Manchester United host Liverpool on Matchday 3. A huge game for both sides as neither teams have won yet this season. While Liverpool have come from a goal down twice this season, United have been hit hard in the first halves of both games and never recovered. United have been far worse than Liverpool in the early knockings of the season. However a win at Old Trafford would put them ahead of their bitter rivals. It will be a tough ask with United unable to solve all their problems at one time and no new reinforcements ready for Monday. It will be interesting to see how Ten Hag sets up the team and whether the team turns up. Here’s all you need to know:

Manchester United vs Liverpool Match Information:

Teams: Manchester United vs Liverpool
Date: Monday 22nd August 2022
KO Time: 20:00 GMT
Location: Old Trafford
Managers: Erik ten Hag and Jurgen Klopp
Referee: Michael Oliver

Team News:

Manchester United

Manchester United will be without trio, Facundo Pellistri, Brandon Williams and Victor Lindelof but this would not really affect United’s plans as of now. Anthony Martial is available for selection but may not be risked from the starting XI. Both Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw were hauled off at half time against Brentford and could be chosen to miss out against Liverpool too. Christian Eriksen and Fred both struggled against Brentford’s pressing and could have a bigger problem against Liverpool and may be taken out of the team.

Liverpool

Liverpool are currently going through a major injury crisis. It’s nowhere near as bad as the one that they endured in the 20/21 season but still one that has limited their squad depth. Currently, Liverpool will be without Jota, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Thaigo, Matip, Konate, Tsimikas, Ramsay, Kelleher and Jones. Jordan Henderson and Naby Keita will be back in the squad as will Joe Gomez who came on after an hour for Nat Phillips against Crystal Palace. Big-money signing Darwin Nunez will miss out after being sent off for violent conduct at Anfield last week.

Manchester United vs Liverpool Interesting Facts:

• Since 2021, Manchester United have played Liverpool five times competitively. They have only scored five times whilst conceding 15 in four games, the other being a goalless draw at Anfield.
• Salah has scored nine goals in his last six games against United including a hattrick in this fixture last season.
• Manchester United have kept just one clean sheet against Liverpool at home in the last 8 seasons with the only one coming in 2019 under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in a 0-0 draw.
• Manchester United still have not won a league game against Liverpool since 2018 courtesy of a brace from Marcus Rashford.

Predicted XI:

United have to make changes and brutal ones. The goalkeeper has been at fault for at least four of the six goals United have conceded this season. We have seen Dean Henderson already outshine De Gea in every aspect already this season and it pains me how poorly he was treated last season to not even wait for Ten Hag to come in. Would Tom Heaton be an upgrade on De Gea? It’s tough to say but I’d doubt he will be given the chance with United looking at Yan Sommer and Mike Maignan.

In defence, I can see Martinez and Maguire keeping their places but the fullbacks have to change. Wan-Bissaka and Malacia have to come in as Shaw and Dalot have been underwhelming at best. Eriksen could be dropped and the trademark McFred pair will probably return. Bruno should stay in the team along with Rashford who impressed in the second half against Brentford. Sancho could be left out after another underwhelming performance. However, I expect if Martial starts, so will Sancho. If Ronaldo starts, Elanga will come in to add the energy the Portuguese clearly refuses to add.

Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Maguire, Martinez, Malacia; McTominay, Fred; Sancho, Fernandes, Rashford; Martial

Predicted Score:

It’s hard to have much positivity after the first two games and while we have no modern goalkeeper and no midfield reinforcements, we will be in trouble regardless of Liverpool’s injury concerns. They still have a strong attack especially with Firmino available and their midfield should be able to keep the ball and press ours easily. It’s whether United can counter like Palace did and press like Fulham did. If they do they have the chance to score but have to take it. It looks set for a Liverpool win and United could be the only team to not pick up any points in the league so far if West Ham have a positive result. This could be a dark start to the campaign.

Predicted Score: Liverpool to win 1-3