Liverpool gear up to face arch-rivals Manchester United on Sunday at Old Trafford with Jurgen Klopp’s men eyeing what would be a memorable win away from home turf.
Jurgen Klopp’s men remain unbeaten so far this new season and had to overcome a stern test earlier this week when taking on La Liga champions Atletico Madrid in what proved to be a highly entertaining affair between the two sides.
The man in form Mohamed Salah netted a brace and Naby Keita unleashed a wonder strike to edge out Atletico who had come down from two goals down to find the levellers just before the halftime break.
Back on the league front, Liverpool will be hoping for a repeat of their showing last time around which away at the Premier League’s new boys Watford in a 5-0 rout of the Vicarage Road outfit by the Merseysiders courtesy of a Roberto Firmino hat-trick.
The Brazilian’s return to form in front of the goal was a welcome boost for Liverpool who have had to rely upon the high-flying African pairing Salah and Mane to bail them out on the attacking front but with both players set for a significant layoff during January for international duty, Klopp will be counting on Firmino and Diogo Jota to find their way back onto the teamsheet.
Manchester United have been a side who have come under the scanner as of late after last weekend’s defeat to Leicester City but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer might have just held onto his job after a late burst from his players ensured a comeback win over Atalanta in the midweek Champions League contest.
The Red Devils, however, will find it tough when playing hosts to their rivals from Merseyside come Sunday with either side looking to emerge on top in the high-billed derby which is one of the most anticipated fixtures in English football.
WHEN & WHERE?
Date: 24 October 2021
Time: 2 PM GMT
Venue: Old Trafford
TEAM NEWS
The focus on the injury front for Liverpool will be on midfield duo Curtis Jones and Thiago Alcantara who have been on the sidelines of late.
Jones had been tipped by Jurgen Klopp to return to the Anfield fold in time for the game against Manchester United and the Liverpool manager’s pre-match presser should sound out confirmation regarding the same.
Thiago, meanwhile, could be in line to miss out on another outing with the Spain international yet to train with his teammates.
KEY BATTLE
Paul Pogba vs Fabinho
Manchester United’s midfield maestro Paul Pogba has his future with the club subject to much speculation but the Frenchman has insisted that he remains focused on performing at his highest level and the player will be key to United’s fortunes against Liverpool.
Great @ChampionsLeague night, boys! 🔴🙏🏾👊🏾 pic.twitter.com/GqalTZoKiT
— Fabinho (@_fabinhotavares) October 20, 2021
The Reds will have Fabinho returning to the teamsheet in his No.6 role and the Brazilian, who came off the bench against Atletico last time around, will hope to deliver on all fronts to ensure Liverpool leave Old Trafford with the three points.
MATCH PREDICTION
An away outing at Manchester United is always a tough challenge for the visitors but Liverpool’s recent form makes them the ideal candidates to secure a much-coveted win over their rivals.
Manchester United 1-2 Liverpool
