After every matchday, Manchester United is getting closer to the relegation zone than the top – 7 side of the league. It was almost three weeks when Ruben Amorim’s side tasted a win where they dented their archrival city, 1-2. Over the above, they are GOAL-LESS in the last three matchdays. On the other hand, Liverpool is carrying good form where they remain unbeaten for 24 matches.
Conceding seven goals in the last three games hit United’s moral backbone. Trashed by the sides like AFC Bournemouth, Wolves, and New Castle, Amorim needs to find a key to escape. On the tactical sheet, this should be an easy win for ‘The Reds’ at Anfield. Liverpool is six points clear, at the top of the table with 45 points and one game in hand.
Can Manchester United Find Their Footing Against Liverpool at Anfield?
Both the quantitative and qualitative data are in favor of Arne Slot’s side. Liverpool are currently on four successive wins in the Premier League, scored 13 goals. Halfway through the season, they have scored 45 goals, where their XG is just 41.3 (format). It means they are over-performing.
Slot is one of those “Pep Influenced” managers who believe in problem-solving methods for optimizing football. Set up a formation like 4-2-4 Mid-Block, where build-up is the highest priority in his list. Moreover the times, Liverpool regained the balls in the final third of the opposition. Mohamed Salah, leading the Golden Boot race with 17 goals, converted a maximum of those astonishingly.
In the case of Goal Against (GA), open play in the half-space is one of United’s biggest headaches, which Trent Alexander Arnold can exploit. Although injuries and booking issues make the scenario more peculiar. Marcus Rushford, Luke Shaw, Victor Lindelöf, and Mason Mount are not available.
Though having world-class players, the squad lacks quality. The team ranked 11th in terms of expected goals (XG 26.6) among the other premier league teams. Combinedly, they scored only 21 goals so far. That rectifies the lack of efficiency in execution. Ruben Amorim’s main striker, Rasmus Hojlund, only has 2 goals before his name.
Facing a tough opponent, Manchester United should go with the second ball. In terms of defensive duties and tension in the half-space, skipper Bruno Fernandes may take more responsibility in the middle third to cover the half-space. The only thing in that United is surpassing Liverpool is the counter. But against the high pressure of Slot’s backline, it will be the toughest job.
Expected XI of both sides:
Liverpool
4-2-4
Manchester United
3-4-2-1
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