Manchester United will lock horns with Liverpool at Old Trafford on Monday night, hoping to pick up a positive result on their home turf. The Red Devils will be coming into the match on the back of an embarrassing 4-0 defeat to Brentford, whereas the Reds recorded a 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace.
Let’s look at how things are shaping ahead of the weekend clash.
Team News
Victor Lindelof remains out of the weekend clash, but Anthony Martial could be involved on Monday night.
“Victor has not returned to the training pitch but the good news is that Anthony Martial is back in training with the team,” – Ten Hag told the media.
As a result, Erik Ten Hag will probably opt for the 4-3-3 formation with a couple of changes from the last game as Raphael Varane looks likely to make his way back into the starting eleven.
Flipping over to the visitors, there’s plenty of bad news on the injury front for Liverpool as Joel Matip, Roberto Firmino, Thiago Alcantara, Ibrahima Konate, Curtis Jones, Diogo Jota, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and Calvin Ramsay remain either absent or as doubts for the trip to Manchester.
‘Darwin Nunez is set to serve a three-match Premier League suspension following his red card against Palace on August 15.’ – Liverpool’s official website stated.
Jurgen Klopp might opt for the 4-3-3 formation with several tweaks from the last game. In midfield, Naby Keita might get the nod over Harvey Elliott, whereas Joe Gomez looks likely to make his way back into the starting eleven.
Tactical Preview
Having started the season with two losses in two games, Manchester United would be determined to turn the tide on Monday. However, it is under no doubt that Erik Ten Hag has a next-to-impossible task at hand – helping to rebuild arguably one of the biggest (and worst-run) clubs in England. Casemiro’s unavailability means the Dutchman will have to rely on either Fred or Scott McTominay to do the job in midfield. As obvious as it is, Jurgen Klopp would look to take advantage of the fact and dominate the midfield proceedings on Monday night. Nunez’s absence would take a considerable burden off Lisandro Martinez’s shoulders; however, it’s the Salah vs Malacia battle that would decide the match’s outcome.
Predicted Lineups
Liverpool possible starting XI:
Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, van Dijk, Gomez, Robertson; Fabinho, Keita, Henderson; Salah, Firmino, Diaz
Manchester United possible starting XI:
De Gea; Dalot, Martinez, Varane, Malacia; McTominay, Eriksen; Fernandes; Rashford, Ronaldo, Sancho
Our Prediction
Manchester United 0-3 Liverpool.
