Liverpool vs Manchester United predictions for Sunday’s Premier League affair at Anfield. Compelled to confront haunting memories of last season’s seven-goal defeat, Manchester United embarks on a brief journey to Merseyside, where they are set to challenge Liverpool in front of an expected record-breaking Anfield crowd. Read on for all our free Premier League predictions and betting tips.
Match Live Sunday, 17th December at 4:30 pm In:
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Liverpool vs Manchester United Predictions
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Anfield Showdown: Reds Seek to Extend Dominance in Historic Clash
Key Stats
– Manchester United have failed to win away against top-eight teams for over two years.
– Mohamed Salah has 11 goals in his last seven matches against Manchester United.
The upcoming Premier League clash between Liverpool and Manchester United at Anfield promises to be a spectacle, amplified by a record-breaking crowd. This fixture, steeped in history and rivalry, offers a platform for both teams to amend recent slip-ups.
Our Suggested Best Value Bet For This Match
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Best Value Bet Rationale
McTominay, with an average rating of 7.06, has been a key midfield figure for United, starting 10 out of 13 games he’s played this season. His role, often defensive and combative, is critical in breaking up play and making tackles, evidenced by his average of 1.5 tackles per game. This statistic becomes crucial when considering the dynamic and fast-paced Liverpool midfield and attack he’ll be up against.
Liverpool, known for their aggressive pressing and quick transitions, are likely to dominate possession and exert pressure in the midfield. In such high-intensity scenarios, McTominay’s role becomes even more pivotal. He will be required to disrupt Liverpool’s rhythm, which may increase his likelihood of committing fouls.
Historically, fixtures between Liverpool and Manchester United are charged with intensity, and players often find themselves on the edge, trying to assert dominance. In such high-stakes games, bookings are common, especially for players in roles like McTominay’s.
Furthermore, McTominay’s physical style of play and tendency to engage in duels (3.1 total duels won per game) put him at a higher risk of accruing fouls and consequently, receiving cautions. Considering these factors, the odds of 7/4 for McTominay to be booked offer significant value, making it a bet worth considering for this fixture. As always, odds are subject to change, and terms and conditions apply.
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Liverpool: Offensive and Defensive Strategies
Liverpool, under Jurgen Klopp, maintain their signature high-pressing, attack-oriented style. They’ve excelled in creating chances from wide areas, with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson (or their replacements due to injuries) playing pivotal roles. In attack, Mohamed Salah remains the linchpin, often finding pockets of space to exploit. Defensively, Liverpool have shown some vulnerability this season, particularly in dealing with counter-attacks and set pieces, partly due to the high defensive line they employ.
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Manchester United: Tactical Approach
Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United, despite recent setbacks, are gradually adopting his philosophy of possession-based, proactive football. Bruno Fernandes orchestrates play, while Marcus Rashford’s pace poses a constant threat. Defensively, they’ve had issues with consistency and individual errors. The absence of key players like Casemiro and Christian Eriksen has left a noticeable gap in midfield, impacting both their offensive build-up and defensive solidity.
Impact of Management
Klopp’s influence on Liverpool is profound, instilling a relentless attacking mindset. His ability to adapt tactics mid-game is notable. Conversely, Ten Hag faces a rebuilding task at United. His focus on discipline and structure is evident, but adapting to the Premier League’s intensity remains a challenge.
Expected Goals Analysis
Liverpool’s expected goals (xG) are consistently high, reflecting their attacking prowess. Manchester United’s xG, while lower, indicates potential underutilization of their attacking talents.
Tactical Comparison and Key Battles
Liverpool’s attacking flanks against United’s full-backs will be crucial. Salah’s duel with Shaw (if fit) or his replacement could be decisive. In midfield, the battle for control will hinge on the performances of players like Fabinho for Liverpool and Scott McTominay for United.
Suggestions for Improvement
Liverpool could benefit from tightening their defence, particularly against quick breaks. For United, a more cohesive midfield and defensive structure is key, alongside harnessing their attacking talents more effectively.
Pro and Cons of Strategies
Liverpool’s aggressive style yields many goals but leaves them open at the back. United’s gradual transition under Ten Hag is promising but lacks consistency.
Managerial Strengths and Weaknesses
Klopp’s tactical nous and ability to inspire his team are strengths, though his loyalty to certain players can sometimes be questioned. Ten Hag’s adherence to his philosophy is admirable, but his rigidity and slow adaptation to the Premier League raise concerns.
Controversial Opinion
Klopp’s insistence on a high defensive line could be his undoing in games where astute counter-attacking teams exploit this weakness. Ten Hag, meanwhile, risks alienating parts of the dressing room with his strict disciplinary measures.
Lineup Commentary
Liverpool’s lineup, led by Alisson and bolstered by Salah, Nunez, and Diaz, promises an attacking display. United, with Onana in goal and Rashford upfront, will look to exploit any defensive lapses.
Tactical Analysis
In the upcoming clash between Liverpool and Manchester United, a deep dive into their strategies, player performances, and management styles reveals significant contrasts and potential game-changers.
Liverpool’s Offensive and Defensive Strategies: Liverpool, under Klopp’s management, employs a high-pressing, fast-paced attacking strategy. The likes of Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane, with their blistering pace and clinical finishing, have been instrumental in this approach. Defensively, they rely on the robust partnership of Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip, complemented by the attacking prowess of full-backs Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson.
Manchester United’s Tactical Approach: In contrast, Manchester United, especially under Ten Hag, have displayed a more varied approach. They’ve often relied on the creativity of Bruno Fernandes and the forward runs of Marcus Rashford. Defensively, there have been concerns, with the team struggling for consistency and often looking vulnerable at the back, particularly against quick counter-attacks.
Impact of Klopp and Ten Hag: Klopp’s impact at Liverpool has been transformative, instilling a relentless attacking mindset and a solid defensive foundation. Ten Hag, though still early in his tenure, has shown signs of building a more cohesive unit, focusing on possession-based football, but the team’s inconsistency remains a challenge.
Expected Goals Analysis: Liverpool generally exhibit higher expected goals (xG) due to their aggressive attacking play. United’s xG has been inconsistent, reflecting their fluctuating performances.
Comparative Analysis: Tactically, Liverpool’s cohesive high press trumps United’s often disjointed approach. Player-wise, Salah’s consistent threat overshadows United’s sometimes sporadic offensive efforts.
Suggestions for Improvement: For Liverpool, maintaining defensive concentration against counter-attacks is crucial. United needs to find defensive stability and a more consistent attacking rhythm.
Strategies Pros and Cons: Liverpool’s all-out attack can leave them exposed at the back, a vulnerability United could exploit. United’s reliance on individual brilliance over systematic play can be their undoing against a well-drilled Liverpool side.
Managerial Strengths and Weaknesses: Klopp’s ability to motivate and maintain high standards is unparalleled, but his team can be predictable at times. Ten Hag needs to impose his style more authoritatively and address the defensive frailties.
Controversial Opinion: Ten Hag’s rigid adherence to his philosophy without significant squad upgrades could be his downfall at United, particularly against top-tier teams like Liverpool.
Predictions
- Both Teams to Score: This prediction stems from the offensive capabilities of both teams, combined with their defensive frailties. Liverpool, with their relentless attacking through Salah, Diaz, and Nunez, are almost certain to score, especially at Anfield. Manchester United, despite their inconsistencies, have shown sparks of brilliance in attack, particularly with Rashford’s pace and Fernandes’ creativity. Both defences have been prone to lapses, making it likely that each team will concede at least once.
- Correct Score Prediction – Liverpool 3-1 Manchester United: Liverpool’s home form is formidable, and their attack is particularly potent at Anfield. Coupled with United’s defensive woes, especially in high-pressure games, a scoreline of 3-1 seems plausible. Liverpool’s midfield and attacking trident are likely to overpower United’s current defensive setup, but United’s ability to find the net at least once, possibly through a moment of individual brilliance or a lapse in Liverpool’s defence, contributes to this predicted scoreline.
- Goalscorer Prediction – Mohamed Salah to Score Anytime: Salah’s record against Manchester United is impressive, making him a prime candidate to score. His ability to find space, combined with his clinical finishing, makes him a constant threat. Given United’s defensive struggles, particularly in dealing with agile and fast attackers, Salah is well-positioned to add to his tally against the Red Devils.
- Corner Prediction – Liverpool to Have More Corners: Liverpool’s attacking style, involving wide play and crosses, often results in corners. Their relentless pressure and tendency to shoot from various angles increase the likelihood of deflections and blocks leading to corners. Meanwhile, United’s tendency to defend deep when under pressure, especially in big games, might concede more corners.
- Shot on Target Prediction – Bruno Fernandes to Have 1 or More Shots on Target: Fernandes is known for his tendency to shoot from distance and his involvement in United’s attacking plays. His role as a playmaker often sees him in positions to test the goalkeeper, making it likely for him to register at least one shot on target.
- Yellow Card Prediction – Scott McTominay Likely to Receive a Yellow Card: McTominay’s role in midfield often involves breaking up play and engaging in tackles. Against Liverpool’s dynamic midfield, he is likely to be involved in several challenges, increasing the chances of a booking, especially considering the intensity and rivalry of the fixture.
- Assist Prediction – Trent Alexander-Arnold to Provide an Assist: Alexander-Arnold’s record of providing assists is exceptional, particularly with his crossing ability. Against a team like Manchester United, which has shown vulnerability on the flanks, Alexander-Arnold’s precision and timing in delivering crosses could be crucial in setting up a goal.
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