The snow at Anfield looked like it might cause havoc for today’s highly anticipated Premier League clash between Liverpool and Manchester United but the game will go ahead, offering fans a dramatic encounter between two of England’s most storied clubs. Liverpool are eager to extend their lead at the top of the EPL to 8 points, while United are fighting to avoid being dragged down into the relegation mix, making this fixture crucial for both sides.
Liverpool vs Manchester United
Sunday, 5th January 2025, 17:30
Anfield
Liverpool approach this game in strong form under manager Arne Slot. Comfortably sitting at the top of the table, the Reds are determined to sustain their title challenge. Having come through the festive period with big wins away at Tottenham & West Ham sandwiching a home victory against Leicester City on Boxing Day, Slot’s men come into this game as the heavy, heavy favourites.
Liverpool’s attacking firepower has been their hallmark this season. Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo, Luis Diaz, Darwin Núñez, and Diogo Jota have formed one of the league’s most dangerous front lines, with Salah, in particular, delivering consistent performances. However, Liverpool’s backline must improve, as lapses in concentration have proven costly against lesser sides recently with points dropped in early December against Newcastle & Fulham.
Manchester United, on the other hand, arrive at Anfield under serious pressure. Ruben Amorim has faced a real baptism of fire since taking the reigns back in November with the Red Devils looking to avoid a 4th straight EPL defeat in today’s mammoth clash. United secured an Amad Diallo-inspired comeback win in the Manchester derby last month but that victory appears to have simply papered over the cracks at Old Trafford with opponent after opponent tearing Amorim’s side to pieces in every game since.
It is hard to see where United’s hopes rest going into this one with the entire team looking bereft of confidence in previous outings but if one player is to lift the team’s spirits it may well be the aforementioned Amad Diallo. He has been the only player to look comfortable in Amorim’s system and his enthusiasm won the day in a poor United performance at the Etihad in December whilst he did net the extra-time winner against Liverpool in a classic FA Cup victory last season so he could be the man to cause a stir on Merseyside today.
Predicted Line Ups
Liverpool Predicted XI: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Quansah, Van Dijk, Robertson, Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Salah, Jones, Gakpo, Diaz.
Man Utd Predicted XI: Onana, Yoro, Maguire, Martinez, Mazraoui, Ugarte, Mainoo, Dalot, Diallo, Fernandes, Hojlund.
Key Stats and Recent Meetings
Liverpool and Manchester United’s rivalry is steeped in history, and their encounters rarely disappoint. In the last eight Premier League meetings, Liverpool have dominated, winning 5, including a stunning 7-0 victory at Anfield in March 2023 with United’s sole victory in that span came at Old Trafford in a 2-1 thriller back in August 2022 giving then boss Erik ten Hag is first win in the hot seat. Liverpool destroyed United 3-0 at Old Trafford in their meeting earlier in the season and will look to do the same today.
United will look to that FA Cup victory last season as proof they can overcome the Reds and despite their form before last season’s league clash at Anfield, they did manage a credible 0-0 draw to damage Jurgen Klopp’s title hopes. Worryingly for Ruben Amorim, the Red Devil’s have not won at Anfield in any competition since January 2016 when Wayne Rooney snatched a late winner against the run of play.
Bet9ja Tips
Liverpool are heavy favourites for this encounter due to their home advantage and their overall form this season. A Liverpool win is priced at 1.43, while a victory for Manchester United offers odds of 6.80. A draw, which would be a rare result in recent meetings, is valued at 5.15.
Mohamed Salah is tipped to as First Goalscorer at 4.35, while Amad Diallo is priced at 4.75 to find the net. Both players have a proven track record in big games and will be pivotal for their respective sides.
This clash has all the ingredients for a high-scoring thriller. Fans should expect an intense battle as both teams vie for a crucial three points heading in their first game of 2025.
The latest Liverpool vs Man Utd Odds are available HERE!
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by Bello Kamal Abiodun
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