One the biggest rivalries in the Premier League is renewed early in the 2024-25 season as Liverpool make the short trip to Manchester United.
A victory for either side would be huge going into the September international break and with the impending closure of the summer transfer window.
This fixture last season saw the two sides draw 2-2 at Old Trafford, a result which marked the beginning of the end of Liverpool’s title charge.
Can Arne Slot’s men pick up a crucial victory on Sunday afternoon? NetBet has previewed the big fixture and provided the latest football odds.
And remember, NetBet customers can play our Correct Score Predictor again this week to be in with a chance of winning up to £5,000. All you have to do is predict the score of the four chosen Premier League fixtures!
Manchester United vs Liverpool
Sunday, September 1, 4.00pm
Old Trafford, Manchester, England
Live on Sky Sports
Manchester United vs Liverpool Preview
After 2-0 wins over Ipswich and Brentford, this feels like the first major test of Slot’s career at Liverpool.
So far, the Dutchman has exceeded expectations, with the Reds looking strong defensively and ruthless on the counterattack through the likes of Mohamed Salah and Diogo Jota.
But against United, Liverpool may have to rely on more creative genius, as the hosts are likely to sit back and wait for opportunities to pounce.
Erik ten Hag’s side often struggle when they are asked to dominate possession. They had 52% of the ball at Brighton last weekend but were on the receiving end of a 2-1 loss, so expect them to operate a bit deeper on Sunday afternoon.
The Red Devils will look to wreak havoc in transition and make sure the likes of Amad Diallo, Joshua Zirkzee and Marcus Rashford are able to isolate Liverpool defenders in 1v1 situations.
Zirkzee could be the key figure for United with this gameplan, due to his giant frame and ability to hold up the ball.
If Ten Hag persists with Bruno Fernandes as a ‘false nine’, his side will likely struggle to get a foothold in the game – all while Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate enjoy a fairly comfortable day at the office.
We may also see Matthijs de Ligt handed his first United start at the expense of Harry Maguire in order to better negate the undeniable threat of Salah, Jota and Luis Diaz.
Soon-to-be new signing and midfield enforcer Manuel Ugarte may also have a role to play off the bench, especially if the Red Devils are in a position to achieve victory late in the game.
But in truth, it is a match we expect Liverpool to win, given the strength and solidity of their team after a quiet(ish) summer.
Manchester United vs Liverpool Odds
*Odds are subject to change
Despite having home advantage, United are the underdogs here at 3.69. Liverpool are priced at 1.86 to achieve victory.
Salah is the favourite to open the scoring at 5.40, the Egyptian forward sitting ahead of Jota (6.00), Darwin Nunez (6.20) and Cody Gakpo (7.80). United striker Zirkzee is priced at 8.10.
Manchester United vs Liverpool Betting Tips
Liverpool to win and under 2.5 goals in the match @ 6.20
With Liverpool keeping two clean sheets on the bounce and United yet to click into gear in an attacking sense, this might not be a high-scoring match. A 1-0 or 2-0 victory for the Reds could be on the cards.
Dominik Szoboszlai to score anytime @ 5.70
While Liverpool’s attack is primarily about the brilliance of Salah and Jota, do not underestimate the importance of Szoboszlai. The Hungarian is playing higher up the pitch under Slot’s rule and we fancy the silky playmaker to have a major say in the destination of the three points. Szoboszlai has already had four shots on goal this season and he will be eyeing the top corner of Andre Onana’s net.
Manchester United Team News
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Onana, Mazraoui, De Ligt, Martinez, Dalot, Casemiro, Mainoo, Fernandes, Amad, Zirkzee, Rashford
Injuries: Yoro, Shaw, Malacia, Hojlund, Lindelof
Doubts: Mount
Liverpool Team News
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Van Dijk, Konate, Robertson, Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Salah, Szoboszlai, Diaz, Jota
Injuries: None
Doubts: Jones
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