Match Preview: Liverpool battles Manchester United to kickstart 2025

Liverpool cannot allow history to repeat itself after displaying more balance, efficiency and dominance in both defensive and offensive phases. The cumulative of everything that happened in 2024 makes it necessary for Liverpool to start 2025 in the best way.

Meanwhile, United have struggled more than they have in the recent past after sacking Erik ten Hag earlier this season. However, Man United remain a bogey team that gets unlikely results like they did in last season’s FA Cup final

The Red Devils have only won 11 games from 28 matches in all competitions so far this season. United’s new manager Ruben Amorim has struggled to provide a boost to the club despite coming with a huge reputation.

Liverpool vs Manchester United: Recent Premier League and head-to-head form

Many pundits outlined Liverpool’s interest in Amorim as a successor to the legendary manager Jurgen Klopp, avoiding certain key truths. While Liverpool had few top names including Amorim in their shortlist, the Merseyside giants only approached and secured the service of Slot.

Man United’s form in the last five Premier League games highlights why Liverpool did not sign Amorim as Klopp’s successor. The former Sporting CP manager established his formation and style of play immediately but that has hurt the Red Devils.

United have lost four out of their last five Premier League games, failing to score in their last three matches. They have conceded 15 goals in their last five games in the Premier League, playing Amorim’s favourite 3-4-3 tactical formation.

Meanwhile, Liverpool have won three out of their last five Premier League games, drawing two against Newcastle United and Fulham. Liverpool are heading into 2025 against Manchester United after a dominant 0-5 victory over West Ham United to secure a healthy lead.

Liverpool are six points ahead of second-place Arsenal with a game in hand, but they need to maintain their momentum. In the last 10 Premier League games between Liverpool and Man United, the Reds have defeated their arch-rival six times, with three draws and a loss. The Reds have scored 28 goals in those 10 Premier League games, while Man United have scored only six.  

Liverpool vs Manchester United: Predicted Lineup

Man United will make several changes after their demoralizing loss to Newcastle United in their last game of 2024. The Red Devils will welcome the return of their captain Bruno Fernandes along with Manuel Ugarte after their respective suspensions.

Luke Shaw, Mason Mount and Victor Lindelof remain injured while Marcus Rashford’s future at United remains uncertain despite his availability. Kobbie Mainoo replaced Joshua Zirkzee earlier in the first half against Newcastle United creating a major controversy. That incident is enough to assume that Zirkzee will not start against the Reds at Anfield on Sunday.

Manchester United’s predicted XI- Onana, De Ligt, Yoro, Martinez, Mazraoui, Mainoo, Ugarte, Diallo, Fernandes, Garnacho, Hojlund

Liverpool have Joe Gomez as a new addition to their injured list after suffering a hamstring injury against West Ham. After a week-long break, Ibrahima Konate and Conor Bradley are nearing their return to the senior team and may receive selection for the Anfield game.

Alisson Becker will continue his role as the first-choice goalkeeper, hoping to add to the clean sheet against the Hammers. Trent Alexander-Arnold will play as the right-back while the Kopites and the 26-year-old hopefully ignore the off-field Real Madrid drama.

Slot could potentially give Konate the start or let him gradually return to the starting lineup by starting Jarell Quansah. Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk will keep his place as the dominant quarterback for the team. Andy Robertson has a lot to prove after his inconsistent first half of the season, playing as the left-back.

The Reds midfield have regularly started Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister in the double-pivot role during the first half of the season. Slot will continue that trend while potentially playing Dominik Szoboszlai ahead of in-form Curtis Jones in the midfield.

Szoboszlai’s energy is exactly what Liverpool needs against Amorim’s United who will try to increase their energy after their lethargic display against the Magpies. Meanwhile, Liverpool’s attack should have Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo in the flanks as the duo continue to shine.

Luis Diaz could once again play as the false nine as United will put in a three-man defence. However, Slot could potentially give Diogo Jota a start if he sees something that the team can tactically exploit with a clinical number nine.

Liverpool’s predicted XI- Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Quansah, Van Dijk, Robertson, Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Salah, Gakpo, Diaz

Liverpool vs Manchester United: Scoreline prediction.

Liverpool should start 2025 by avoiding any complacency throughout the 90 minutes and dominating their struggling arch-rivals. While United have displayed the capacity to create a shock, if Liverpool plays their game, there is no stopping them.

Liverpool fans will gladly take a close victory as long as they secure the three points, but we believe the Reds should win this game with a comfortable 3-0 scoreline.