Manchester United FC vs Liverpool FC, English Premier League 2024-25, Today Match Prediction

Manchester United FC vs Liverpool FC Match Prediction & Analysis

In a highly anticipated match of the weekend, the of the biggest names in English football, Manchester United and Liverpool, will battle each other at the Old Trafford to round off the third round matches in the English Premier League 2024–25. The match will also be the final match before the players return to  their respective International teams for a two-week break. 

The 2024-25 season of English football began with the Red Devils defeating defending Premier League champions Manchester City (2-1) in the Community Shield. Following that triumph, they began their Premier League season with a hard-fought victory over Fulham (2-1). However, the Red Devils' euphoria of back-to-back victories was cut short when they fell against Brighton (1-2) after conceding a last-minute goal. 

Liverpool on the other hand, have gained full points from both their matches as they won their matches by keeping two clean sheets. So far it has been an easy schedule for them compared to United as they faced the likes of Ipswich Town (2-0) and Brentford (2-0) for the wins. 

Head-to-Head Record - United holds the advantage over Liverpool in this rivalry as the former has managed to win 29 games of the 64 played between the teams while Liverpool has won 19.

Current Standings - At present Manchester United are placed 12th in league standings with 3 points while Liverpool are placed fourth with six points. 

TEAMS PREVIEW

Manchester United FC Preview

After an optimistic start to the new season, United were dragged down to earth by Brighton, who delivered them a defeat that would have brought back painful memories for Ten Hag and co. from the previous season. It's the same old story: United appear confused away from home and concede late goals due to defensive errors. Two of the goals they conceded came from individuals who were unmarked in the defensive area. 

Misfiring big names 

In both matches, Ten Hag chose to play his talisman Bruno Fernandes as his target man, despite the fact that he is plainly not. Despite being positioned to attack the box, Fernandes subconsciously drops deep and attempts to assist in the build-ups, like he did when he was a number 10. So far this season, he has squandered two opportunities against Fulham and has had no shots on goal, let alone shots in the encounter against Brighton. To make matters worse, Marcus Rashford has also looked perplexed and ineffective on the flanks. He had comparable figures as Bruno versus Brighton. 

Ten Hag, who is frequently portrayed as a manager who is unwilling to make proactive changes, will be forced to make some adjustments in the 11. In the game against Brighton, they had fewer touches in the penalty area and final third entries than their opponents. To improve on these numbers, Bruno Fernandes must return to his role as a central attacking midfielder, starting with Joshua Zirkzee up front and replacing Rashford with Garnacho. 

Injury Concerns - Mason Mount suffered a hamstring injury against Brighton and is expected to miss this weekend's meeting for the Red Devils.

Manchester United Starting Lineup - Onana (Goalkeeper); Mazraoui, De Ligt, Martinez, Dalot (Dalot); Mainoo, Casemiro Fernandes (Midfielders) ; Diallo, Garnacho, Zirkzee (Forwards) 

Liverpool FC Preview

The new era under Arne Slot has gotten off to a good start, with the Reds easily winning both of their games. However, their performances in both first halves of the games have given Slot plenty for thought. The Reds were unimpressive to begin both games, with xGs of 0.72 and 0.09 in the first half, respectively. Regardless, they concluded the first two rounds with 37 shots (the most by any team ) and 13 shots on goal (third highest by a team). 

Key Players 

Mo Salah will be a vital player for Slot in the upcoming game versus United. Not only is he their top player, but he also has a strong record versus the Red Devils. Salah has 11 goals and four assists in the clubs' last 13 encounters. Furthermore, he appeared to be in excellent shape going into the game, having warmed up beautifully with two goals and an assist in his previous games.

Diogo Jota (1 goal and 1 assist) for his ability to create something out of nothing, and Luis Diaz (1 goal and 1 assist) for his dynamism on the left flank, will be expected to play key roles alongside Salah on Sunday. 

Tactical Approach

United were continually under siege on the left flank  during their match against Brighton. Slot, as proactive as he is, would have noticed that. Expect an onslaught of attacks on United's left flank from Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold. Slot has used a 4-2-3-1 formation thus far, and considering the results, he has no need to change it for Sunday. 

New Additions to the Squad

After rumours of a move to FC Barcelona, Federico Chisea has signed a four-year contract with Liverpool for £12.5 million from Juventus. 

Liverpool Starting Lineup -  Alisson (Goalkeeper); Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson (Defenders); Mac Allister, Gravenberch,Szoboszlai (Midfielders); Diaz, Jota, Salah (Forwards) 

MANCHESTER UNITED FC vs LIVERPOOL FC
Winning Prediction

Liverpool will face United on Sunday after going unbeaten in their last six Premier League games, which date back to the end of April this year. Furthermore, Liverpool has a good record in away games, having gained 34 points from 19 games previous season. However, United drew twice against the Reds last season, with the first at Old Trafford ending in a 2-2 tie. 

An xG of 3/3.5 is predicted for the match, as the previous six matches between the sides have resulted in an average of three or more goals. Our Verdict: Ten Hag needs to adopt changes or Liverpool will bash them at Old Trafford by a big margin. 

Liverpool Fc to Win (3-1)

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