After a four-game hiatus, Liverpool returns to Anfield for a highly anticipated clash against Manchester United. The atmosphere is charged, and the stakes are high as both teams gear up for a pivotal encounter.
Match Details:
Liverpool vs. Manchester United
Premier League (17th Matchday) | Anfield
Date: December 17, 2023
Time: 4:30 pm (GMT)
Following three consecutive away fixtures spanning three different competitions, Jurgen Klopp’s team is finally back to the familiar confines of their home ground. A victory on Sunday would secure their position at the summit of the table.
Amidst the accolades for Liverpool 2.0, the situation at Old Trafford is less favorable, with a string of disappointing results and performances.
Nevertheless, matches like these present an opportunity for a fresh start, and the Reds must be prepared.
Here are 10 key points to be aware of ahead of the Liverpool vs. Manchester United encounter.
1. 57K at Anfield!
On Sunday, Liverpool is set to welcome the largest Anfield crowd since 1977, following the approval to partially open the new upper tier of the Anfield Road Stand. With a successful test event and the recent issuance of a safety certificate, an additional 7,000 supporters will be in attendance, increasing the capacity to 57,000.
Although not every seat will be occupied, the spectacle is bound to be remarkable! The timing couldn’t be better for a game that promises to have more fans filling the stands.
2. No ‘new’ injuries
Correctly, Klopp opted to keep Alisson, Virgil van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Mohamed Salah in Merseyside, while the rest of the team traveled to face Union SG on Thursday.
Kostas Tsimikas, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Luis Diaz were part of the traveling squad but remained on the bench. The strategic use of all five substitutions in Belgium played a role in minimizing the total minutes played by the team.
The noteworthy outcome from the match is the manager’s report that “nobody got hurt,” indicating no additional absences are anticipated.
However, Alexis Mac Allister has been confirmed as unavailable, and Diogo Jota, Andy Robertson, Thiago, Stefan Bajcetic, and Joel Matip are all still undergoing treatment for their respective injuries.
3.United will be without 10 players for the upcoming match.
By that headline, we are not only referring to performance but also taking into account injuries and suspensions. Erik ten Hag is set to face the trip to Liverpool without the services of at least 10 players, as Bruno Fernandes, Harry Maguire, Anthony Martial, Jadon Sancho, Amad Diallo, Christian Eriksen, Lisandro Martinez, Casemiro, Tyrell Malacia, and Mason Mount are all unavailable.
Victor Lindelof’s availability remains uncertain as he only resumed training earlier in the week. However, Ten Hag has confirmed that he can count on Luke Shaw and Marcus Rashford. The visitors find themselves with a diminished squad.
Recent performances:
Liverpool’s last 5 (from left to right): Loss, Win, Win, Win, Win
Manchester United: Loss, Loss, Win, Loss, Draw
Potential Manchester United Starting XI: Onana; Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Shaw, Dalot; Mainoo, Amrabat; Rashford, McTominay, Garnacho; Hojlund
4.Is Liverpool’s starting lineup clear-cut?
Having rested several players for the last Europa League group match, with some playing the entire 90 minutes, we received a significant clue about the team selection for Sunday. Alisson, Van Dijk, Alexander-Arnold, and Salah are set to return, along with Tsimikas, Szoboszlai, and Diaz.
Given Curtis Jones played the entire 90 minutes in Belgium, it’s likely that Gravenberch will be chosen on the left of midfield, and Wataru Endo will take up the No. 6 position.
Although it’s not the most probable scenario, we wouldn’t be overly shocked if Klopp decided to shift Alexander-Arnold into midfield and selected Joe Gomez at right-back.
Projected Liverpool Starting XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Endo, Szoboszlai, Gravenberch; Salah, Diaz, Nunez
5.Do we really need to recall the previous occasion?
Listen, Liverpool supporters understand better than most not to take anything for granted in this matchup – regardless of current form. However, there’s still a considerable amount of satisfaction derived from the memorable 7-0 victory in the previous encounter.
Klopp accurately labeled it a “freak result,” and the chances of witnessing such an outcome again in our lifetimes are slim. Therefore, it’s only fitting that we savor every moment of it.
The 7-0 triumph marked Liverpool’s fourth win in five games against United at Anfield. Across these encounters, the aggregate score stands at 16-1 in favor of the Reds.
6. A new club record on the line
Remarkably, Liverpool has found the net in 34 consecutive matches across all competitions. A goal against Manchester United would extend this streak to 35, establishing a new club record.
The existing record was recently achieved by Klopp’s team, maintaining the scoring streak from April to December in 2021.
This prolific run began in April with a 2-2 draw against Arsenal, and here’s to hoping it continues well into the new year!
7. Liverpool 2.0 faces a challenging examination in the upcoming fixture.
The manager acknowledges that his team has yet to reach its peak, and Liverpool 2.0 is set for a significant challenge during their inaugural festive period together.
“When you bring together a new group – and indeed, it is a new group – it’s always evident that it takes time to establish stability. That’s something we lacked at times, and that’s the reality.
However, thus far, it has worked out to some extent, and our focus must be on continuous improvement, especially during the most demanding moments.
This group has never experienced a December together, and December in English football is undeniably the most demanding month. Therefore, we need to demonstrate our progress in these challenging times.”
8. Expect Mo to find the net; it’s a safe bet.
It’s almost certain that Salah will be on the scoresheet in most matches, particularly against United.
Salah holds the record for the most goals against United in Liverpool’s history, with 12 in 12 appearances – the highest tally against any team in his career.
In fact, he has scored in each of the last six games against the old rival in all competitions, amassing a total of 11 goals in that impressive streak. He seems unstoppable.
Keep it up, Mo!
9. Touchline ref returns after controversy
Michael Oliver will officiate this fixture as the central referee, marking his fourth time overseeing this match – all previous instances were at Old Trafford.
However, the real focus is on the touchline, where Dan Cook makes his return for a Liverpool match since his involvement in disallowing Luis Diaz’s goal at Tottenham.
Cook served as the assistant VAR during that encounter, and we are all familiar with the details of the controversial events that transpired on that day. Let’s hope for a controversy-free match this time!
As for the VAR setup on Sunday, John Brooks will be in charge, with Simon Long assisting in the role.
10. Join us for live coverage of the match!
The Liverpool vs. Man United clash will be aired live on Sky Sports Main Event in the UK, commencing at 4:30 pm (GMT).
However, for real-time updates both before and during the match, rely on Gidiwap liveblog, starting from 3:45 pm.
Let’s go, Reds!