Manchester United will host Liverpool in a much anticipated Premier League encounter at Old Trafford on Tuesday.
The Red Devils haven’t had the desired start this season following their consecutive losses at the hands of Brighton & Hove Albion and Brentford and they cannot afford to lose the third match on a trot.
Erik ten Hag has been brought in to stabilise things at the club but the former Ajax manager has found it difficult to get the ball rolling in his first Premier League season.
The Red Devils huffed and puffed to find any kind of rhythm on the pitch and they are submerged at the bottom of the points table as they are yet to open their Premier League account.
United already brought in Tyrell Malacia, Christian Eriksen and Lisandro Martinez and they have also agreed a deal for defensive midfielder Casemiro.
A couple of more players could arrive before the deadline day as the Glazers are feeling the heat and are now ready to break the bank in a bid to bail out the manager.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s future has been the subject of interest but with the current scenario, the Portuguese superstar is likely to stay at the club at least as of now.
Ronaldo has been rebranded as the focal point of ten Hag’s rebuilding plan and he could lead the line against Jurgen Klopp’s side at Old Trafford.
A win is not fancied given United’s current situation but the atmosphere has definitely changed in the last 2-3 days as the Red Devils have pressed the panic indicator as the transfer window is hauling towards its climax.
For Liverpool, they have been far from impressive as they are yet to lodge a win in the Premier League. Two back to back draws don’t really reflect Liverpool’s standards and they will come to all guns blazing against the 20 times champions.
The Reds narrowly missed the Premier League title last time and with Manchester City marching ahead pretty smoothly they will have a lot of catching up to do.
Darwin Nunez was given the marching order and he won’t be available against United while Klopp seems to be still dealing with the departure of Sadio Mane to Bayern Munich.
The Reds are currently unbeaten in 21 Premier League matches while a defeat would not ring the panic button so quickly but it will certainly provide them with a much needed shakeup.
They are still the favourite for the Premier League title but with Tottenham Hotspur roaring under Antonio Conte, Klopp needs to find his old mojo as soon as possible.
A commanding display against United would be a welcome change for a team who has set their level pretty high in the last few seasons.
Manchester United vs Liverpool
Date: 23rd August, 2022
Time: 12:30 AM IST
Stadium: Old Trafford
Manchester United vs Liverpool
Team News
Manchester United
Anthony Martial is fit and raring to go but he might not start this game. Tyrell Malacia is certain in the starting lineup and he will replace Luke Shaw on the left side of the defence.
Casemiro could be unveiled by the Red Devils in front of a packed stadium but the Brazilian has to wait for at least another match before donning the red jersey.
Liverpool
Liverpool have a pretty long list of injured players. Joel Matip, Ibrahima Konate, Diogo Jota, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Curtis Jones, and Caoimhin Kelleher are all in the treatment room.
Roberto Firmino has been declared fit and he will lead the line.
Manchester United Possible Lineup
De Gea; Dalot, Varane, Martinez, Malacia; Fernandes, Fred, Eriksen; Sancho, Ronaldo, Rashford
Liverpool Possible Lineup
Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson; Elliott, Fabinho, Henderson; Salah, Firmino, Diaz
Predictions
Both the teams are vying for their first three points so it will be a tough battle.
Manchester United vs Liverpool Fantasy XI No. 1
Alisson; Martinez, Malacia, Robertson; Fabinho, Henderson, Eriksen, Bruno; Salah, Ronaldo, Sancho
Manchester United vs Liverpool Fantasy XI No. 2
Alisson; Martinez, Malacia, Robertson, Gomez; Henderson, Eriksen, Bruno; Salah, Ronaldo, Sancho
