Sloppy United to be blown away by Liverpool at OT
Manchester United's 3-2 comeback win at home to Atalanta on Wednesday night in the Champions League didn't even begin to paper over the cracks developing in a side hampered both by their manager and star striker Cristiano Ronaldo contributing next to nothing without the ball. At Old Trafford on Sunday, they will host an irresistible looking Liverpool side that have balanced astute defending with the front three all in red-hot scoring form. A huge rivalry encounter such as this does pose a different challenge for Jürgen Klopp's men, they are well equipped to silence the hosts. Read our preview here:
Don't Ron, Ron
There is little denying the quality Ronaldo brings back with him to where he made his name, but in recent weeks, it has become more and more noticeable that the tactics employed have failed to adapt to the superstar's lack of pressing. Marcus Rashford, having made a successful goalscoring return both at the weekend and on Wednesday, will be assessed after coming off with another possible injury. Similarly, pivot Fred might miss out, necessitating the return of the less mobile Nemanja Matić alongside Scott McTominay. The experiment at putting Paul Pogba in that role by Ole Gunnar Solskjær against Leicester City spectacularly failed, but he does offer plenty of threat in more advanced areas, with Reds skipper Jordan Henderson certain to be tasked with ensuring the French dynamo doesn't add to his bevy of assists in the early months of 2021/2022.
Mo money, Mo Salah
'Pool came through their own tough test in Europe this week by the same scoreline, with Mo Salah yet again taking centre stage. The Egyptian forward has racked up 12 goals in 11 appearances to date, with many pundits claiming he deserves the accolade of being described as the best men's player in the world currently. Either way, he is joined by Sadio Mané and workhorse Roberto Firmino in hitting their collective stride simultaneously. Elsewhere, the huge clash might come too early for Thiago to make an appearance, whilst Naby Keita's under-par display ought to mean a return for James Milner, with Curtis Jones still on the treatment table. Joel Matip has looked like a colossus at the back this season, perhaps even outperforming partner Virgil van Dijk.
Three and easy
Remarkably, Liverpool have scored at least three in every single game on the road this term, and will have taken no small measure of delight in how poor United have looked at times defensively. Granted, the Red Devils, as they showed on Wednesday, are more than capable with the attack-minded individuals at their disposal of hurting anyone, but they are more reliant on these moments of brilliance than at any recent era before. bet365 have odds of 2.20 for an away win that would increase the gap between the sides to seven points after just nine matches.
