Liverpool VS Man Utd Predictions

Liverpool vs Manchester United: Clash of Contrasting Fortunes at Anfield

Premier League leaders Liverpool host a struggling Manchester United at Anfield on Sunday, January 5, 2025, in a highly anticipated fixture. While Liverpool aim to consolidate their title charge, United are desperate to halt a dismal run of form under new manager Ruben Amorim.

Prediction

Both teams to score, over 2.5 goals, Liverpool to score over 1.5, Liverpool to win any half and over 4.5 cards

Data Analysis

xG (Expected Goals): Liverpool’s attacking efficiency is among the best in the league, averaging over 2 goals per game this season.

Possession: Liverpool dominate possession with an average of 62%, compared to United’s 48%.

Touches in Box: Liverpool average 32 touches in the opposition box per match, highlighting their attacking intensity, while United manage only 18.

Defensive Stats: United have conceded a joint league-high 21 goals under Amorim in just eight games, while Liverpool boast one of the tightest defenses with only 17 goals conceded all season.

Liverpool are clear favorites with a 68.84% chance of victory, while Manchester United's chances stand at just 13.77%, a draw is given a probability of 17.4%. The most likely scoreline is a 4-1 Liverpool win (9%), followed by 3-1 (8%) and 4-2 (7%).

What's at Stake

For Liverpool:

A win keeps them atop the Premier League table and strengthens their title bid.

For Manchester United:

Avoiding a fourth consecutive league defeat is critical to salvaging morale and steering clear of further crisis.

Match Decider

Liverpool’s relentless attack, led by Mohamed Salah and Luis Díaz, could exploit Manchester United’s fragile defense. Conversely, Bruno Fernandes’ creativity will be key if United are to pose any threat, with Liverpool in scintillating form and Manchester United reeling from poor performances and injuries, this fixture could further underline the gulf between the two sides this season.

Players to Watch Out For

Liverpool:

Trent Alexander-Arnold

With 4 assists and linked to a move this January, this might be his last United vs Liverpool derby

Manchester United:

Bruno Fernandes

With 4 goals and 5 assists

Players Out

Liverpool:

Joe Gomez (hamstring).

Manchester United:

Mason Mount (thigh), Victor Lindelöf (unspecified), Luke Shaw (calf).

Doubtful: Ibrahima Konaté (knee), Conor Bradley (hamstring), Marcus Rashford (illness).

Probable Lineups Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Quansah, Van Dijk, Robertson; Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Salah, Szoboszlai, Díaz; Jota.

Manchester United (3-4-2-1): Onana; Yoro, Maguire, Martinez; Mazraoui, Mainoo, Ugarte, Dalot; Diallo, Fernandes; Højlund.

Form

Liverpool:

All competitions: WDWWWW

Premier League: WDDWWW

Last match: West Ham 0-5 Liverpool.

Manchester United:

All competitions: WWLLLL

Premier League: LLWLLL

Last match: Man Utd 0-2 Newcastle.

Head-to-Head

In their last five meetings:

Liverpool: 2 wins

Manchester United: 1 win

Draws: 2

United haven’t won at Anfield since January 2016 and have conceded 11 goals in their last three visits.

Key Stats

Liverpool have lost just one of their last 13 Premier League matches against Manchester United.

Manchester United are winless in their last eight Premier League visits to Anfield.

Under Arne Slot, Liverpool are unbeaten in their last 23 matches across all competitions.

United risk losing four consecutive league games for the first time since 1979.

Mohamed Salah has scored an incredible 15 goals in his last 16 matches against Manchester United.