Liverpool vs Manchester United Preview: Old Rivals Clash Amid Turbulent Form

Liverpool and Manchester United renew one of football’s fiercest rivalries at Anfield this weekend, with both clubs desperate to rediscover form in contrasting yet equally turbulent circumstances.

Liverpool, who began the campaign with a flourish of last-minute winners, now find themselves victims of late heartbreaks. The reigning champions have suffered back-to-back Premier League defeats courtesy of stoppage-time goals, including a 2–1 loss to Chelsea just before the international break a result that allowed Arsenal to climb to the top of the table. Arne Slot’s side are now on the brink of unwanted history: they have not lost four consecutive games in 38 years, but defeat on Sunday would see that streak broken.

Despite their stumbles, Liverpool’s home record remains formidable. If they win, they will set a new club record of ten consecutive unbeaten home league games against Manchester United. Anfield has remained an impenetrable fortress, with the Reds undefeated in their last 20 league matches there. A single goal this weekend would bring up 50 Premier League goals at home under Slot, while one more point would mark his 100th in the competition achieved faster than any Liverpool manager in history.

The Reds have also gone five games unbeaten against United in the Premier League, winning two and drawing three, and have completed a Premier League double over their old rivals on five occasions most recently in 2021–22.

Liverpool’s preparation has been mixed on the injury front but not overly concerning. Ryan Gravenberch was withdrawn at halftime during the Netherlands’ 4–0 win over Finland but is fully fit, while Ibrahima Konaté has returned to training after pulling out of France duty. Alisson, however, remains sidelined with a hamstring injury. Mohamed Salah, who made World Cup qualifying history over the international break, will once again be the key man. The Egyptian has more goals (13) and goal involvements (19) against Manchester United than any other player in Premier League history, and he will relish facing a patched-up United defence.

Rúben Amorim’s side arrive at Anfield in similarly uncertain form. United have struggled for consistency winning three, losing three, and drawing one of their last seven league matches and remain one of the league’s poorest travellers. Only Brentford and Burnley have earned fewer away points this season. Manchester United have not won any of their last eight Premier League away games and have not triumphed at Anfield in league action since 2016.

Amorim’s injury concerns persist, with Lisandro Martínez still weeks away and doubts over Noussair Mazraoui and Ayden Heaven, though Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro, Amad Diallo, and Matheus Cunha are all available.

Both sides enter this clash under pressure and out of form. Liverpool are desperate to halt a rare losing run, while Manchester United continue to struggle for consistency away from home. It’s a fixture already steeped in rivalry and expectation but with both teams in need of a response, the stakes feel as high as ever.