This weekend's Premier League clash sees both teams eager to rectify midweek setbacks. Following a successful test event on Monday, Liverpool's Anfield Road Stand will officially open earlier than expected, aiming to host their largest Premier League-era crowd since 1973. Despite Jurgen Klopp's historical struggles with 12:30 pm kickoffs, Liverpool enters Sunday's significant event leading the Premier League.
Last weekend, Liverpool overcame a setback when Jean-Philippe Mateta put Crystal Palace ahead, ultimately securing victory with Mohamed Salah's 200th Reds goal and a superb Harvey Elliott winner.
As they approach gameweek 17, Liverpool holds a one-point lead over Arsenal and a two-point cushion over the Lions. However, they might slip down the rankings depending on the outcomes of the 2 pm matches.
While an experimental XI suffered a Europa League loss on Thursday, Liverpool has already secured a last-16 spot, maintaining an impressive seven-game winning streak at home in the Premier League. In contrast, Manchester United, who suffered a disheartening European defeat, has no European football plans for the first half of 2024.
Erik ten Hag's team fell short in their bid for Europa League salvation, concluding their continental campaign with a loss to Kingsley Coman's strike. Without European distractions, Ten Hag has an opportunity to address the team's dismal domestic performance.
Manchester United, currently sitting five places and 10 points behind Liverpool in the Premier League, has endured a turbulent period, facing criticism from supporters after a humiliating 3-0 loss to Bournemouth.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
While some key Liverpool players, including Mohamed Salah, Alisson Becker, Virgil van Dijk, and Trent Alexander-Arnold, were given a break and excluded from the Belgium trip, Jurgen Klopp still faces challenges with six players sidelined due to injuries.Joel Matip (ACL), Stefan Bajcetic (calf), Andrew Robertson (shoulder), and Thiago Alcantara (hip) are expected to make comebacks at various points in 2024. Diogo Jota is set to be unavailable for a few more weeks due to a muscular issue, and Alexis Mac Allister's knee injury rules him out of the clash against the Red Devils.
Despite Liverpool's midweek win, the absence of further injuries is considered a positive development. On the other hand, Manchester United is dealing with new concerns as defensive players Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw sustained first-half injuries against Bayern, with groin and hamstring issues, respectively.
Manager Erik ten Hag anticipates Shaw and Marcus Rashford, who has been battling an illness, to be available. However, Maguire is confirmed to be unavailable, along with Anthony Martial (illness), Mason Mount (calf), Jadon Sancho (club suspension), Amad Diallo (knee), Christian Eriksen (knee), Lisandro Martinez (foot), Casemiro (thigh), and Tyrell Malacia (knee). Victor Lindelof (knock) is uncertain for the match.
With Bruno Fernandes suspended and Mason Mount still in recovery, either Kobbie Mainoo or Hannibal Mejbri is expected to step into the central midfield role. There is also a possibility of Donny van de Beek making a surprise return to the lineup.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Liverpool possible starting lineup:Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Szoboszlai, Endo, Gravenberch; Salah, Nunez, Diaz
Manchester United possible starting lineup:
Onana; Wan-Bissaka, Evans, Varane, Shaw; McTominay, Amrabat, Mainoo; Antony, Hojlund, Rashford
EXPERT PREDICTION
Liverpool 2-1 Manchester United
While Manchester United may enjoy an extra two days of rest after their European efforts, Liverpool strategically spared most of their key players in the loss to Union SG. Consequently, fatigue shouldn't be a significant factor for the current league leaders.
It's unlikely that a recurrence of the seven-goal catastrophe from March will unfold for Erik ten Hag's team. However, given the current low levels of confidence and limited playing options, the conditions seem ideal for Liverpool to impart another footballing lesson to the Red Devils.
Last edited by a moderator:
