)
One of the biggest rivalries in the Premier League will be reignited when league-leading Liverpool welcome troubled Manchester United to the dreaded Anfield on Sunday. Here are predictions, team news, betting tips, and possible line-ups for the game.
The victory kept the Reds six points clear of second-placed Arsenal, with the added advantage of a game in hand.
In what is perhaps the biggest disparity between both clubs for a long time, Liverpool will hope to blow away the Manchester United sinking ship as they look to sail successfully to the title after a great first half of the season.
)
Under Portuguese manager Ruben Amorim, the Red Devils have failed to find any new-manager bounce, their latest setback a limp 2-0 defeat to Newcastle that could have been far worse.
Now closer to the relegation zone than the top four, United are in survival mode—an unthinkable position for one of England’s most storied clubs. Their latest challenge? Withstanding a Liverpool side that shows no signs of slowing down.
Liverpool vs. Manchester United Head to Head
The 12-place gulf between Liverpool and Manchester United heading into this clash is the largest before a meeting since September 2012, when second-placed United edged a 2-1 win over 17th-placed Liverpool at Anfield. That season marked United’s last Premier League title triumph, while Liverpool finished a distant seventh.
This match-up also carries historical significance—it’s the first time these two giants have faced off in a league opener of a calendar year since 1989, when United claimed a 3-1 victory at Old Trafford on New Year’s Day.
)
Recent encounters at Anfield have heavily favoured Liverpool.
The Reds have lost just once in their last 13 Premier League games against their fiercest rivals, with the lone defeat coming in August 2022 at Old Trafford—a 2-1 loss that remains a sore point.
At home, Liverpool have been nearly untouchable in this rivalry, as United have failed to win in their last eight league trips to Anfield—their longest barren run since enduring nine winless visits from 1970 to 1979.
United’s attacking struggles at Anfield are equally stark. They have managed just one goal in their last eight league visits and have failed to score in each of their last five.
The only venue where United have endured a longer goal drought in league history is Goodison Park, where they went six games without scoring between 1969 and 1974.
Liverpool, meanwhile, are looking to kick off 2024 with a statement. Their 4-2 triumph over Newcastle in last year’s opener sets them up to win their first league game in consecutive calendar years for the first time since the 2013-14 season.
Liverpool vs. Manchester United Team News and Possible Lineups
)
Joe Gomez’s injury sustained against West Ham is another blow to Liverpool’s already fragile defense.
The England international will be unavailable for the clash against Manchester United. Ibrahima Konate and Conor Bradley will put themselves through their paces in training on Friday, but their fitness for Sunday’s game remains uncertain.
Manchester United will be boosted by the returns of Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte following their suspensions.
However, the Red Devils will be without Luke Shaw, Mason Mount, and Victor Lindelof, while Marcus Rashford is also a doubt due to illness.
)
Liverpool Predicted lineup (4-2-3-1)
Alisson (GK); Alexander-Arnold, Quansah, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Gakpo; Diaz
Manchester United Predicted lineup (3-4-3)
Onana (GK); Yoro, Maguire, Martinez; Mazraoui, Mainoo, Ugarte, Dalot; Diallo, Fernandes; Hojlund
Liverpool vs. Manchester United Predictions & Betting Tips
Liverpool's dominant form and the electric atmosphere at Anfield firmly position them as favourites for this clash.
However, Manchester United have a history of rising to the occasion in high-stakes encounters. While a hard-fought battle is on the cards, Liverpool's attacking firepower will likely prove decisive.
Liverpool win
Liverpool over 1.5 goals
Over 3.5 cards
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)