Liverpool, top of the Premier League table and into the knockout stages of the Europa League, host bitter rivals Manchester United at Anfield on Sunday, with the visitors considerably less fortunate.
United were kicked out of Europe a few days ago, beaten 1-0 by Bayern Munich and finished last in their UEFA Champions League group. Manager Erik ten Hag faces mounting pressure and their sixth-placed Premier League finish will need to change to stay in charge long-term.
The silver lining of less fixture congestion with no European football can encourage United as the season progresses as they look to improve their Premier League standings to salvage an otherwise turbulent season.
Liverpool, meanwhile, are in a great position and gaining momentum as they sit top of the league table with the celebratory game looming. Yet it’s still very tight at the top, with a single point ahead of second-placed Arsenal, while third-placed Aston Villa are two points back and fourth-placed Manchester City lurk four points back.
Team News
Liverpool’s injury toll looks set to clear soon, but there are still a number of players who could miss this game. Thiago, Stefan Bajcetic and Alexis Mac Allister are likely to return soon, but this game will come too soon for them to take the field.
The likes of Diogo Jota, Andrew Robertson and Joel Matip will all take longer to varying degrees, with Robertson unlikely to return until February and Matip out for the year with a torn ACL.
Both Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw were injured against Bayern Munich, compounding United’s Champions League exit woes. The two defenders are added to United’s growing injury list, with the fitness of Mason Mount and Christian Eriksen at issue, along with long-term injuries to Casemiro, Lisandro Martinez and Tyrell Malacio.
The latest absences saw Raphael Varane return to the squad after putting in a solid 80 minute performance in the week. Diogo Dalot could be forced to move to the left to cover Shaw, while Aaron Wan-Bissaka gets another run into the side.
Adding to the concerns is Bruno Fernandes, who will miss the game as he is suspended for yellow card accumulation. Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Victor Lindelof missed the midweek game due to illness and their status for the weekend is unknown.
Liverpool starting lineup (4-3-3):
Alisson (GK) — Alexander-Arnold, Konate, van Dijk, Tsimikas — Szoboszlai, Endo, Gravenberch — Salah, Nunez, L. Diaz.
Man United starting lineup (4-3-3):
Onana (GK) — Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Lindelof, Dalot — McTominay, Amrabat, Mainoo — Antony, Hojlund, Garnacho.
What time does Liverpool vs Man United kick off?
This Premier League match kicks off at Anfield Stadium on Sunday, December 17 at 4:30 p.m. local time in Liverpool, England.
How to Watch Liverpool vs Manchester United in your Country
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