Liverpool vs Manchester United preview
Just a year before, Liverpool were involved in an intense title race while Manchester United were in fourth, 13 points back and had also played two games more than Arsenal, who were just a point behind. Now 12 months later, it seems both teams have swapped their places. Under Erik Ten Hag, Manchester United have experienced an incredible resurgence and are just six points behind Manchester City in second place, having played a game less.
Liverpool, on the other hand, have endured a season of horror. The Reds are currently in seventh place, 10 points behind United. Despite showing flashes of brilliance, the team that went toe-to-toe with the best last season have been a shadow of themselves, falling to find consistency. They have also lost the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 match against Real Madrid 5-2, which means barring a miracle, they are out of the competition.
However, when Liverpool welcome Manchester United to Anfield, they know that a win will not only get them three points but also give them a boost of inspiration for the rest of the season. Meanwhile, over at Manchester United, everything has been going smoothly since the 2022 FIFA World Cup winning seven, drawing two and losing just one match.
The Red Devils have taken 23 points from 10 matches, three less than they managed in the 14 games before the World Cup, showing their incredible resurgence. However, in matches like these, usually, current form do not play a huge part. Earlier in the season, Manchester United had lost their first two matches to Brighton (2-1) and Brentford (4-0) but still produced an inspiring performance to beat Liverpool 2-1 in the league.
And this will be on the mind of both teams when they face each other for bragging rights in the most anticipated clash of English football.
30 – @ManUtd have now won 30 games in all competitions this season after 41 matches; only in 2006-07 and 2012-13 (both after 40 matches) have they reached this win total sooner, winning the Premier League title in both campaigns. Force. pic.twitter.com/cCrUUFSZ2b
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) March 1, 2023
Liverpool vs Manchester United team news
While Liverpool’s bad form is mainly down to their players, injuries have also significantly derailed the club’s season. And for the Manchester United clash, the club could be without five players. This includes the long-term absentee Luis Diaz who has barely played any part in the current season. Others that are likely to miss out are defender Joe Gomez, midfielder Thiago Alcantara, teenage right-back Calvin Ramsay and Arthur. However, Naby Keita, who missed the match against Wolverhampton Wanderers, is in a race against time to be fit for the clash.
Liverpool Predicted Line-up: Alisson; Robertson, Van Dijk, Matip, Alexander Arnold; Fabinho, Henderson, Keita; Nunez, Jota, Salah
Meanwhile, Manchester United could be without five players for the clash. Midfielder Christain Eriksen, who has been so instrumental for the team, is out with an ankle injury and will only recover by the end of the season. Others to miss out on the clash are Antony Martial and Donny van de Beek. However, left-back Luke Shaw and attacker Jadon Sancho will be assessed before the match on whether they can start.
Manchester United Predicted Line-up: De Gea; Malacia, Martinez, Varane, Dalot; Casemiro, Fred; Rashford, Fernandes, Antony; Weghorst
Gamechangers
Liverpool are desperate for a player who could consistently be a game-changer for them. While they have failed to find a player, Mohamed Salah remains their best player. And the Egyptian has always brought his best against Manchester United, scoring eight goals against them, with only Alan Shearer scoring more. Salah also needs one goal to equal Robbie Fowler’s record of 128 goals for Liverpool in the Premier League era. And he will need to be at his best if Liverpool are to get their season back on track.
Mohamed Salah has now scored more Premier League goals than Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink (128 v 127). Salah is now the outright 15th top scorer in Premier League history. #Salah #Liverpool
— Will Jeanes (@will_jeanes) February 13, 2023
For Manchester United, Marcus Rashford has been in impeccable form, scoring ten goals and providing one assist since the World Cup. During that time, no player in the Premier League has scored more goals than him. This has come when according to the Expected Goals (xG) model, the player was only expected to score 6.2 goals showcasing his high accuracy.
Read More:
- Union Berlin: Stat Analysis of the New Bundesliga powerhouses
- Ben Doak: Liverpool teenager likened to Mohamed Salah
Liverpool vs Manchester United predictions
A clash between Liverpool and Manchester United is always a treat to watch. And while Liverpool’s form has been far from perfect, they tend to raise their game for such occasions. However, with Manchester United’s current form, they would not find a better chance to double over their rivals for the first time since 2015-16.
However, the atmosphere at Anfield has always acted like a 12th man for the club, and if the team brings their best, then the combined effect of these two will be too much for Manchester United.
FootTheBall predicts a 2-1 win for Liverpool.