It is Liverpool vs Manchester United, a game that could not see two more contrasting atmospheres surrounding the clubs.
Liverpool have been near-perfect this season across all competitions, while United lurch from crisis to crisis amidst changing management.
In our preview, we will assess whether Liverpool will simply continue at their impressive level. Or could United cause another upset, as they did against their rivals Manchester City in mid-December?
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Liverpool vs Manchester United
Sunday, January 5, 4.30pm
Anfield, Liverpool
Live on Sky Sports
Liverpool vs Manchester United Preview
In March of 2023, this fixture finished Liverpool 7-0 Manchester United. Now, the Reds are looking stronger than they were then, with United arguably looking worse now. So surely this can only end one way?
Stranger things have happened. As much as we could continue to purr over Liverpool’s season, the real drama can be found at Old Trafford, as the post-Alex Ferguson malaise continues to infect the club.
United are currently on a four-game losing streak, with the only win in their last five the frustratingly delightful comeback win against City. Ruben Amorim’s reign conjured up the mythical ‘new-manager-bounce’, with four wins in his first seven in all competitions. But they have since hit a wall.
This has coincided with sour incidents such as Joshua Zirkzee being booed by his own fans while being subbed in the 33rd minute of the 2-0 home defeat to Newcastle. Such scenes only thicken the mud of a sticky situation emerging in the red half of Manchester.
Liverpool, on the other hand, just continue to march on toward what will be a surprise victory for Arne Slot in his debut season as manager. Going into this gameweek, they have a six-point lead at the top with a game-in-hand, as well as injuries and form affecting their main competitors.
Add a potential career-defining season from Mohamed Salah and it is no wonder they are so far ahead. Salah has 17 goals and 13 assists in just 18 matches, extending his years at peak performance, with the intention of firing the Anfield club to a second Premier League title.
Liverpool vs Manchester United Odds
*All odds are subject to change
Unsurprisingly, Liverpool are favourites at 1.26, while a United win is priced at 7.80. You can get the draw at 5.20.
Liverpool vs Manchester United Betting Tips
Bet Builder: Liverpool to win, Over 2.5 goals & Mo Salah to score anytime @ 2.30
Our first tip comes in the form of a Bet Builder, and certainly one we like the look of. Especially when you consider Salah’s current prowess, and the form of the two teams.
Liverpool Score in Both Halves – Yes @ 1.78
It is difficult to imagine how this shaky United defence is going to withstand the Anfield onslaught. Wave after wave after wave of attack, not to mention how vulnerable the Red Devils have been at set-pieces.
Anytime Goalscorer – Diogo Jota @ 2.15
His return from injury is bad news for those chasing Liverpool and were hoping for a drop off in performance. Jota came from the bench and scored the fifth goal in the Reds’ 5-0 rout of West Ham, and will be looking to repeat the trick on Sunday.
Liverpool Team News
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Quansah, Van Dijk, Robertson, Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Salah, Jones, Gakpo, Diaz
Injuries/Doubts: Gomez, Konate, Bradley
Manchester United Team News
Predicted XI (3-4-3): Onana, Mazraoui, Maguire, Martinez, Diallo, Ugarte, Mainoo, Dalot, Garnacho, Fernandes, Hojlund
Injuries/Doubts: Rashford, Mount, Lindelof, Shaw
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