England’s two biggest clubs meet on Sunday in a heavyweight encounter, as Manchester United travel to Anfield to face arch-rivals Liverpool.
Liverpool will be looking to turn their losing streak around while United manager Ruben Amorim is targeting back-to-back wins for the first time in his tenure – and a long-awaited victory at ground that has haunted United for nearly a decade.
Amorim urges players to prove they are serious
Amorim has challenged his players to build upon their 2-0 win against Sunderland and show that they are a team to be feared.
United haven’t won at Anfield in their last nine visits, and Amorim is determined to buck that trend by capitalising on the Reds’ recent woes.
In his press conference, the Portuguese drew upon last season’s 2-2 draw away at Anfield to remind the media of how his team are capable of competing with the best teams.
“We played well,” Amorim said. “I was really upset at the end of the game because we proved that day that we can compete against any opponent,”
“I know what it means to the fans. But it’s one game that we need to prove again that we are playing better…it’s one more game that we need to win.”
Last season’s performance was arguably the best of Amorim’s reign so far. Replicating that energy and approach – this time against a less convincing Liverpool side – could finally help the manager build momentum in his United project.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: England qualify for 2026 World Cup: ‘We are on our way to building something’ – Thomas Tuchel
Liverpool not panicking, says Slot
While Liverpool have lost their last three games and top spot on the Premier League table, Arne Slot does not think his players are in shellshock.
In what has been the toughest spell of his Anfield career so far, the Reds boss will be looking to stop the rot against their north-west rivals and silence any talk of a crisis .
Slot insisted his players are staying focused:
“Results don’t lie, if you lose three in a row we have to do better…but I think these players that have experienced so many things don’t wake up at night thinking ‘Oh, we lost three times’,” Slot said.
“We need to be aware of that and we are aware of that and we need to react to that, but we have to give the same reaction if we win three times in a row and Manchester United is on the fixture list,”
Slot also hinted that the fixture could provide the spark his side needs, and called upon the Anfield crowd to play their part on Sunday.
Liverpool team news
Ryan Gravenberch is likely to start after being declared as “fully fit” by Slot after injury concerns arose during the international break.
Ibrahima Konate has also returned to training after picking up a quadriceps injury, but Slot may opt to give Joe Gomez a start to ease the Frenchman back into the team.
Goalkeeper Alisson Becker remains sidelined and is not expected to return to the starting line-up until next month, giving another opportunity to newcomer Georgi Mamadashvili.
After experiencing a belated start to life at Anfield, Alexander Isak is now considered to be operating at full fitness, enabling the Reds to finally see the best of their marquee summer signing.
Mohammed Salah will be looking to continue his impressive record against the Red Devils, registering more goals (13) and assists (6) against United than any other team.
Manchester United team news
Manchester United will be without Lisandro Martínez, while Ayden Heaven and Noussair Mazraoui remain doubtful ahead of the trip to Anfield.
Manuel Ugarte could be handed a surprise start in midfield, with Amorim having given Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro a rest from training following their return from international duty.
Meanwhile, Amad Diallo will be hoping to extend his promising form against Liverpool. The winger could become the first United player to score in back-to-back matches against the Reds since Javier Hernández.
Where United can hurt Liverpool
United may see an opportunity to finally break their barren run at Anfield by targeting Liverpool’s right flank – a weakness which they exploited last season.
With Trent Alexander-Arnold gone and Jeremie Frimpong yet to solidify his place, Slot has rotated between Conor Bradley, Frimpong, and even midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai at right-back.
Combined with Salah’s lack of tracking back – which Chelsea exploited in their last game – the Reds are defensively frail on that side of the pitch.
United are also keen to go long with the ball this season, and the addition of the six-foot-five Benjamin Sesko has given them an outlet for those balls.
This sets up an interesting battle with Virgil van Dijk for aerial dominance.
If Sesko can win even one of those duels however, the dangerous Bryan Mbuemo could be unleashed into the space Liverpool often leave behind with their high defensive line.
Slot’s tactics to be tested
The international break gave Slot valuable time to reset and reassess his side.
Liverpool have looked structurally vulnerable, with issues in their press, midfield control and build-up.
While individual errors and new player integration have played a part, much of the inconsistency has stemmed from the tactical set-up.
In spite of this, Liverpool have plenty of weapons at their disposal to dispatch this Manchester United side.
Slot could choose to overload United’s midfield and exploit Bruno Fernandes, who has struggled operating in a deeper role this season.
If Liverpool can control the tie and push United back into their box, we could finally see Florian Wirtz shine at Anfield, who thrives in playing against a settled block.
If Slot can get his side firing early – and with the roar of the Anfield crowd willing them on – Liverpool may overwhelm a fragile united that has often wilted under pressure.
The defining clash of the season so far
Sunday’s clash could be a pivotal moment in the season for both clubs.
Liverpool will be desperate to regain momentum in the title race, while Amorim needs a statement result to show that his United project is on the right path.
Whenever these two clubs meet, the stakes are always high.
But with both clubs eager to make a statement, this fixture could define the months ahead in the Premier League.
READ NEXT: Against all odds: Japan achieve the impossible against Brazil
Geoffrey H. Latayan 
Vivien Bernardino