EPL Predictions: Liverpool vs Man United

Liverpool travel to the Theatre of Dreams to take on Manchester United on Monday, in a mouth-watering clash.

However, the season has not started off well for Liverpool.

They are currently 15th in the table after incurring back-to-back draws against Fulham and Crystal Palace respectively.

A victory at Old Trafford against a struggling United side is crucial if they are to mount a title challenge.

Meanwhile, Man United is having one of the worst season openings ever.

They opened their 2022-23 Premier League campaign with a 2-1 home defeat to Brighton on August 7 before suffering a shock 4-0 defeat at Brentford last weekend.

The two defeats, coupled with the already-poor goal difference, has left the Red Devils at the bottom of the division.

Tellingly, this is the first time since 1992 that United have lost their first two games of a Premier League campaign.

Team news

Liverpool will be without Nunez, but his place is expected to be filled by Roberto Firmino who returns from injury.

Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz are almost certain to play pivotal roles.

The Colombian, Diaz is a brilliant dribbler and his goal against Crystal Palace as he wove through the Palace back line before depositing a long-range effort into the top corner, was world-class.

The Man United right back Diogo Dalot will have his hands full trying to control the Colombian.

Midfielder Naby Keita is also available for selection.

However, the squad has been hit by fitness issues as the likes of Joel Matip, Thiago Alcantara, Ibrahima Konate, Curtis Jones, Diogo Jota, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Calvin Ramsay and Caoimhin Kelleher are still out injured.

Man United, meanwhile, have deeper issues under new manager Erik ten Hag, as his side looks leaky at the back and toothless up front.

The most worrying part of the poor Manchester United start has been the attack.

They have unleashed 32 shots in the first two matches of the season.

Of these, 12 have come from outside the penalty area.

17 shots that have come from inside the penalty area and just three efforts have thus far been generated from inside the six-yard box.

This clearly shows the lack of service to Cristiano Ronaldo who scores most of his goals through headers and tap-ins.

If Man United are to improve their prospects, they have to resolve this issue as Ronaldo is their primary danger man upfront.

United will welcome Anthony Martial back into the fold but he is likely to be on the bench.

Club captain Harry Maguire could be replaced by Raphael Varane.

Luke Shaw might lose his place to Tyrell Malacia who showed glimpses of his quality in the second half against Brentford.

Recent head to head

Man United were embarrassed by Liverpool in their two Premier League games last season, suffering a 5-0 loss at Old Trafford and 4-0 defeat at Anfield.

In fact, United has not beaten Liverpool in England’s top flight since March 2018.

Even for today’s match, Liverpool will be the overwhelming favourites.

Manchester United’s predicted lineup (4-2-3-1)

De Gea; Dalot, Varane, Martinez, Malacia; Fernandes, Fred; Eriksen, Sancho, Rashford; Ronaldo

Liverpool’s predicted lineup (4-3-3):

Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson; Elliott, Fabinho, Henderson; Salah, Firmino, Diaz