Premier League Preview: Liverpool vs Manchester United – Sunday, January 5, 2025
The stage is set for a classic clash of Northern titans as Liverpool welcome Manchester United to Anfield this Sunday in the Premier League. Title favorites Liverpool will look to assert their dominance, while a struggling Manchester United face the daunting task of reigniting their faltering campaign.
While Liverpool’s recent dominance is undeniable, Manchester United can take some solace in their head-to-head record. The Red Devils have avoided defeat in three of their last four meetings with Liverpool.
However, their most recent encounter at Old Trafford earlier this season ended in a comprehensive 3-0 defeat, with Mohamed Salah orchestrating a masterful performance for Arne Slot’s side and Luis Diaz adding a brace.
Liverpool Betting Preview (-357 at EveryGame)
Under the astute management of Arne Slot, Liverpool have been a mighty force this season. The Reds hold a commanding 23-point lead over their fierce rivals and are firmly atop the Premier League table, six points clear of Arsenal and with a game in hand.
Fresh from a resounding 5-0 victory against West Ham United at the London Stadium, Liverpool are enjoying a 23-match unbeaten streak in all competitions – since the surprise 1-0 home loss to Nottingham Forest in mid-September – a testament to their consistency and resilience.
Key figures such as Luis Díaz, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Diogo Jota, Mohamed Salah, and Cody Gakpo were all on the scoresheet in that emphatic win, showcasing Liverpool’s attacking depth. Defensively, while vulnerabilities have surfaced on occasion, Slot’s men secured a crucial clean sheet against West Ham, further bolstering their confidence ahead of Sunday.
Yet, injury concerns remain as Joe Gomez is set for a spell on the sidelines, with his hamstring injury ruling him out for several weeks. Gomez sustained the injury during the first-half of Liverpool’s emphatic 5-0 victory over West Ham United last weekend.
Providing an update on Gomez’s condition, as well as the fitness of Conor Bradley and Ibrahima Konate – both out of action since late November – manager Arne Slot addressed the media during his Friday morning press conference ahead of Sunday’s derby with Manchester United at Anfield. The duo are back in first-team training but may not feature so soon, while Dominik Szoboszlai is available after serving a suspension, potentially slotting back into the midfield alongside Alexis Mac Allister.
Manchester United Betting Preview (+850 at EveryGame)
In stark contrast to their arch rivals, Manchester United find themselves mired in a crisis. Ruben Amorim’s Red Devils suffered yet another humbling defeat to Newcastle United on December 30, marking their fourth successive loss across all competitions. The Red Devils are languishing in 14th place, just seven points above the relegation zone, and could drop down to 15th should Crystal Palace beat Chelsea on Saturday afternoon.
Furthermore, in addition to all negative records over the past months, United have not scored in their last three league games – a run not seen since 1909.
The Red Devils could welcome back captain Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte from suspension. Kobbie Mainoo’s strong showing against Newcastle may also earn him a starting spot as Amorim will desperately need to revitalize his midfield for this game.
Even with potential returns for Bruno Fernandes, Manuel Ugarte, and Kobbie Mainoo, Manchester United’s disjointed attack and shaky defense leave them vulnerable. A record-breaking fourth straight Premier League defeat without scoring looms large for the visitors if they don’t drastically level up their game.
Elsewhere, Marcus Rashford’s illness leaves his participation quite uncertain, while Luke Shaw, Victor Lindelof and Mason Mount remain sidelined.
Possible Starting Lineups of Liverpool and Manchester United
- Liverpool: Alisson – Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jarell Quansah, Virgil van Dijk, Andrew Robertson – Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch – Mohamed Salah, Dominik Szoboszlai, Cody Gakpo – Luis Díaz. (4-2-3-1)
- Manchester United: Andre Onana – Lisandro Martínez, Harry Maguire, Noussair Mazraoui – Diogo Dalot, Kobbie Mainoo, Manuel Ugarte, Amad Diallo – Alejandro Garnacho, Bruno Fernandes – Rasmus Højlund. (3-4-2-1)
Spooky Express Betting Prediction
Liverpool enter as heavy favorites with Everygame at -357, while a Manchester United upset is priced at +850. A draw stands at +500 at EveryGame. For a balanced wager, consider “Liverpool to Win and Both Teams to Score” at +145, which offers value given Manchester United’s potential to find the net despite their struggles should they expose Liverpool’s own defensive vulnerability. Betting 5/10 units on this outcome is a calculated risk.
Given their superior form, home advantage, and Manchester United’s ongoing struggles, Liverpool should have little trouble securing another precious win over their rivals. Expect a repeat of the dominant performance at Old Trafford earlier this season, further cementing their title credentials while leaving their rivals in deeper trouble.