Following a lacklustre 0-2 defeat at home to Newcastle United, Manchester United supporters are apprehensive about their upcoming visit to Anfield—a venue where they’ve suffered heavy defeats of 4-0 and 7-0 in recent seasons.
Contrastingly, last season saw Manchester United deliver a more resilient performance, securing a goalless draw and curbing Liverpool’s offensive thrusts. However, the current squad appears devoid of confidence, casting doubt on their ability to replicate such a defensive stand.
Match Info
- Premier League Matchday 20 of 38
- Sunday 5th January 2025 11:30 EST / 16:30 GMT
- Anfield, Liverpool, UK
Under the guidance of Arne Slot, Liverpool have been formidable at Anfield, claiming victories in 10 of their last 11 matches across all competitions, with each win featuring at least two goals scored since their 0-1 loss to Nottingham Forest. With more preparation time ahead of this fixture and nearly a full squad ready to play—save for Joe Gomez—Liverpool’s prospects look promising.
Compounding Manchester United’s concerns is the speculation surrounding Trent Alexander-Arnold’s future. With Real Madrid reportedly keen on securing his services in January, this could potentially distract the player. Nonetheless, Liverpool’s focus remains sharp, driven by the collective will of the team and the supporters to overcome their arch-rivals.
The stakes are high for Manchester United, with murmurs of a relegation struggle intensifying. The general sentiment suggests not if, but when Liverpool will prevail.
Ruben Amorim, Manchester United’s coach, might find some solace in an energised midfield with Manuel Ugarte, Kobbie Mainoo, and Bruno Fernandes likely to start. Yet, even with this bolstered lineup, it remains to be seen whether Manchester United’s defence can withstand Liverpool’s attacking prowess, particularly if they need to push forward and leave gaps at the back.
While hopes might rest on this being a misjudgment, rational analysis points towards a comfortable Liverpool victory on Sunday.
Liverpool
Liverpool’s charge towards securing another Premier League title was emphatically underscored by a resounding 5-0 thrashing of West Ham United as 2024 drew to a close, positioning them as heavy favourites as they prepare to face Manchester United in the opening fixture of 2025. Despite their strong standing, Liverpool faces turbulence due to the uncertain future of key players, notably Trent Alexander-Arnold, whose contract dilemma looms large with speculation of a move to Real Madrid by summer, if not sooner.
With Alexander-Arnold’s contract set to expire in six months, and Real Madrid’s interest peaking with a January bid, Liverpool are determined to shut out distractions and focus on extending their six-point lead over second-placed Arsenal. The team has shown resilience and dominance, securing four consecutive wins since a 2-2 draw at home with Fulham, maintaining pressure on their title rivals during the busy festive period. Liverpool’s formidable record at Anfield—winning 10 of their last 11 home games across all competitions—has been a key factor, overwhelming most visiting teams with their prolific scoring.
In team news, Liverpool welcomes back Dominik Szoboszlai from a one-match suspension, adding further depth to their lineup. Meanwhile, Joe Gomez remains a doubt, but there’s potential reinforcement with Conor Bradley and Ibrahima Konate poised for returns, bolstering the squad as they gear up for this crucial encounter.
Manchester United
Manchester United’s journey under newly appointed manager Ruben Amorim has been far from smooth, marked by a significant departure from the tactical approach of his predecessor, Erik ten Hag. As the calendar flips to 2025, the storied club finds itself entangled in an unexpected relegation scare, a predicament not foreseen by many of its faithful.
The Red Devils’ latest Premier League outing culminated in yet another loss, leaving them precariously positioned just seven points above the relegation zone. Although the notion of relegation seems improbable for a club of Manchester United’s stature, especially given it’s been over half a century since their last drop, the current form suggests a gruelling battle ahead. Their away form paints a grim picture too, with a disappointing 2-3-4 record as they prepare for the short trip to Liverpool.
Despite a thrilling victory over Manchester City, where they netted two late goals, Manchester United have since faltered, succumbing to four consecutive defeats across all competitions. Their scoring drought is particularly concerning, having failed to find the back of the net in three consecutive league matches. The recent 2-0 defeat at Wolves further highlights their struggles on the road, with three losses in their last five away league matches.
On a brighter note, Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte return from suspensions and are likely to reclaim their starting spots, providing a much-needed boost to the team’s midfield dynamics. However, injuries continue to plague the squad, with Victor Lindelof, Luke Shaw, and Mason Mount all sidelined with little clarity on their return, adding to the mounting challenges facing Amorim’s side.
America Bet Match Winner Prediction
Liverpool to Win
Liverpool enter this clash with Manchester United as the clear favourites, thanks to their stellar form at Anfield and an impressive track record in recent matches. With 10 wins in their last 11 home games across all competitions and a robust scoring streak, Liverpool’s offensive firepower is expected to overwhelm a beleaguered Manchester United side that has been struggling with form and confidence. The return of key players from suspension will bolster Liverpool’s lineup, further enhancing their chances of securing a victory. On the other hand, Manchester United, still adjusting under new management and grappling with injury woes, have shown vulnerabilities, especially in their away games, making it difficult to foresee an upset at Anfield. The stark contrast in both teams’ recent performances and Liverpool’s home advantage strongly tilt the odds in favour of Liverpool clinching a win in this high-stakes encounter.
America Bet Score Prediction
Liverpool 3 – 1 Manchester United
Liverpool’s consistent goal-scoring prowess at Anfield and their ability to apply sustained pressure on visiting teams suggest they will find the back of the net multiple times against Manchester United. With Manchester United’s defence showing signs of frailty, particularly in away fixtures, Liverpool is likely to capitalize. However, Manchester United has demonstrated moments of brilliance, such as their unexpected victory in the derby against Manchester City, hinting they could breach Liverpool’s defence at least once. This prediction reflects Liverpool’s offensive strength and Manchester United’s current struggles but acknowledges the unpredictable nature of such a fierce rivalry, where a moment of brilliance or lapse could swing the outcome.
America Bet Betting Tips
- Liverpool to win.
- Over 2.5 goals total.
- Both teams to score.
- Liverpool to score first.
- Liverpool to win both halves.
- Total corners over 9.5.
- Sadio Mane to score at any time.
- First goal to be scored before 30 minutes.
- Manchester United to receive the first yellow card.
- Exact score: Liverpool 3 – 1 Manchester United.
