New Delhi: The mouthwatering showdown between Manchester United and Liverpool will kick off at 8:30 pm today at the Stamford Stadium. The managerial rivalry between Erik ten Hag and Arne Slot will be back in action for the second time after Merseyside giants stormed a 3-0 pre-season victory over United.
Manchester United
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag looks on after the Premier League match between Manchester United FC and Fulham FC at Old Trafford on August 16, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
After a disappointing loss to Brighton last weekend, Manchester United will be eager to get back to winning ways at Old Trafford. The Red Devils have shown signs of improvement under Erik ten Hag, but inconsistency has plagued their performances. After their second defeat in just three competitive matches this season United have suffered an excruciating penalty shootout loss to City and have thus far no signs of a major revival since Ten Hag was spared the axe.
With a chance to win three consecutive home league matches for the first time since August 2023, United will be motivated to deliver a strong performance against Liverpool. However, the visitors will be no pushovers as having secured a victory over United in their previous encounter.
Liverpool
Liverpool’s Manager Arne Slot during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Brentford FC at Anfield on August 25, 2024 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Dave Howarth – CameraSport via Getty Images)
Jürgen Klopp’s departure from Liverpool has opened up a new chapter for the club. Under new manager, Arne Slot, the Reds have made a promising start to the season, winning their first two league matches. Slot is one of just four managers to oversee two wins from two wins in this season.
History is not on Liverpool’s side as Slot prepares for his first competitive match against the 20-times English champions. Despite their recent successes, Liverpool’s first-half performances have left room for improvement. However, their expected goals tally of 5.3 is still the highest in the league indicating their offensive potential.
Slot’s impressive record in the Premier League and his team’s strong defensive performances suggest that they are capable of upsetting Manchester United. As the two teams prepare to face off, Liverpool will be looking to extend their unbeaten run against United and make a statement in the Premier League.
Team News
Mason Mount of Manchester United FC during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion FC and Manchester United FC at Amex Stadium on August 24, 2024 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images)
In Manchester United’s defeat to Brighton last weekend, injury was practically compounded by misfortune when unfortunate Mason Mount was forced out at halftime due to a thigh injury. He has since acknowledged that he will miss a few games.
Mount will join the other team members Leny Yoro (foot), Rasmus Hojlund (hamstring), Tyrell Malacia (knee), Luke Shaw (calf), and Victor Lindelof (toe) who are also injured. In his absence, Zirkee will undoubtedly make his debut as Bruno Fernandes occupies the number 10 slot.
Although the Red Devils were able to complete a deal for the former midfield player of Paris Saint-Germain, Manuel Ugarte will not be able to make his club debut on Sunday since he failed to register by noon on deadline day.
Moving on to recruits who could make their debuts this weekend, Liverpool may have struck the best deal of the summer when they paid just £10 million to sign Federico Chiesa, an attacker who won the Euro 2024 championship with Juventus.
However, Slot has acknowledged that Chiesa is unlikely to make his Old Trafford debut unless any last-minute injuries force him to. This is due to his lack of playing time in recent weeks and his well-documented fitness issues. Virgil van Dijk will make his 200th appearance for the Liverpool side.
Head-to-Head
The rivalry between Manchester United and Liverpool has been one of the most iconic in English football history. The two clubs have faced off 242 times, with United holding a slight edge in the head-to-head record.
While United has historically dominated the rivalry in recent years Liverpool have enjoyed a resurgence. The Reds’ 7-0 victory at Anfield in 2023 was a stark reminder of their ability to humiliate their arch-rivals. However, United has also had moments of glory, including a 4-3 FA Cup win in the 2023-24 season.
In the Premier League, United has a narrow advantage in the head-to-head record. Wayne Rooney is the top goalscorer for United in these encounters, while Mohamed Salah leads the way for Liverpool. However, Salah has been particularly dominant in recent years, scoring in his last six appearances at Old Trafford.
The rivalry between these two legendary clubs continues to captivate fans around the world. As the two teams prepare to face off once again, the anticipation is high for another thrilling chapter in this storied rivalry.
Predicted lineup
Manchester United: Onana; Mazraoui, De Ligt, Martinez, Dalot; Mainoo, Casemiro; Diallo, Fernandes, Garnacho; Zirkzee
Liverpool: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Salah, Szoboszlai, Diaz; Jota
When, where, and how to watch the Manchester United vs Liverpool match in India?
The Manchester United vs Liverpool Premier League 2024-25 match will be telecast live by Star Sports Network in India. Fans can join the Star Sports Network at 8:30 pm today to watch the game. For those looking for a streaming option, the match will also be streaming live on the Disney+ Hotstar website and app.
Match Prediction
Liverpool did not win any of the three matches that they played against Manchester United in last season despite being the favorites. Two swift trips to Old Trafford in 2024 ended in 2-2 draws after ninety minutes, with Man Utd winning the FA Cup match 4-3 in extra time. The match began with a goalless draw at Anfield.
This weekend might turn out as a game-changer for Liverpool as they are racking up the highest number of expected goals so far this season. They did defeat Manchester United 3-0 in the preseason, but they also gave the Red Devils plenty of opportunities.
Final Scoreline: Manchester United 1-2 Liverpool
Manchester United will host Liverpool at Old Trafford today as the managerial rivals Erik ten Hag and Arne Slot reunite for the second time. Check out the latest on team news, lineups, and match insights. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
