Manchester United vs Liverpool: Prediction, Preview & Betting Tips

Despite the narrative surrounding both sides, this is an extremely tough one to call. Manchester United are unbeaten in their last three meetings against Liverpool. However, in recent years, Liverpool have inflicted some of the worst results Manchester United have had in the Premier League era, which included a 5-0 mauling at Old Trafford.

The last two league meetings have resulted in a point each for either side, with the previous victory being Liverpool’s 7-0 thumping at Anfield two seasons ago. This fixture is known for the amount of goals scored, with the Over 2.5 market landing in nine of the ten previous meetings between the two sides.

Mohamed Salah has made this fixture his own since his arrival on Merseyside in 2017. The Egyptian forward has 11 goals and three assists in 13 appearances in the Premier League against Manchester United. Liverpool have been the first-half winner in four of the last five meetings between the two teams.

Last season, Manchester United performed exceptionally well in quashing any narrative that they would see a humbling in both league fixtures. Unfortunately, the Red Devils will run out of luck. Therefore, we expect a cagey affair in which Liverpool will come out on top with a 2-1 win.

Manchester United 1-2 Liverpool

All eyes will be on Old Trafford as England’s two most successful teams write another chapter in their historic rivalry as Manchester United hosts Liverpool at Old Trafford in Sunday’s showcase game.

Date: 01/09/2024
Location: Old Trafford
Kick-Off: 4.00 pm

The Premier League fixture list has brought the biggest game of English Football on viewing for the fans early as both sides are eager to make a statement early on in the season. Erik Ten Hag will feel the pressure of the faith trusted upon him by the new regime at Manchester United and knows that this fixture could be a season-defining one not just for the club but also for his tenure. As for Arne Slot, his style of football has rejuvenated Liverpool’s hopes of perhaps mounting a surprising challenge for the title as the Dutchman has seemingly adapted to fill the enormous void left by Jürgen Klopp’s departure last season.

Last season, these two rivals faced off in three epic encounters across the league and cup competitions. The first meeting occurred at Anfield, where Liverpool largely dominated the play; however, in a throwback to a Jose Mourinho Chelsea-style performance at Anfield, Manchester United held firm and gained a valuable point. The game was particularly memorable because of the performance of Kobbie Mainoo and Diogo Dalot, who received a red card late on.

The second league meeting between the two teams was the same tale of the tape, with Liverpool again squandering opportunities to win the game. Luis Diaz opened the scoring for the away side at Old Trafford from a corner kick routine. Liverpool seemed in control until a wayward pass allowed Bruno Fernandes to score just inside the Liverpool half. Kobbie Mainoo produced a moment of quality with a curling effort into the top right corner. Mohamed Salah then equalised from the spot as the points were shared.

The FA Cup quarter-final between the two produced arguably one of the greatest games in the competition’s history. Six goals were shared between the two teams as we entered into the last minute of extra-time, to which Manchester United found themselves with a two-on-one opportunity in which a goal from second-half substitute Amad Diallo sparked unbelievable scenes at Old Trafford and provided Manchester United with a last gasp victory.

The game will be live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League in the UK.

Erik Ten Hag will have some choices following the recent loss to Brighton and Hove Albion. Matthijs de Ligt could make his first start for the reds. An option that does present itself could be the impending arrival of Manuel Ugarte, which, if he signs before this game, could be an outside option for Ten Hag to use, but as it stands, that won’t be the case.

Predicted Eleven: Onana, Mazraoui, De Ligt, Martinez, Dalot, Casemiro, Mainoo, Fernandes, Mount, Amad, Garnacho.

Liverpool Team News

Arne Slot has stated that Liverpool will only pursue players if they are to improve their eleven, and without a signing in the midfield area this summer, Ryan Gravenberch has found a new role within the team. The Dutch international has deployed a deep playmaking number six, which has elevated the team’s use of control and possession of the ball.

Predicted Eleven: Alisson, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Van Dijk, Konate, Robertson, Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Salah, Jota, Diaz.

Last season, Manchester United were the victors in the H2H battle across three games, having won the FA Cup tie, which ended Liverpool’s quadruple dreams and provided Jürgen Klopp with a not-so-happy ending at his final visit to Old Trafford. The last time Manchester United recorded a league double over Liverpool was in 2015/16 under Louis van Gaal.

Interestingly, Manchester United are unbeaten in their last three home meetings with Liverpool, with Liverpool’s last league win at Old Trafford being the 5-0 win, which sparked the last month or so of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s reign as manager of Manchester United.

As mentioned earlier in this piece, Manchester United didn’t enjoy a stellar season compared to the first one under Erik Ten Hag, especially at Old Trafford. The Red Devils ranked as the eighth highest for home form last season, which coincidentally was their league position last season. The home side picked up 33 points from a possible 57 at Old Trafford last season, and some of their home defeats included the likes of Fulham, Crystal Palace and, most notably, Bournemouth.

This season, Manchester United won late against Fulham thanks to a goal from debutant Joshua Zirkzee. However, fate would have it; they suffered a late defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion the week after, with a goal from Joao Pedro condemning the Red Devils to their first defeat already this season.

Liverpool have been unbeaten in their last ten games, stretching back to last season. This may be stretched to eleven games on the bounce if they are to beat Brentford before they face Manchester United. Liverpool’s away form was spectacular as they competed against Arsenal and eventual Champions Manchester City in an epic title race between the two teams.

The Reds picked up 34 points from a possible 53. However, they only lost three times on the road last season, that being Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal and Everton - which turned out to be the most damning defeat of them all as it effectively ended their title hopes. Mohamed Salah will be integral for Liverpool in this fixture. The Egyptian forward has 11 goals and three assists in 13 appearances in the Premier League against Manchester United.

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