at the club since the days of Graeme Souness, and the former Feyenoord coach will be looking to make the start of his tenure even more impressive against his new club’s arch-rivals.
The Reds beat Ipswich Town on the opening day of the season, courtesy of goals from Diogo Jota and Mohamed Salah. The latter netted again last week against Brentford after Luis Diaz broke the deadlock.
Liverpool were completely inactive in the transfer market for a long while this summer, at least when the incoming deals are concerned, but they’ve now added winger Federico Chiesa to their ranks from Juventus. Goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili has also joined the club on a permanent deal, but he’ll remain at Valencia on loan for the season.
Questions remain, however, about the depth of Slot’s squad in midfield after the failure to sign Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad, as well as in defence where the departure of Joel Matip could cause problems as the season goes on unless a signing is made before the window closes.
Team News
Midfielder Curtis Jones missed the Brentford clash through injury and remains a doubt. Defender Joe Gomez, on the other hand, was reintegrated into the squad after missing the season opener while he considered a possible Anfield exit.
At this point, there doesn’t seem to be much cause for concern for Slot, who is likely to stick with the most of the starting XI from the previous match. Ibrahima Konate is likely to get picked ahead of Jarell Quansah to partner Virgil van Dijk in defence, while Ryan Gravenberch continues his role in the double pivot alongside Alexis Mac Allister. Harvey Elliot might challenge Dominik Szoboszlai for the third midfield spot.
Slot might opt to give the likes of Darwin Nunez or Cody Gakpo a chance up front, but it seems more likely that the trio of Salah, Jota and Diaz forms the attacking line. Chiesa will surely have to wait for his first start in a Liverpool shirt.
Conclusion
United will surely be very motivated in this game, eager to get back on track against Liverpool in front of their own fans. However, given the many injury issues troubling them on top of their inconsistency in performance levels, the visitors could return to Merseyside with the whole prize.
Verdict: Away win
Best odds: 10/11
Bookmaker: Unibet
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