After a packed festive schedule, the Premier League is back in action today following a week-long breather. Fans are buzzing with anticipation as an exciting lineup of matches awaits. But the spotlight this weekend falls firmly on the North-West Derby, as Liverpool gear up to host a faltering Manchester United. It’s a clash steeped in history, and with both sides desperate to make a statement, the stage is set for an unmissable showdown.
These two rivals couldn’t be heading into this clash in more contrasting form. Liverpool are flying high, dominating the Premier League and looking every bit like title winners, while Manchester United are stuck in the doldrums, languishing in the bottom half of the table. The gulf between the two sides is staggering – Liverpool currently sit 23 points ahead of their historic rivals, and that gap could widen to 26 points by the end of Sunday’s showdown. It’s clear that while Liverpool have become the gold standard, United are still struggling to regain their former glory. Arne Slot’s Liverpool have been ruthless lately, winning their last four matches with an eye-popping aggregate score of 16-5. Confidence is sky-high at Anfield, and the Reds will be eager to keep their winning streak alive against their old foes.
On the other hand, Manchester United are desperate to kick off the new year on the right foot after a disastrous end to 2024. Hopes were high after their dramatic 2-1 victory over Manchester City – a game many thought would reignite their season—but instead, United have spiraled, losing four straight games since. Their dismal run has seen them tumble to 14th in the table, sitting on just 22 points with a negative goal difference of -5. With Liverpool in unstoppable form and United fighting for pride, this North-West Derby promises drama, intensity, and perhaps another chapter in their storied rivalry.
Date: 5th January 2025
Time: 10:00 PM (IST)
Stadium: Anfield
Location: Liverpool, England
Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Quansah, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Gakpo; Diaz.
Onana; Yoro, Maguire, Martinez; Mazraoui, Mainoo, Ugarte, Dalot; Diallo, Fernandes; Hojlund.
Goalkeeper: Alisson (Liverpool)
Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Virgil Van Dijk (Liverpool), Andrew Robertson (Liverpool), Diogo Dalot (United)
Midfielders: Bruno Fernandes (United), Cody Gakpo (Liverpool), Amad Diallo (United)
Forwards: Mohamed Salah (Liverpool), Luis Diaz (Liverpool), Rasmus Hojlund (United)
Choice 1: Mohamed Salah (C), Trent Alexander-Arnold (VC)
Choice 2: Cody Gakpo (C), Luis Diaz (VC)
The author has provided you with the above-mentioned match prediction on the basis of his research, understanding, and analysis, consider the points and make your own decision.
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