Liverpool welcomes Manchester United to Anfield on Sunday afternoon for a heated duel in which both teams are under considerable pressure. The Reds are in the midst of a crisis for the first time under Arne Slot after three consecutive competitive defeats, while the Red Devils under Rúben Amorim are still searching for consistency and looking to build on their positive performance against Sunderland. With 15 points, Liverpool are only one point behind the league leaders, but recent setbacks are gnawing away at their confidence. United are mid-table with ten points, and a good result at Anfield would provide a much-needed morale boost. Adding to the intrigue, regular goalkeeper Alisson is out injured, so Mamardashvili will be between the posts, which promises to be particularly exciting given the defensive problems both teams are experiencing.
- Venue: Anfield, Liverpool
- Date and time: October 19, 2025, 5:30 p.m.
- Competition: Premier League (Matchday 8)
Both teams are currently showing defensive weaknesses, which makes goals likely on both sides. Liverpool are the bookmakers’ favorites with odds of around 1.6, but several factors argue against a comfortable home win: the absence of Alisson, uncertainties surrounding substitute Mamardashvili, and the recent poor second halves of both teams. A strong tip is “both teams to score,” as Liverpool have conceded goals in each of their last five games and United have scored in around 80% of their recent matches. Noteworthy: Over 80% of both teams’ goals conceded have come in the second half. “Over 2.5 goals” also looks promising, as this mark has been exceeded in around 80% of both teams’ recent games, with Liverpool scoring an average of 2.6 goals per game. As a value option, the double chance of a draw or away win (odds around 4.8) could be interesting, especially given Liverpool’s recent negative run and United’s more stable phase under Amorim.
Liverpool Form & Record Check
Liverpool is going through an unusual slump with three competitive defeats in a row, mostly sealed by late goals. Despite 15 points from seven league games and a close position behind the top spots, cracks are appearing in the defensive unit. In their last five games, the team has conceded at least one goal in each, with four of those goals coming in the second half. A total of nine goals conceded in a short period of time reveal defensive problems that were still a strength in the previous season. The return of Ibrahima Konaté after thigh problems could have a stabilizing effect. Alisson is still out with a persistent hamstring injury and will be sidelined for at least another week, which is why Giorgi Mamardashvili will continue to stand between the posts. Mohamed Salah is still reasonably present with four goal contributions in seven league games, but has gone two games without scoring. Alexander Isak is still waiting for his first Premier League goal after only 313 minutes of playing time, while Florian Wirtz still needs time to adjust, having failed to score in nine competitive games. Slot compares Wirtz’s process to De Bruyne’s transition in England. On a positive note, Ryan Gravenberch is fit again after hamstring problems, which increases the options in midfield.
Liverpool are likely to line up in their usual 4-2-3-1 formation. Giorgi Mamardashvili will be in goal, replacing Alisson, who is still out with a thigh injury sustained in the Champions League game in Istanbul and will also be unavailable next week. In defense, Ibrahima Konaté is expected to return from his thigh injury and form the central defense alongside Virgil van Dijk. Joe Gomez or Conor Bradley and Andrew Robertson are planned as full-backs. Ryan Gravenberch, who has fully recovered from his thigh problems, and Alexis Mac Allister are expected to start in central midfield. Mohamed Salah, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Florian Wirtz are expected to form the attacking trio behind center forward Alexander Isak, with particular attention focused on £116 million signing Wirtz, who is still waiting for his first goal after seven Premier League appearances.
Manchester United Form & Record Check
Short, useful summary: Manchester United continue to produce inconsistent results under coach Rúben Amorim and are mid-table with ten points; the team will be looking to build on their positive performance against Sunderland and find more consistency. Note: This version takes into account the currently available away statistics and known injury information.
Manchester United are expected to line up in a back three, in line with Rúben Amorim’s preferred system. The usual first-choice goalkeeper will start in goal, while Luke Shaw, Diogo Dalot, and Tyrell Malacia could feature in the back three. Casemiro and Mainoo are expected to start in central midfield, with Bruno Fernandes in a more attacking role. Fast options such as Diallo are conceivable in attack. Lisandro Martínez is still out with a cruciate ligament rupture and is not expected to return until the end of October 2025, which weakens the defense. Fresh alternatives are available on the bench.
Liverpool – Manchester United Head-to-head comparison & statistics
Liverpool has the upper hand in head-to-head matches: two wins for the Reds, two draws, and one win for Manchester United in the FA Cup quarterfinals in March 2024 (4-3 after extra time), which is Liverpool’s only defeat in this series. There is a clear pattern in the half-time scores, with Liverpool leading at the break in four of the last five encounters, with United conceding at least one goal before half-time in each game. All five games were high-scoring, with at least three goals per game. Liverpool scored in each of these games, while United failed to score twice. Examples include the 2-2 draw at Anfield Road in January 2025, when Liverpool took the lead and United came back after the break, and the clear 3-0 win in September 2024, with Liverpool dominating the game. This suggests that the upcoming game will be a high-scoring affair, with Liverpool traditionally starting stronger and scoring early, while United often improve in the second half.
