Manchester United vs Liverpool
English Premier League
Date: 22 August 2022, Monday
Kick-off at 20:00 UK / 21:00 CET
Venue: Old Trafford (Manchester).
When they square off on Monday, Manchester United and Liverpool will both be searching for their first victory of the 2022–23 Premier League season.
In Matchweek 2 of the 2022–23 Premier League, Manchester United and Liverpool will reignite their rivalry as they face off at Old Trafford in an effort to earn their first victory of the year.
Manchester United wanted to start the new era under Erik ten Hag on a high note and leave the struggles of the previous season behind them.
However, after suffering embarrassing losses to Brentford and Brighton & Hove Albion back-to-back, they are already in crisis mode two games into the season.
The Red Devils were at the bottom of the standings after last weekend’s 4-0 thrashing at the hands of the Bees, until West Ham United took their place on Sunday.
Due to injuries to key players, Liverpool has had a sluggish start to the season.
First, Fulham, who had just been promoted, held them to a draw, then, last weekend, Crystal Palace came to Anfield and earned a point.
In other words, Jurgen Klopp’s team is already five points behind the defending champions Manchester City and seven points behind the league leaders Arsenal, and any further mistakes might put an early stop to their title chances.
On Monday night at Old Trafford, both teams will be motivated to add a victory to their record.
Liverpool, though, may hold an advantage over their stumbling rivals due to the fact that the Reds beat Manchester United 9-0 (aggregate) in their two Premier League encounters last season.
The Hard Tackle takes a deeper look at both teams before what may turn out to be another disastrous night for Ten Hag and company.
Manchester United vs Liverpool Head to head :
- Liverpool scored nine unanswered goals past Manchester United in two wins in the last season’s head to head meetings between the two teams.
- Manchester United claimed a 4-0 victory just more than a month ago in a preseason exhibition in which Jurgen Klopp used second-string squad.
- We have seen at least four goals in each of the previous five head to head meetings between these two teams.
Manchester United vs Liverpool Prediction :
The Red Devils have had a terrible start to the season and have been destroyed by two teams that, on paper, ought to be no match for them.
Even if Liverpool hasn’t played at its best thus far, this match could come at the perfect time for them to start the season and gain ground on the top clubs.
In what could end up being a long season for the hosts, Erik ten Hag and Manchester United can expect another loss since they lack the players they need to carry out their philosophies.
Manchester United 3-2 Liverpool
Manchester United vs Liverpool Team News :
Anthony Martial, who has yet to play this season due to a hamstring issue, will be back for Man United, but Ten Hag is expected to start the Frenchman on the bench, which means that Ronaldo, despite the rumors over his future, may once again be the attacking leader.
Raphael Varane is reported to pose a serious threat to Harry Maguire’s starting spot, and Malacia, who stood out against Brentford in the second half, may also displace Luke Shaw.
With Fred, Bruno Fernandes, and Eriksen perhaps returning to the midfield three, Ten Hag is anticipated to resist the urge to make drastic changes, leaving Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford to partner Ronaldo up forward.
The 20-time English champions continue to be without Brandon Williams, Facundo Pellistri, and Victor Lindelof, and Mason Greenwood is currently serving a suspension.
Roberto Firmino is anticipated to replace Nunez in Liverpool’s starting lineup because Klopp stated during his press conference that the Brazilian is available for selection. Nunez is suspended for this match.
Joel Matip, Thiago Alcantara, Ibrahima Konate, Curtis Jones, Diogo Jota, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Ramsay, and Caoimhin Kelleher are all currently injured. Naby Keita will also be in the team after recovering from illness.
Joe Gomez is anticipated to make his debut for Klopp on Monday, replacing James Milner in midfield with club captain Jordan Henderson.
For the Reds, Diaz and Mohamed Salah will once again play in the wide positions, and Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk, and Andrew Robertson will make up the same defensive trio.
Manchester United possible starting lineup:
De Gea; Dalot, Varane, Martinez, Malacia; Fernandes, Fred, Eriksen; Sancho, Ronaldo, Rashford
Liverpool possible starting lineup:
Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson; Elliott, Fabinho, Henderson; Salah, Firmino, Diaz
