Will the Reds get back on track against their archrivals?
The last few weeks have taken a surprising turn for Liverpool FC. While it initially looked as though the Premier League title holders, who made some high-profile and expensive signings in the summer, would once again be able to quickly pull away at the top of the table, LFC’s recent performances have raised more questions than exclamation marks.
Across all competitions, coach Arne Slot’s team lost three competitive games in a row and was therefore overtaken by Arsenal FC in the PL standings. Despite this unexpected slump, the Reds are still the favorites ahead of Liverpool’s derby clash with Manchester United. Not least against the backdrop that the Red Devils last managed to take three points at Anfield Road in the English top flight under Louis van Gaal.
To make matters worse for the visitors, they have not had much success away from home so far this season. Coach Ruben Amorim’s team has only managed to pick up a single point from three PL games on the road. The fallen world club lost both games in Brentford (1-3) and Manchester City (0-3). Across the season, they have now gone eight consecutive away games in the league without a win (0-2-6).
Between Liverpool and Manchester United, my tip is therefore relatively clear: a home win. The top odds of 1.62 are currently available at Bet365.
For those who want to take a little more risk, it’s worth checking the odds for a relatively high-scoring match before the Liverpool vs. Manchester United clash. One reason for this is MUFC’s very vulnerable defense so far. Eleven goals conceded after six matchdays is one of the worst records in the Premier League. Seven of these eleven goals were conceded by Amorim’s team away from home.
LFC has not exactly covered itself in glory defensively either. The reigning champions have not kept a clean sheet in six consecutive competitive games. In four of the five competitive matches played at home so far, the over 2.5 in combination with both teams scoring would have paid off.
Liverpool – Manchester United Head-to-head record / H2H balance
As mentioned in the introduction, Anfield Road has not been a particularly good place for Manchester United in recent years. MUFC has failed to win nine times in a row at the red football temple in the Beatles’ city. After Chelsea, Liverpool FC could now become only the second English club to remain undefeated in ten consecutive PL home games against Manchester United.
At the same time, looking back at the last 15 matches against their archrivals, it would be LFC’s 14th unbeaten match in the Premier League. In the previous season, however, the eventual title winners had to settle for a 2-2 draw. Across all competitions, the over 2.5 would have come true five times in a row!
Liverpool – Manchester United Tip
The rivalry between Liverpool and Manchester United is one of the most popular on the island. On the one hand, this is due to legendary sporting feuds in recent decades. On the other hand, it is also because of their geographical proximity. Only 32 miles separate the two cities, each of which sees itself as the most important economic center in northern England.
Despite three defeats in a row, I am leaning towards a home win for LFC, who have primarily suffered setbacks away from home so far and remain a force to be reckoned with at home. However, given their recent defensive weaknesses, I don’t necessarily believe they will win at home with a clean sheet. Instead, I expect goals from both sides and am therefore betting on the combination of over 2.5 goals and both teams scoring in the Liverpool vs. Manchester United match. It is also possible that the Reds will score in both halves.
