By Sam McGuire
If type performed a component on this fixture, it might very a lot be a case of David versus Goliath as these outdated rivals meet for the second time this season. Nonetheless, we all know that type counts for little or no when the Crimson Devils tackle the Reds.
The season thus far
Liverpool are driving excessive on the high of the Premier League with 14 wins from 18 matches. Their solely defeat in any competitors this season arrived again in September. Since then, the Reds have been nearly flawless below new supervisor Arne Slot.
Following back-to-back attracts with Newcastle United and Fulham, Liverpool have gained three on the bounce within the Premier League and have scored 14 targets within the course of. Forward of Saturday’s fixtures, the Merseyside membership had a six level benefit on the high of the desk with a recreation in hand (the postponed Merseyside derby) over nearest rivals Arsenal.
They’ve the participant of the season at their disposal in Mohamed Salah. The 32-year-old has racked up 30 aim involvements in his 18 appearances and have both scored or assisted in 11 successive English top-flight matches. He’s the shape participant, not simply within the league however maybe on the earth.
The supporting solid are pulling their weight too with Cody Gakpo and Luis Díaz being amongst the targets just lately.
The Reds high the charts for targets scored (2.5) per recreation and have conceded the joint-fewest (0.9 per recreation). They’ve stored the joint-most clear sheets (eight) and have carved out essentially the most massive possibilities (81). Slot’s aspect have been the perfect within the Premier League and deserve their place on the summit.
Manchester United, in the meantime, have had a season to overlook. Erik Ten Hag was dismissed earlier within the marketing campaign and was changed by Rúben Amorim. The Portuguese tactician guided his new membership to a 2-1 win over Manchester Metropolis just lately however that’s their solely win of their final six Premier League matches. They’ve misplaced the opposite 5.
They discover themselves in 14th place and are and not using a clear sheet for the reason that 4-0 win over Everton on December 1st. The Crimson Devils are averaging simply 1.1 targets per 90 and are conceding 1.4 targets. Their underlying numbers are simply as worrying, with an anticipated targets complete of 26.9. For context, Liverpool’s xG this time period is 42, and United have performed a recreation extra.
Arguably essentially the most enlightening stat to focus on the unimaginable hole between these two sides this time period is that Liverpool have missed (47) nearly as many massive possibilities as United have carved out (48).
Earlier encounters
Liverpool gained the primary conflict of the season between these two groups at Outdated Trafford. A Salah-inspired exhibiting earned the Reds a 3-0 win. Issues have modified since then although. There’s a brand new man within the dugout for the Crimson Devils and the stress isn’t on him to beat Liverpool at Anfield. They’re going to need to frustrate the hosts and dent their title problem. A draw would go a great distance right here for Amorim and United. Ten Hag, in the meantime, needed to have a go at Liverpool in August.
The dynamic is completely different. The stress is on the Reds so will probably be fascinating to see how they break down a United aspect who will need to take in stress. It was the identical tactic deployed by the Crimson Devils final season as they went unbeaten towards Liverpool and knocked them out of the FA Cup. Once more, although, it was completely different. That was Jürgen Klopp versus Ten Hag. That is Slot versus Amorim.
The damage scenario
Liverpool are with out centre-back duo Joe Gomez and Ibrahima Konaté for the conflict whereas Conor Bradley continues to be dominated out following an damage he sustained towards Actual Madrid in November. The Reds are additionally with out the suspended Dominik Szoboszlai after he picked up a fifth reserving of the season in a short cameo towards West Ham United.
United are anticipated to be with out Luke Shaw, Victor Lindelof and Mason Mount for the go to to Anfield. Bruno Fernandes is about to return to the beginning XI having missed the defeat to Newcastle United following his pink card towards Wolves.
On paper, Liverpool are lacking two starters whereas United will likely be with out one.
Prediction
It needs to be a Liverpool win, doesn’t it? If they’re severe about successful the title, this needs to be three factors on Sunday. They must be breezing previous struggling sides like United. We’re go together with a 3-1 win for the Reds.
(Cowl picture from IMAGO)
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