Liverpool vs. Manchester United Preview, Prediction & Betting Odds (GW8)
Sunday features the rekindling of hostilities amongst the Premier League's two most successful sides as second-place Liverpool host 10th-place Manchester United at Anfield.
Liverpool will be looking to reclaim their post atop the Premier League table. Gameweek 7 saw the Reds drop from the league's top spot for the first time since December 2024.
Manchester United are attempting to steady a rocking ship under manager Reuben Amorim. Since a demoralizing loss to Grimsby Town in the EFL Cup, United have alternated losses and wins across their subsequent five league fixtures.
Premier League Player News & Updates
Chelsea vs. Liverpool Head-to-Head Record
Liverpool and Manchester United have met on 244 occasions, dating back to 1894 when Liverpool defeated United, then known as Newton Heath, 2-0 in a Test Match at Ewood Park.
The Red Devils lead the all-time series, winning 91 times and drawing on 71 occasions.
Over their last 10 Premier League meetings, Liverpool having dropped points just once, winning five times and drawing four.
Fixture Trivia
Question: Which three Liverpool players netted a brace in their famous 7-0 victory over Manchester United in March of 2023?
Gameweek 7 Trivia: Which Liverpool player scored the infamous 'ghost goal' versus Chelsea in the 2005 Champions League semifinal?
Luis Garcia
Betting Odds and Predictions for Chelsea vs. Liverpool Match
Premier League Odds Comparisons
Moneyline Odds
DraftKings: LIV -160 Draw +320, MUN +400
FanDuel: LIV -175 Draw +330, MUN +410
BetMGM: LIV -160 Draw +340, MUN +375
Bet365: LIV -163 Draw +350, MUN +375
Visit RotoWire all season for exclusive sports betting picks and our weekly Premier League betting show. Remember that betting apps vary in terms of odds, so we have an easy-to-use odds page that allows you to shop for the best lines at DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM and PointsBet. Claim over a thousand dollars in bonuses by signing up at the best sports betting sites using the best sportsbook promos.
RECENT FORM
Liverpool (LLLWW) have suffered three successive defeats for the first time since 2023. In their Premier League losses, the Reds were undone by conceding dramatic second-half stoppage time goals against both Crystal Palace and Chelsea.
Manchester United (WLWLW) have alternated wins and losses across their last five Premier League fixtures. In their three victories, United scored seven goals, with just a single goal across the pair of defeats.
FORMATIONS
Liverpool are most likely to line up in a 4-2-3-1. The double-pivot is intended to shield a Liverpool backline that has conceded nine goals across their first seven league fixtures. When operating optimally, the double-pivot provides the talented Liverpool full-backs Conor Bradley and Milos Kerkez license to make over-lapping runs into the attacking half of the pitch.
Manchester United are commonly aligned in the 3-4-2-1 shape that has defined Amorim's tactical approach throughout his management career. United have successfully stretched teams with their width and attacked centrally in their victories. In their defeats, Amorim's squad as been overrun on the flanks and outnumbered in midfield.
LINEUP NOTES & INJURY NEWS
Premier League Predicted & Confirmed Lineups
Liverpool Injury News & Lineup Notes
Alisson (hamstring) is out for the fixture. With Liverpool's No. 1 sidelined, Giorgi Mamardashvili will make his second Premier League start and third Liverpool appearance. Stefan Bajcetic (hamstring) was trending towards a return prior to the international break but there has been little update from the club as to whether the Liverpool academy product is being held out as a precaution or is simply not being selected.
Central defender Ibrahima Konate (quadriceps) will be a game-time decision for Sunday's clash. After suffering an injury on international duty, Slot provided the following update on Konate: "Ibou has come back to us, started the sessions again, and is expected to train with us today (Friday)." If Konate can't go, the experienced Joe Gomez would step in, a talented backup though he hasn't played much this season.
Wataru Endo (undisclosed) is a doubt for the clash after withdrawing from the Japan squad and not training with the team Friday.
Summer signing and central defender Giovanni Leoni (knee) is out for the season with a torn ACL.
Manchester United Injury News & Lineup Notes
The Red Devils enter the fixture at near full-strength with just three notable injuries across their backline.
Lisandro Martinez (knee) is progressing in his recovery from a significant ACL injury suffered in February 2024. Sunday's clash will come too soon for the veteran, but look for Martinez to resume training in the coming weeks. Noussair Mazraoui (undisclosed) is a doubt for the match after United boss Amorim insinuated he would need more time to reintegrate with the squad after missing their previous two league matches. Ayden Heaven (undisclosed) will likely be an option off the bench for Amorim after picking up a knock on U20 duty for England.
KEY MATCHUPS
Liverpool Wingers vs. Manchester United Wingbacks
The tactical tug-of-war between Slot and Amorim on Saturday is bound to take place on the flanks. Liverpool's left-side is likely to showcase Kerkez making overlapping runs with Cody Gakpo in the attacking half. While Salah and Bradley torment the wing-backs down the right flank.
Away from Old Trafford and against a superior opponent, look for United to sit deep in a five-at-the-back look while they aim to execute a counter-attacking, smash-and-grab game plan versus the reigning champions. United wing-backs Amad Diallo and Patrick Dorgu will have the unenviable task of needing to support the attack without neglecting their defensive responsibilities.
Sammy Lammens vs. Liverpool Set Pieces
After recording a clean sheet in his Premier League debut against Sunderland, Lammens will face an entirely different proposition at Anfield. Look for Liverpool to surround the keeper and force the ball into the six-yard box from dead ball opportunities. Lammens' ability to cope with the aerial threats posed by Virgil van Dijk and Konate could prove pivotal.
Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez vs. Benjamin Sesko
Konate (quadriceps) is off to a rough start this season. The experienced defender has struggled with distribution and picking up opponent runs in behind. Konate's recent string of performances combined with concern over his quadriceps could mean Slot considers Gomez in the Liverpool starting XI.
Sesko was held scoreless in each of his first five United appearances (two starts) but has since rattled off goals in successive starts.
With Sesko looking settled at United and Liverpool asking questions of their defensive pairing, look for United to attack the Liverpool backline directly with their downhill, bowling ball of a new striker.
MAN OF THE MATCH
Salah's form and ability have been in focus in recent weeks as the fabled Egyptian winger has not recorded a goal contribution across his last three appearances (two starts) between the Prmeier League and Champions League. However, Salah's three goals and three assists across six prior starts lead me to believe the dip in form is temporary for Salah.
With United likely to cede possession at Anfield, I back Salah to take up more central positions in between the United backline and midfield as he assumes the role of playmaker and to notch at least one goal contribution.
PREDICTED RESULT
Liverpool 3 - Manchester United 1
UPCOMING FIXTURES
Liverpool: Oct. 25 at Brentford
Manchester United: Oct. 25. Vs. Brighton Hove & Albion
