The headline match of the weekend sees Liverpool host Manchester United at Anfield. Here’s a full pre-match analysis, including team news, predicted lineups, match predictions, and betting tips.
Odds:
| Liverpool | Draw | Manchester United | |
| American | -167 | +333 | +350 |
| Decimal | 1.60 | 4.33 | 4.50 |
| Fractional | 3/5 | 333/100 | 7/2 |
Last Season’s Head-to-Head Matches
Last season, Liverpool picked up a dominant 3-0 win at Old Trafford and this exact fixture saw a 2-2 draw between the two sides.
Liverpool Team News
Liverpool enter this fixture on the back of three consecutive defeats across all competitions and have also suffered a few new injuries following the international break.
Alisson Becker remains sidelined, while Ryan Gravenberch left international duty early after picking up a knock. However, he is expected to return for Sunday’s match. Ibrahima Konaté also picked up a minor issue during the break but, like Gravenberch, is expected to be fit and available for selection against United.
Manchester United Team News
Manchester United come into the match continuing the same trend they’ve shown over multiple seasons – inconsistent form. The Red Devils have particularly struggled on the road this season, and a trip to Anfield will pose a stern test.
Out for United this weekend is the usual absentee, Lisandro Martínez. Noussair Mazraoui is also sidelined with injury and is expected to not be fully fit for Sunday’s match.
Predicted Starting Lineups
Liverpool Lineup Notes
I’m predicting we’ll see some significant changes to Liverpool’s setup in this match. The team has struggled recently, and a shake-up from Arne Slot would not be surprising.
Florian Wirtz has had a difficult start to the season, and I wouldn’t be surprised if Slot deployed him on Liverpool’s left wing. There’s a strong chance we finally see Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike, and Wirtz all starting together in attack.
In midfield, Alexis Mac Allister could make way if Gravenberch proves fit enough to start. Liverpool fans will also be hoping Konaté is ready to return to the starting lineup.
With Alisson still unavailable, Giorgi Mamardashvili is set to start in goal once again.
Manchester United Lineup Notes
Mason Mount is available and could be an option on the left side in place of Matheus Cunha. United’s midfield will need to move the ball quickly and make sharp decisions under Liverpool’s press. I expect Casemiro to start due to his experience, but in my opinion, Rúben Amorim would be wise to start Kobbie Mainoo. Mainoo’s ball-playing ability and composure could be vital for progressing play up the pitch.
Match Preview
This match represents an opportunity for both clubs to reset and find momentum through a statement victory.
Liverpool will look to tighten their defensive issues and sharpen their attacking play, while Manchester United will aim to strike quickly in transition and maintain a high work rate hoping to wear down Liverpool’s front line, which has struggled at times this season to adapt to Slot’s aggressive pressing scheme.
Liverpool have leaned heavily on their left-hand side in attack due to the quality they possess there in terms of ball progression, movement, and interplay. I predict Liverpool will set up slightly differently this time, with Slot eager to get the best out of Florian Wirtz. Dropping Cody Gakpo would be a bold move, but it may be one worth taking. Moving Wirtz to the left wing would allow Slot to position Hugo Ekitike in a “number 10” role – acting as a shadow striker behind Isak and operating within the left half-space. [See image below]
Liverpool’s 4-2-3-1 shape transitions into an attacking 2-3-5, with the full-backs pushing high and tucking in slightly to form a midfield three with Gravenberch. Virgil van Dijk and Konaté remain as the defensive two. This limited defensive structure in transition has been a key reason why Liverpool have been so vulnerable to opposition counter-attacks.
Meanwhile, Rúben Amorim’s Manchester United side set up in a 3-4-3, shifting into a 5-2-2-1 shape when defending. [See image below]
Manchester United’s defensive 5-2-2-1 structure allows them to transition quickly into counter-attacks when they regain possession in their own final third. United’s front three will have opportunities to break at pace, potentially creating 3-v-2 situations against Liverpool’s centre-backs depending on the positioning of the two attacking midfielders when possession is won. United’s attackers will need to capitalize on these moments if they hope to come away from Anfield with anything.
Liverpool’s interplay down their left-hand side (United’s right) could pay dividends, as it will likely pull United’s already limited midfield numbers out of position, opening up space in central areas. [See image below]
Liverpool’s midfielders and pivot (CDM) could prove to be the most influential attackers for the Reds on Sunday through their disruptive movement, dragging United players out of position and creating gaps for others to rotate into and receive. Ryan Gravenberch is expected to push forward in this match, and I have no doubt he will make the most of the space afforded to him – whether by firing shots on target or picking out key progressive passes.
However, Liverpool have struggled with their high press this season. The front line, in particular, has had issues with man-marking during pressing sequences. Players such as Hugo Ekitike, Florian Wirtz, and Alexis Mac Allister have at times failed to track their assigned midfielders, allowing the opposition to find open passing options in the build-up phase. Combined with a lack of pressing intensity, this has made it too easy for opponents to bypass Liverpool’s front line and advance the ball into the middle third with relative ease.
These are understandable growing pains for a team integrating so many new faces, each adapting to specific pressing roles, but what has been more concerning for Arne Slot’s side is the inconsistent work rate and occasional lapses in urgency.
The cracks have shown in Liverpool’s pressing system, defensive structure, and susceptibility to counter-attacks throughout the season. Those issues have often gone under the radar thanks to the Reds’ prolific attack, which has regularly produced 2–4 goals per match and delivered late winners. However, with the goals now drying up and the team suffering three consecutive losses, questions are beginning to be asked about this Liverpool side.
That said, I expect Liverpool – at home, in front of the Anfield crowd, and desperate to respond – to start this match firing on all cylinders. If their key players are fit and available, this could be the statement win Slot’s men need.
Betting Tips
Pick 1: Liverpool Win
Odds:
- American: -167
- Decimal: 1.60
- Fractional: 3/5
Liverpool, at home and coming off three straight defeats prior to the international break, have the perfect opportunity to make a statement here – and I believe they’ll seize it. In attack, they’ll look to create numerical overloads down the left side, pulling Manchester United’s midfielders out of position and unlocking space in dangerous central areas.
We know Liverpool can be ruthless in front of goal, and I expect that to show in this match. United pose a threat on the counter, but they’ve yet to consistently prove themselves as dangerous finishers this season. I think this will be the match where Arne Slot’s side begin taking genuine steps toward fixing both their defensive frailties and their pressing issues.
For additional context, our Win Probability Calculator gives Liverpool a 73% chance of victory – a comfortable cushion for this pick.
Pick: Liverpool Win
Pick 2: 1+ Goal in Each Half + Over 8.5 Total Shots on Target (SoT)
Odds:
- American: -167
- Decimal: 1.60
- Fractional: 3/5
I expect Liverpool to start strong at Anfield, putting immediate pressure on United from the first whistle. The Reds should be able to find an early goal, especially given that Manchester United have conceded six first-half goals in seven league matches this season – nearly one per first half on average.
In those same seven matches, there have been 10 first-half goals and 10 second-half goals combined across both teams – an average of 1.43 goals per half in United fixtures. Expect another strong second half here as well, as Liverpool have scored nine second-half goals this season, while United have conceded seven in that same period.
As for total shots on target, the Over 8.5 line looks very achievable. United average 4.57 shots on target per match, while Liverpool average 4.14. With Liverpool’s susceptibility to counters and United’s quick front line that tends to shoot on sight, both teams should contribute to that total. Liverpool’s controlled possession and intricate play in the final third will also generate several shots of their own.
Pick: 1+ Goal in Each Half + Over 8.5 Total Shots on Target (SoT)
Disclaimer: The betting picks and analysis shared are for informational purposes only and are not guarantees of outcome or financial advice. Please gamble responsibly and only risk money you are willing to lose.
