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© AFP

BETTING GUIDE: Liverpool vs Manchester United, Match Preview, Team News and Prediction

Reading Time: 5min | Sat. 18.10.25. | 20:06

Liverpool’s home dominance, combined with United’s away woes and defensive fragility, makes them strong favourites

Anfield Stadium sets the stage for one of English football’s most iconic clashes as Liverpool hosts Manchester United in a high-stakes North West Derby.

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With both clubs under pressure for vastly different reasons, this match is about more than just bragging rights - it is about form, momentum, and sending a message in the Premier League.

Liverpool are chasing top spot despite falling out of form recently, while United are still struggling to find consistency under Rúben Amorim.

The stage is set for drama, intensity, and potentially goals.

Liverpool enters this fixture in third place after Manchester City's 2-0 win over Everton on Saturday.

They began their title defence in impressive fashion, winning their opening five matches, including key victories over Arsenal (1–0) and Everton (2–1).

However, things have gone off course in recent weeks.

Back-to-back league defeats against Crystal Palace (2–1) and Chelsea (2–1), followed by a 1–0 loss away at Galatasaray in the Champions League, have raised questions about the Reds' defensive stability.

Injuries and lapses in concentration have crept into their game, though their attacking play continues to produce chances.

At Anfield, they remain formidable, having won six straight games in all competitions.

The intensity of the home crowd, combined with Liverpool’s high press and vertical attacking style, makes them a difficult opponent for any team - especially Manchester United, who have struggled on the road this season.

Manchester United’s season, by contrast, has been one of fits and starts.

At the time of writing, the Red Devils sit 11th on the table after seven games, with a return of just 10 points.

While there have been flashes of promise — including recent wins over Burnley (3–2), Chelsea (2–1), and Sunderland (2–0) — they have also suffered heavy defeats to Manchester City (3–0) and Brentford (3–1).

Rúben Amorim’s side is still clearly adapting to his ideas, and though the attack is beginning to click with Benjamin Šeško, Matheus Cunha, and Bryan Mbeumo combining well, defensive fragility and poor away form continue to undermine progress.

United have lost five consecutive away games, conceding 12 goals in that span - a statistic that will worry fans ahead of a trip to one of the league’s toughest venues.

In terms of recent form, neither side is at their best. Liverpool have lost three of their last five matches (L–L–W–L–W), scoring 10 goals and conceding seven, with just one clean sheet in that run.

The absence of goalkeeper Alisson, sidelined with a calf injury, has disrupted their defensive rhythm. Manchester United's form is almost identical in terms of results (W–L–W–L–W), with eight goals scored and eight conceded.

Both teams are scoring regularly but look vulnerable at the back, suggesting goals are likely in this contest.

Historically, this is one of the fiercest rivalries in English football, and Liverpool have had the upper hand in recent years — especially at Anfield.

In the last five meetings between the two sides, Liverpool have won three, drawn one, and lost one.

Their last home match against United ended in a dominant 4–0 victory, and over the last three Anfield league meetings, the Reds have outscored United 10–1.

It is clear that Liverpool enjoys this fixture on home soil, and with United’s away struggles, the hosts will fancy their chances of continuing that dominance.

Team news favours Liverpool slightly, though both sides are dealing with absentees. Alisson remains out for the Reds, as does Giovanni Leoni (knee), while defender Ibrahima Konaté is a doubt due to fatigue.

Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo have each registered two goals and two assists in the league and remain key to Liverpool’s attack.

Summer signing Florian Wirtz is still adjusting to life in the Premier League, but has shown glimpses of creativity between the lines.

Alexander Isak, another new addition, is yet to find his stride, but Anfield may prove the perfect stage for a breakout performance.

For Manchester United, Lisandro Martínez (foot) and Noussair Mazraoui (thigh) remain out, while goalkeeper Altay Bayindir was dropped from the squad against Sunderland.

Bruno Fernandes continues to be the creative heartbeat of the side, with two goals this season, while Benjamin Šeško and Mason Mount have both impressed in recent matches.

Amorim is likely to stick with a 3-4-3 setup, looking to stay compact and hit Liverpool on the counter through the pace of Cunha and Mbeumo.

Casemiro’s midfield battle with Alexis Mac Allister will be crucial in controlling the game’s tempo, while Šeško’s aerial threat could be a factor on set pieces.

Tactically, Liverpool will look to dominate with their usual high press and rapid transitions. Salah’s directness, Gakpo’s movement, and Szoboszlai’s work rate make them dangerous going forward.

Without Alisson, however, they have looked uncertain when playing out from the back.

United will attempt to exploit that with fast counters, and if Fernandes can find space between the lines, they could pose real problems for the Liverpool backline.

The key for Amorim’s side will be absorbing pressure and converting chances when they arise - something they have failed to do consistently on the road.

With both sides leaking goals and boasting firepower in attack, this fixture promises entertainment.

Liverpool have scored in every home match this season, while United’s defensive record away from Old Trafford leaves much to be desired.

Recent history points to a Liverpool win, and current form suggests they are better placed to edge this encounter, especially with Anfield behind them.

Key Pointers

- Liverpool have won 6 of the last 11 Premier League meetings with Man United, losing only once

- United have only one league win over Liverpool since 2018, including heavy defeats (7-0, 5-0, and 3-0)

- Man United are winless in their last 5 league games vs Liverpool, conceding 14 goals

- Liverpool have not lost any of their last 10 home matches against Man United

Liverpool’s home dominance, combined with United’s away woes and defensive fragility, makes them strong favourites.

Expect United to compete, but they might ultimately fall short against a more cohesive and clinical Liverpool side.

Prediction: Over 2.5 goals

Disclaimer: Whilst we do our utmost to offer good advice and information, we cannot be held responsible for any loss that may be incurred as a result of gambling.


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Betting GuideBetting TipsLiverpoolManchester UnitedRuben AmorimMohamed Salah

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