Liverpool vs Man United: Match Preview, Latest Team News and How to Watch | OneFootball

Liverpool vs Manchester United: Anfield Braced for Another Premier League Epic

When Liverpool and Manchester United meet, it rarely feels like a match confined to three points. It is heritage, rivalry, pride and often, an examination of nerve. This Sunday, Arne Slot’s Liverpool will host their old foes at Anfield, knowing that a response is demanded after a turbulent run of form that has seen their Premier League title defence begin to falter.

Liverpool Seek Redemption After Difficult Fortnight

Liverpool’s defeat to Chelsea before the international break was as cruel as it was dramatic. A 95th-minute winner condemned the champions to a 2-1 loss, their third in succession following setbacks against Crystal Palace and Galatasaray. It marked the first time in Slot’s career that he has suffered three straight defeats.

For a side of Liverpool’s stature, such a stumble has stirred unease, particularly after the momentum that carried them to Premier League glory last season. Yet history provides reassurance. The Reds have lost only once in their last 14 meetings with Manchester United, and Anfield has often been the place where doubts are extinguished in the furnace of this great rivalry.

Slot will once again lean on Mohamed Salah, who has more goal involvements against United than any other player in Premier League history. He remains Liverpool’s talisman, their constant amid the chaos. However, there are fitness concerns across the squad. Alisson Becker is sidelined with a hamstring problem, handing Giorgi Mamardashvili another chance in goal. Ibrahima Konaté remains a doubt, and Alexis Mac Allister’s late return from international duty could limit his involvement.

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United Eye Statement Victory

Manchester United’s own season under Ruben Amorim has been one of mixed fortunes. They arrive buoyed by a 2-0 win over Sunderland, with Mason Mount and Benjamin Sesko both on the scoresheet. Sesko, finding rhythm and confidence, has netted in consecutive Premier League games and looks likely to lead the line once more.

Amorim’s side remain a work in progress. The club’s new direction under Jim Ratcliffe promises stability, though results have yet to reflect it. “He will be safe in his job for three years,” Ratcliffe insisted recently, but patience will wear thin if United continue to falter against the league’s elite.

Defensive absences have not helped. Lisandro Martínez is still recovering from an ACL tear, and although Noussair Mazraoui and Ayden Heaven are expected to return, there is little continuity at the back. Still, United sense opportunity. Liverpool’s recent frailty could embolden them to attack, with Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro providing the platform for Mount and Sesko to unsettle the champions.

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Tactical Questions for Slot

Arne Slot’s tactical philosophy has rarely been questioned since his arrival, but the current run has raised eyebrows. His system relies heavily on midfield control, yet recent matches have seen Liverpool lose their grip in transition. The return of Ryan Gravenberch and Wataru Endo could help stabilise matters.

The contest for the No9 role remains unresolved. Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak have struggled for consistency, with neither staking a definitive claim. Ekitike has scored once in five appearances, while Isak is goalless in his last five outings for club and country.

Liverpool to Edge a Fierce Contest

This fixture has always carried an electricity few others can match. Amorim’s United will fight, but Anfield on a Sunday afternoon tends to demand victory from its own. Slot’s men have had two weeks to regroup, recalibrate and respond. Expect Liverpool to emerge from their slump, perhaps narrowly, with a 2-1 win that steadies their campaign and reignites belief in their title defence.