Liverpool vs Man United: Live Stream, Prediction & Lineups

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The Premier League returns with a blockbuster clash as Liverpool host Manchester United at Anfield in Gameweek 20. While Liverpool aim to maintain their dominance atop the table, Manchester United are desperate to reverse their dismal run of form.

Liverpool have enjoyed an outstanding first half of the 2024/25 season under new manager Arne Slot. Despite an early stumble against Nottingham Forest, the Reds remain unbeaten in 23 matches across all competitions and hold a six-point lead at the top of the table with a game in hand.

In stark contrast, Manchester United are enduring a season of turmoil. Following Erik ten Hag’s early departure, Ruben Amorim has struggled to steady the ship. United have suffered three consecutive defeats to close out 2024, leaving them languishing in 14th place, just seven points clear of the relegation zone.

Liverpool dominated the reverse fixture earlier this season, cruising to a 3-0 win at Old Trafford thanks to goals from Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah. With the two teams on opposite ends of the form spectrum, all signs point to another challenging outing for the Red Devils.

Team News & Tactics

Liverpool

Arne Slot has a relatively healthy squad heading into this fixture, with Joe Gomez the only confirmed absentee due to a hamstring injury. Conor Bradley (thigh) and Ibrahima Konate (knee) are back in training and face late fitness tests, while Dominik Szoboszlai returns from suspension.

Liverpool are expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Alisson Becker in goal. The backline will likely feature Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jarell Quansah, Virgil van Dijk, and Andrew Robertson, though Konate might replace Quansah if declared fit.

In midfield, Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch will anchor the team, while Szoboszlai operates as the creative force in the no. 10 role. Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz will provide width and attacking flair, with Diogo Jota leading the line. Cody Gakpo remains an option if rotation is considered.

Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1):
Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Quansah, van Dijk, Robertson; Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Salah, Szoboszlai, Diaz; Jota

Manchester United

Ruben Amorim has no fresh injury concerns, but he remains without Victor Lindelof (muscle), Luke Shaw (calf), and Mason Mount (hamstring). Marcus Rashford also misses out due to illness, though Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte are back from suspension.

United will likely stick with a 3-4-2-1 formation. Andre Onana will start in goal, supported by a defensive trio of Leny Yoro, Harry Maguire, and Lisandro Martinez. Noussair Mazraoui and Diogo Dalot will function as wing-backs, tasked with providing width and creativity.

In midfield, Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo will aim to control possession, while Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo take on playmaking duties. Rasmus Hojlund will spearhead the attack.

Probable Lineup (3-4-2-1):
Onana; Yoro, Maguire, Martinez; Mazraoui, Mainoo, Ugarte, Dalot; Diallo, Bruno Fernandes; Hojlund

Key Stats

Liverpool have lost just once in their last 13 Premier League games against Manchester United (W7 D5).
Manchester United are winless in their last eight league visits to Anfield (D4 L4), their longest such run since 1970–1979.
Liverpool have opened a New Year atop the Premier League table for the fifth time in seven seasons. Only in 2019/20 did they convert this into a title win.
Arne Slot’s Liverpool have lost just one of 27 matches across all competitions (W23 D3), with the sole defeat coming against Nottingham Forest.
Manchester United have conceded a joint league-high 21 goals under Ruben Amorim and collected only seven points from 24 available (W2 D1 L5).
Mohamed Salah has scored 12 goals and provided six assists against Manchester United in the Premier League, more than any other player in history.

Player to Watch: Mohamed Salah

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Mohamed Salah has been in sensational form this season, with 17 goals and 13 assists in just 18 Premier League games. The Egyptian’s knack for delivering in big games makes him a nightmare for Manchester United, who have struggled defensively this season.

With rumors swirling about his potential departure at the end of the season, Salah will be eager to leave an indelible mark. Expect him to extend his record-breaking tally against Manchester United on Sunday.