Liverpool come into the match on a three-game losing streak in all competitions, a rare run under Arne Slot.
Despite that, their defeats have often been by narrow margins or late goals, suggesting some bad luck or fine margins rather than total collapse.
Manchester United, meanwhile, have had some encouraging recent moments. They’ve registered two wins in their past three games, which gives them a bit of confidence heading into a difficult trip.
However, United’s away form is deeply problematic: they haven’t won on the road in their last eight Premier League matches (D2, L6).
At home, Liverpool are historically very strong. They’ve lost only 2 of their last 53 home league games, and at Anfield, United’s record is especially poor.
The Liverpool–Manchester United rivalry is among the fiercest in English (and global) football. Proximity, history, and competing success have fueled it for over a century.
United have long struggled at Anfield in the Premier League — their last league win there dates back to January 2016.
Recent head-to-heads also favor Liverpool: in the last 14 league meetings, Liverpool have won 7, drawn 6, and lost 1.
Mohamed Salah has been a particularly thorn in United’s side: he has 13 goals in 15 Premier League appearances vs them.
Given those dynamics, United go in as underdogs, but that can be freeing: less pressure, more to gain.
Liverpool’s problems & what Slot must fix
Full-back instability: With both Trent Alexander-Arnold (now at Real Madrid) and Andy Robertson gone, Liverpool lack the attacking width and defensive assurance that those two used to provide. Slot has experimented with Milos Kerkez, Conor Bradley, Joe Gomez, and even converting midfielders into full-backs, but consistency is lacking.
Finding the balance for Wirtz: Liverpool’s marquee summer signing, Florian Wirtz, has not yet fully found his rhythm in the Premier League. Playing him too centrally can upset midfield balance; playing him too wide risks underutilizing his creativity.
Defensive lapses & late concessions: Liverpool have conceded multiple times late in matches this season. They’ve registered fewer clean sheets than expected given their squad.
Predictability in attack: Because Slot is still settling on his ideal starting XI and system, sometimes Liverpool’s attacking patterns aren’t fluid or unpredictable enough to break compact defenses.
Slot needs to stabilize his defence, figure out where his wide play comes from (given weaker full-back options), and ensure Wirtz is used in a role that helps rather than hurts balance.
United’s tactical options & challenges
Back three as an underdog weapon: While many critics see as a drawback, Ruben Amorim’s back-three system might serve United well here. Liverpool have struggled against back threes in recent matches, and United could use wing-backs to overload wide areas.
Exploit transitions & wide overloads: United will likely look to hit Liverpool on the break or in wide zones, especially if Liverpool push forward. The wings and midfields will be key battlegrounds.
Reliance on Bruno Fernandes: Fernandes will be central to United’s hopes: his chance creation, passing, and leadership will be critical. He already leads United in chance creation this season.
Low conversion rate: Though United have had many shots (110 so far in the league, the most in the division) and many on target, their conversion rate has been subpar (~11 %).
Defensive risk: Playing out from the back or pushing too high could leave them vulnerable to Liverpool’s pressing. Mistakes in transitions may be punished ruthlessly.
If United’s structure is sound and they remain disciplined, they can frustrate Liverpool and look for moments to pounce.
Players to watch:
Mohamed Salah – his history and goal-scoring against United make him a constant threat.
Bruno Fernandes – United’s creative engine. If he gets time and space, he can carve openings.
Florian Wirtz – his form, positioning, and integration will be under scrutiny.
Liverpool full-backs / wing-backs – the players chosen there could swing the match in attack or defence.
Prediction & Outcome Scenarios
Given all these factors:
Liverpool remain favorites, especially at home and given United’s poor away record.
But it won’t be an easy ride. United, tactically disciplined, could frustrate and snatch something.
A draw is a plausible “sensible” outcome if United do well defensively and Liverpool can’t find consistency.
If I were to bet: Liverpool win, possibly 2-1, or a tight 2-2 draw if United manage to hit on the break.
