7-0. Regardless of what games Manchester United might win in the future against Liverpool, it will be nearly impossible to shake off the scent of that loss at Anfield last season. This makes Liverpool vs Manchester United on 17th December all the more intense.
The form book of either team will say otherwise, but sometimes, there really is no challenge trickier than facing the team that nobody expects to triumph.
The Red Devils are battered and bruised, and Jurgen Klopp’s Reds are top of the table.
Last season, Liverpool were sixth, United were third, and still, 7-0 happened. Jurgen Klopp has already said that it was a “freak” result. So, is there any hope for United?
Liverpool vs Man Utd preview
It is arguably the biggest derby in English football. The North-West clash is always one that has the most eyeballs and recently, the plethora of storylines in the background has made it a fixture that is can’t-miss.
The same is the case for this one. Of course, United’s first trip to Anfield since that fateful 7-0 defeat is the biggest story, but this game could have wider ramifications for both sides.
Liverpool have put a stop to all theories that Klopp’s decline at Anfield have begun. The Reds are top of the table after missing out on the Champions League last year and the squad looks rejuvenated.
A win at home against their historic rivals will confirm that resurrection. That resurgence might come at the cost of curtains drawing on another manager though.
Nobody would have thought Erik ten Hag would be in this position when last season finished. However, 24 games into the new season, United have already lost 12, are out of Europe altogether, eliminated from the League Cup, and look a certainty to miss the top-four in current form.
After a shock loss to Bournemouth was followed by an expected loss against Bayern with a demoralising performance, a trip to Anfield is the last thing this brittle team needs, especially one battered with injuries. Speaking of which…
Liverpool vs Man Utd predicted lineups
Liverpool team news
There are no new injury worries for Liverpool, with the likes of Thiago, Matip, Robertson, and Jota still suffering from their long-term injuries. There was hope that Alexis Mac Allister might make a miraculous return from his knee injury but he is ruled out as well.
In their absence, Klopp is unlikely to change what’s been working so far. That means The defensive axis is Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Van Dijk, Konate, and Tsimikas will remain as it is.
Wataru Endo will partner with Szoboszlai, and the midfielder to complete their troika is likely to be Curtis Jones over Harvey Elliott as the former is more natural at this position.
Salah, Nunez, and Diaz round up the attack, with Salah, in particular, enjoying his games against United in the past.
Predicted Liverpool XI: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Van Dijk, Konate, Tsimikas, Endo, Szoboszlai, Jones, Salah, Diaz, Nunez
Man Utd team news
The injury worries at United are such that Erik ten Hag could probably field an injured XI which would beat United’s “Available XI” at this moment. Bruno Fernandes’ suspension probably swings that game completely in “Unavailable XI”‘s favour.
The manager has already confirmed that Harry Maguire has added his name to the absentee list after limping off in midweek against Bayern. In one ray of sunshine amidst all the doom and gloom, Luke Shaw’s injury doesn’t look serious so he could come back in for this after getting subbed off against Bayern.
Marcus Rashford is also back and available, although it is doubtful if he will start considering his poor form and the Garnacho-Antony duo doing fairly well in his absence.
All eyes will be in midfield, where fans would be hoping to see Kobbie Mainoo thrown into the deep end. Fernandes’ absence means that might be an easier decision if Ten Hag plays with a three-man midfield instead of a double pivot.
Predicted Man Utd XI: Onana, Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Lindelof, Shaw, McTominay, Mainoo, Amrabat, Antony, Garnacho, Hojlund
Liverpool vs Man Utd prediction
Any football expert will say that this game is only going one way, and it’s not the one United will like.
Liverpool unlock another gear to their game when the chance is to inflict humiliation on United and in current form, humiliation is becoming far too common for Ten Hag’s men.
Eager to get revenge for their 7-0 defeat, the Red Devils might start the game energetically but if (or when) Liverpool get the first goal, expect last season’s demons to rear their head again at United.
A draw for United would be an amazing result, a win would be a miracle, that is why FootTheBall predicts Liverpool 4-0 Man Utd.