Gap between England's biggest rivals now a chasm
The storm clouds are gathering in force over Old Trafford after just two games of the 2022/2023 Premier League season. Many Manchester United fans already opposed to the controversial ownership of the Glazer family plan protests on Monday evening before and perhaps during and after the clash with deadly rivals Liverpool. Erik ten Hag's side could do without the distraction, having deservedly lost their opening couple of fixtures to Brighton & Hove Albion and Brentford respectively. Though the visitors haven't won either of theirs, the difference in performances between the two giants of world football couldn't be starker, which is also set to continue to widen. Read our preview here:
Fred the shred
The deficiencies in the Red Devils' squad are more than apparent. The most noticeable shortcoming was in defensive midfield, with Christian Eriksen shoehorned into a role he was emphatically ill-suited for. The scattergun approach in the transfer market has been another source of frustration for supporters, and whilst the capture of Real Madrid star Casemiro should improve that area of the team, it hasn't altered opinion. The Brazilian won't be ready in time for the match, leaving duties the likely sole responsibility of compatriot Fred. Often better than the little credit he receives, he nevertheless has a daunting task against the visitors' high intensity pressing game in the middle of the park and beyond. Elsewhere, Harry Maguire is a target for Chelsea, and might be replaced in the XI by another Blancos alumni in the guise of Raphaël Varane. ten Hag will also be hoping for far more from Marcus Rashford and the rest of the goal-shy forwards. They have yet to score this term.
No miss he, Elliott
Jürgen Klopp will be slightly frustrated with his side's start, drawing their first two games. However, they haven't been short in terms of quality or intensity for certain periods in both encounters, and will head east to Stretford with eight players missing - Darwin Núñez has joined the seven others absent with his dismissal against Crystal Palace meaning he'll be watching in the stands. That precipitates a recall for Roberto Firmino, who will have the lively Luis Díaz to his left in the front three. On the right, Mo Salah will be backed down the flank by Trent Alexander-Arnold and Harvey Elliott. The latter has made a good case thus far for a place in the XI when all his competitors in midfield are back fit. Against United, he'll seek to get beyond Eriksen and the jittery Tyrell Malacia with a combination of supporting runs and an eye for a through ball to the front three.
Betting tip
betway have odds of 2.40 for Liverpool to pile on the misery for Manchester United and condemn them to being bottom of the table after three matches with a HT/FT win.
