Liverpool vs Manchester United Preview

• Draw or Liverpool win
• Both teams to score

The international break arguably came at the perfect time for Liverpool, whose once-dominant start to the campaign has unravelled in dramatic fashion with three successive defeats in all competitions. Each of those losses came away from home, including two in the Premier League, and as a result, Arne Slot’s men surrendered their place at the top of the table.

Yet despite that wobble, there remains plenty of reason for optimism among the Anfield faithful. Liverpool have been nothing short of formidable on home soil, losing just two of their last 53 home league matches (W41, D10) — a record that underlines their fortress-like status on Merseyside. They will look to harness the intensity of the Kop to spark a revival and remind everyone why they were early title favourites.

In contrast, Manchester United make the short trip down the M62 in better spirits, sitting tenth in the table but just five points behind their rivals. A 2-0 victory over Sunderland before the break made it two wins from their last three Premier League outings (L1), suggesting that the visitors side are slowly rediscovering their rhythm after a stuttering start.

However, consistency remains United’s biggest challenge. The Red Devils failed to record back-to-back league wins throughout the entirety of last season, and the odds are against them repeating that feat here given their eight-game winless run away from home in the top flight (D2, L6). That sequence represents their longest such streak since 1989, adding further historical weight to this fixture.

Head-to-Head History

Few rivalries in world football carry the weight and emotion of Liverpool vs Manchester United, and recent history has heavily favoured the Reds. Liverpool have lost just one of the last 14 league H2Hs (W7, D6), while United’s struggles at Anfield have been particularly acute — they are winless in their last nine league visits (W0, D5, L4).

Should Liverpool avoid defeat again, they would become only the second team in Premier League history, after Chelsea, to go ten or more consecutive home matches unbeaten against Manchester United. That psychological edge could prove crucial as they seek to reassert their domestic dominance.

Hot Stats and Streaks

• Late drama is a theme: Liverpool’s seven Premier League games this season have produced ten goals beyond the 75th minute, reflecting both their attacking persistence and defensive fragility late on.
• Tight margins: None of Liverpool’s last nine matches across all competitions were decided by a two-goal margin or greater, underlining how fine the margins have been in their recent performances.
• Low-scoring tendencies for United: Eight of Manchester United’s last ten league fixtures have featured under 3.5 total goals, suggesting a pragmatic approach under Ten Hag.
• Slow starts away from home: The Red Devils have been trailing at half-time in five of their last seven domestic away games, a trend that could spell trouble against Liverpool’s typically fast starts at Anfield.

Key Players to Watch

Mohamed Salah – Liverpool

No player relishes this fixture quite like Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian talisman has an exceptional record against Manchester United, having registered 13 goals and 19 goal involvements in Premier League encounters against them — both all-time records.

Remarkably, ten of those 13 goals have come after half-time, making him a consistent second-half threat. With Liverpool struggling for form, Salah’s leadership and end product could once again prove decisive.

Amad Diallo – Manchester United

On the opposing flank, Amad Diallo has quietly emerged as one of United’s most exciting young talents. The winger has scored two dramatic late goals against Liverpool in his short career, underlining his penchant for high-pressure moments.

Impressively, he has netted the last goal in five of his last seven goalscoring appearances for United, making him a strong candidate for late impact if introduced from the bench.

Team News and Missing Players

Liverpool continue to battle with injuries at the back, with goalkeeper Alisson Becker still sidelined until next month. The Brazilian’s absence has been sorely felt, and his understudies have struggled to replicate his calm authority. There are also concerns over Ibrahima Konaté, who withdrew from international duty with a minor issue and remains doubtful for this clash.

For Manchester United, the injury list is beginning to shorten. Noussair Mazraoui could return to bolster their defensive options, while several others are edging closer to fitness. Ten Hag may still be cautious in his selections, but the Dutchman will be encouraged by the improving cohesion among his attacking players.

Tactical Overview

Liverpool are expected to dominate possession and press high up the pitch, looking to pin United back with their trademark intensity. However, the recent defeats have exposed some defensive vulnerabilities, particularly in transition — something United’s pacey forwards could exploit.

Ten Hag’s side will likely adopt a compact shape, sitting deep and looking to break quickly through Matheus Cunha or Amad Diallo. The key battle could come in midfield, where Liverpool’s energy and pressing will be tested against United’s ability to retain and recycle possession under pressure.

Betting Analysis and Prediction

Given Liverpool’s defensive concerns — just two clean sheets in their last 16 matches — there is real value in backing Liverpool to win and both teams to score, a combination that carries attractive odds in most markets. The Reds’ formidable home record cannot be ignored, but United’s recent uptick and counter-attacking threat suggest they will find the net.

For those seeking alternative markets, Over 2.5 goals could also appeal given the attacking quality on display, while Mohamed Salah to score anytime remains a consistently reliable selection in this fixture.

Predicted score: Liverpool 2–1 Manchester United

For more info on this game, you may also visit:
Liverpool v Manchester United | 2025/2026 | Premier League | Overview