This weekend, one of the most storied rivalries in English football will reignite as Manchester United takes on Liverpool at Old Trafford on September 1, 2024.
With both clubs holding illustrious histories and passionate fanbases, this clash promises to be a thrilling encounter as they wrap up Matchday 3 of the 2024-25 Premier League season.
Can Manchester United turn their fortunes around, or will Liverpool continue their strong start under new management?
Match Preview
Manchester United kicked off their season with a narrow 1-0 victory over Fulham, thanks to an 87th-minute goal from new signing Joshua Zirkzee.
However, their optimism took a hit in their subsequent match, where they suffered a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion, conceding a last-minute goal that left them with little to show for their efforts.
Despite their recent struggles, United can draw confidence from their home record, having lost only one of their last seven Premier League matches at Old Trafford.
However, inconsistency has plagued Erik ten Hag’s side, making it challenging to predict their performance against a fierce rival like Liverpool.
Liverpool, on the other hand, has made an impressive start under new manager Arne Slot, winning both of their opening matches without conceding a goal.
The Reds secured a 2-0 victory over Ipswich Town on the season’s opening weekend, followed by another 2-0 triumph against Brentford.
Liverpool’s strong finish to the previous season has carried over, with the team losing only three of their last 33 league encounters.
Slot faces a significant test in this match, but his players appear ready to rise to the occasion.
Head to Head
In their last 12 Premier League meetings, Manchester United has only managed to secure one victory against Liverpool, a statistic that highlights the recent dominance of the Merseysiders.
During this period, five matches ended in draws, while the last four encounters have consistently produced over 2.5 goals.
Liverpool’s attacking prowess has been evident, as they scored an astonishing 23 goals in their last seven league meetings with United, averaging a remarkable 3.3 goals per game.
This historical trend adds an extra layer of pressure on the hosts as they prepare for this crucial fixture.
Team News
Manchester United is grappling with a lengthy injury list that includes Leny Yoro, Mason Mount, Luke Shaw, Rasmus Hojlund, Tyrell Malacia, and Victor Lindelof.
Conversely, Liverpool reports no fresh injury concerns ahead of the clash, although there are uncertainties regarding Curtis Jones’ fitness.
Prediction
Given Manchester United’s recent struggles against Liverpool and their current injury woes, it is reasonable to predict a challenging match for the hosts.
While both teams are likely to score, Liverpool’s form and attacking capabilities may see them emerge victorious once again at Old Trafford.
- Score Prediction: Manchester United 1-2 Liverpool
Betting Tips
Liverpool to Win: Betting on a Liverpool victory is a wise choice given their current form and historical dominance over United.
Both Teams to Score – Yes: With both teams capable of finding the net, this bet is likely to be fruitful.
Over 2.5 Goals: Given the attacking talent on display, placing a bet on over 2.5 total goals is a prudent option.
Mohamed Salah to Score Anytime: If he plays, betting on Salah to score could yield good odds, considering his consistent goal-scoring record against United.
