LIVERPOOL VS MANCHESTER UNITED – PREMIER LEAGUE PREVIEW

The international break ends with a fixture that needs no introduction. Liverpool versus Manchester United remains the headline act of English football — a rivalry of history, ego, and identity. While the two clubs currently exist in contrasting realities, with Liverpool the reigning champions and United still undergoing structural repairs, the intrigue remains undimmed, and the footballing world awaits with anticipation.

Arne Slot’s Liverpool have hit their first real crossroads of the campaign. After three consecutive defeats across the Premier League and Champions League, the Reds need a reaction to reassert control at the top of the table. Sitting one point behind Arsenal, the reigning champions must rediscover rhythm and conviction at Anfield against an opponent desperate to halt their own decline.

For the United boss, Rúben Amorim, this is a chance to inject credibility into a faltering project that remains uncertain about its future. The Portuguese coach has steadied results but continues to face the same long-term questions that have haunted his predecessors: can United match intensity, structure, and bravery against the elite?

MANCHESTER UNITED AVAILABILITY

Amorim’s side arrives on Merseyside with form still as fragile as its defensive balance, despite some heartening recent wins. United’s inconsistency has been fuelled by rotation and key absences, however, this next phase of the season is vital to progression. Before a home 2-0 win over Sunderland came a 3-1 loss away to Brentford and a 2-1 win over visiting Chelsea. Lisandro Martínez remains sidelined through injury, while Ayden Heaven and Noussair Mazraoui are doubts. Following seven games thus far, an uninspiring 10th place is held with only ten points taken.

In attack, Rasmus Højlund and Alejandro Garnacho will look to exploit space behind Liverpool’s high line, while Jadon Sancho could be restored after promising international form.

PREDICTED MANCHESTER UNITED LINEUP (3-4-2-1):

GK: Senne Lammens

RCB: Matthijs de Ligt

CB: Harry Maguire

LCB: Luke Shaw

RWB: Amad Diallo

LWB: Diogo Dalot

CM: Casemiro

CM: Bruno Fernandes

LW: Mason Mount

RW: Bryan Mbeumo

CF: Benjamin Šeško

LIVERPOOL AVAILABILITY

Arne Slot will be hoping to welcome back key figures at a time when representing their countries may have taken on a new form which was previously lacking. Alexis Mac Allister’s resurgence during international duty provides hope of restored control, while Ibrahima Konaté may miss out due to a minor injury which saw him return to training only on Friday.  Giovanni Leoni is out for the season, whereas Alisson Becker needs at least another week before he is ready to return.

The focus will again fall on how Liverpool builds from deep without Trent Alexander-Arnold, whose departure has clearly disrupted the rhythm. Ibrahima Konaté’s form remains inconsistent amid ongoing speculation over his future, and his understanding with Conor Bradley must sharpen, which could see both Joe Gomez and Jeremie Frimpong brought into the side. Florian Wirtz is expected to regain his starting place as the creative fulcrum, with Salah tasked with rediscovering his sharpness in front of goal. Despite some poor form, the Reds sit second in the league and are just a point behind leaders Arsenal.