Liverpool vs Manchester United preview: Wounded champions search for redemption against arch-rivals

Liverpool will set out to snap a three-game losing streak when arch-rivals Manchester United visit Anfield on Sunday.

With Arsenal due to play Fulham on Saturday, Liverpool could be four points off top spot at the start of play, adding more significance to the latest edition of English football’s biggest fixture.

Liverpool preview

Liverpool won their first seven matches in all competitions this season, but the wheels started to fall off before the international break.

After labouring to a 2-1 League Cup victory over Southampton on September 23, Arne Slot’s men were beaten by Crystal Palace, Galatasaray and Chelsea.

Liverpool currently do not look like a team ready for a title challenge and must put their house in order sooner rather than later.

They have produced some of their best football against United in recent years, although they have failed to win any of their last two home matches against this weekend’s opponents.

Manchester United preview

Despite having already played Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea, United’s trip to Anfield is arguably their most challenging assignment of the season.

Ruben Amorim’s men will head to Merseyside on a high after a 2-0 victory over Sunderland last time out, thanks to goals from Mason Mount and Benjamin Sesko.

That was a third straight home victory for the Red Devils. However, they have failed to win any of their four away games across all competitions.

United could come out on top in consecutive league matches for the first time since Amorim’s arrival in November, which would kick-start what has been a topsy-turvy campaign.

Team news

Alisson is nursing a groin injury and will not play any part for Liverpool here, meaning Giorgi Mamardashvili is set to continue in goal.

Stefan Bajcetic (hamstring) and Giovanni Leoni (knee) are also out of contention for the home side, while Ibrahim Konate remains a doubt.

Despite his slow start to life at Anfield, Florian Wirtz will be expected to come back into the XI for this one after coming on as a substitute against Chelsea last time out.

Lisandro Martinez is making progress towards returning to action from a knee injury, but Sunday’s game is expected to come too soon for him.

Noussair Mazraoui has missed each of United’s last two matches with a thigh injury and is unlikely to feature for the away side here.

Liverpool Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Mamardashvilli; Kerkez, Van Dijk, Konate, Frimpong; MacAllister, Gravenberch; Gakpo, Wirtz, Salah; Isak.

Manchester United Predicted XI (3-4-3): Lammens; Shaw, de Ligt, Yoro; Dalot, Bruno, Casemiro, Dorgu; Mbeumo, Cunha, Sesko.