Anfield hosts English football’s fiercest rivalry this Sunday – and it comes with both clubs under the microscope.
Liverpool, reigning champions under Arne Slot, are wobbling after three straight defeats. United, meanwhile, followed a damaging loss at Brentford with a much-needed win over Sunderland and now face the ultimate litmus test of their evolution under Ruben Amorim.
The table says second vs tenth, but the pressure is intense on both sides. This is more than a big grudge match – it’s a defining moment for the season of both clubs.
Manchester United Team News
The focus is firmly on midfield and the front line. Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes are expected to anchor the middle, a partnership Amorim still believes can finally give United the control and composure they’ve often lacked in big away games. It’s Fernandes’ creativity from deeper areas – combined with Casemiro’s protection – that will be central to Ruben Amorim’s plan.
Up top, the trio that started against Sunderland is set to continue: Bryan Mbeumo on the right, the impressive Mason Mount from the left, and Benjamin Šeško leading the line. They are still developing chemistry, but momentum is building. Šeško has scored in back-to-back games and is beginning to provide the clinical edge United have missed Mason Mount has looked sharp and productive recently. Mbeumo’s tireless off-the-ball runs stretch defences. A possible second-half substitute; Cunha’s ability to drift inside and link play offers another dimension on the counter.
United possible XI
Lammens;
Yoro, De Ligt, Shaw;
Dalot, Casemiro, Fernandes, Dorgu;
Mbeumo, Šeško, Mount.
Liverpool Team News
Alisson remains sidelined, with Giorgi Mamardashvili expected to start. Alexander Isak is now fully fit and Florian Wirtz – despite his slow start – remains key to Slot’s attacking plans. Ibrahima Konaté and Ryan Gravenberch should return to bolster the spine, while Mohamed Salah, with his extraordinary record against United, can always pose a major threat.
Amorim – a chance for redemption
The Sunderland win eased the tension, but Amorim knows how quickly the pressure can return if his side falters on Merseyside. United haven’t won at Anfield since 2016 – a run that has become symbolic of the club’s struggles in the post-Ferguson era.
We now know that Amorim has three years to turn our fortunes around, so there is no immediate threat to his job. However – big portions of the United fanbase remain unconvinced. Tomorrow is more than an opportunity to claim three points; it’s a chance to prove that his team is evolving into one capable of winning big games away from home and get a large, sceptical fanase back on side.
United’s Approach
Midfield control is key
Casemiro’s task is to shield the back line and neutralise Liverpool’s vertical runs, while Fernandes must dictate tempo and feed the front three quickly before the hosts’ press can settle. If United transition with speed and precision, they can exploit the gaps that Liverpool’s full-backs often leave.
Front three must deliver
This is the game where Šeško, Mbeumo, and Mount or Cunha can truly announce themselves. Šeško’s intelligent movement between centre-backs will be crucial against Virgil van Dijk, Mbeumo’s diagonal runs can stretch Milos Kerkez, and Cunha’s ability to combine centrally can open spaces for overlapping wing-backs.
Exploit Liverpool’s transitions
Liverpool’s commitment to attacking full-backs leaves them vulnerable to quick switches and vertical counters. Amorim will aim to spring Mbeumo or Amad into these spaces immediately after regaining possession, turning defence into attack in seconds.
Form Guide
Liverpool (all comps): L L L W W
Manchester United (PL last five): W L W L W
Liverpool’s recent slump has exposed flaws, but they remain formidable at home. United, though, have drawn our last two visits to Anfield and arrive with cautious optimism. If we can build on their Sunderland performance and stay disciplined in transition, this could be our best chance in years to finally win here.
Prediction
This fixture rarely follows the script, and neither side arrives in perfect shape.
Liverpool’s firepower and Anfield’s atmosphere will make it a huge challenge, but United’s growing cohesion in midfield and front line might just tip the balance. If Fernandes and Casemiro control the centre and the front three execute their chances, Amorim’s men can pull off something special.
Prediction: Liverpool 1–2 Manchester United.