By Nehizena Erhabor
Liverpool vs Manchester United is always a blockbuster match but this Sunday’s battle between the Premier League heavyweights is unique. The current champions will go to Old Trafford as the underdogs with a chip on their shoulder, having lost the home fixture earlier this season. The stakes have changed and securing European football is the goal for Liverpool.
It’s been a rocky season to say the least, but Liverpool have shown an uptick in form in recent weeks and could make it three wins a row in the Premier League. A strong run of form to end the season would show character, courage and effort, traits that have been sporadic this season.
Level on points with Aston Villa, will the Reds use this opportunity to rise to the occasion and put themselves in the driving seat for automatic Champions League qualification?
Match Preview
Florian Wirtz has had an improved second half of the season and will pose a threat going forward, coming off the left-hand side into the centre to create chances. With a goal in the last outing against Crystal Palace and with Alexsander Isak beginning to settle into the side more after an extended period out, the two summer signings could cause chaos in attack.
However, the game will be won in midfield and with an overflow of impressive midfield characters in both sides, the winners of this battle are likely to help win the game for their team. Szoboszlai and Gravenberch must be on the same page when deciding to join attacks or defend and Mac Allister must provide support when going forward. Coming off the back of two assists in an impressive performance against Palace, our number 10 is in good form and will be looking to carry on this momentum.
Bruno Fernandes is also in great form currently, orchestrating most of the offensive output for United and being the key conductor fuelling their chemistry. Sitting on 19 assists in the league, the United captain will be looking to equal the 20-assist record and to prevent this Liverpool must stop him from finding an outlet in transition.
Van Dijk and Konate will also need to keep an eye on Benjamin Sesko, United’s top scorer sitting on 10 goals in the league. Sesko has shown precise finishing in and around the box so communication between the back four must stay consistent and clear to prevent any potential poaching opportunities.
Team News
Team selection will be vital as injuries have hampered the team throughout the season and unless Alisson is surprisingly able to be match fit, they will be without both first and second choice goalkeepers. This will mean that Freddie Woodman will return between the sticks. Slot has shown faith in Woodman and his shot stopping ability was greatly appreciated by the Liverpool fans the last time they were out as they chanted his name after a series of important saves.
Hugo Ekitike remains a long-term absentee with his ruptured Achilles tendon injury and Mohammed Salah will not feature as he came off early against palace with a hamstring injury, but he will feature again for the club this season.
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