It’s been an interesting start for both of England’s giants, with some stuttering in Liverpool being overshadowed by pure calamity in Manchester. To imagine the reds devils could sit bottom on zero points after three games is amazing, but not at all illogical given their form.
United are in their worst moment in recent memory, and it’s literally an unknown as to which team starts for them. No one player has emerged from the opening two games with any real praise, and the new manager, Erik ten Hag, may have to change his approach given the upcoming visitors desire for the fight.
On the Old Trafford injury front, Facundo Pellistri Rebollo, Anthony Martial, Brandon Williams and Victor Lindelof remain sidelined, with Mason Greenwood unavailable for the foreseeable future. With defensive, midfield, and attacking roles up for grabs, the manager has some vital decisions to make. If he looks to engage this Liverpool side, they may get caught out. The likelihood is that they sit and look to spring counter attacks, much like the two previous sides the visitors have faced.
Liverpool have two point from a possible six, and will come with a raft of injury issues. Ibrahima Konate & Calvin Ramsey are missing in defense, with Joel Matip only just returned from a knock. Caoimhin Kelleher is still out, therefore Adrian will continue to back up Alisson in goal. Thiago Alcantara is out alongside Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Curtis Jones is also injured. Up top, Darwin Nunez will start his three game ban, and Diogo Jota is not due back anytime soon. The reds should now look to start Naby Keita, with much of the team as expected by availability.
The one piece of good news for Jurgen Klopp is that Roberto Firmino is back on training, and should now be in line for a start. If United are looking to play their way through the lines, Bobby could be the player that excels with his pressing. For United, a working system and line up must soon be settled on, with various names still linked in the market. Cristiano Ronaldo is perhaps the biggest question mark, though his inclusion a necessity right now.
This game is huge, and each side will see the win as vital. Klopp will look to exploit the weaknesses of a wounded giant, and ten Haag is still searching for a formula that suits his players. With lasts season 0-5 win by Liverpool deemed a probable one off, it could be that United look at damage limitation rather than going toe to toe. As far as Monday night games go, this is simply fascinating. With the league still so young in its journey, game three represents a huge moment for both sides and their hopes for the season.
With Liverpool still looking the more dangerous of the two teams, their organization and defined patterns of play may just be something that overwhelms a disappointing home side, and could be the beginning of the premature end for their new manager. Manchester United may look to come for the reds, and their potential bravery could be their undoing. With a Sunday of strange results behind us, this game could become unpredictable.
Player to watch – Naby Keita
Score Prediction;
Manchester United 1 – 3 Liverpool
