2 weeks ago
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Danny Simpson has offered some advice to Liverpool ahead of the team's crucial clash against Manchester United this Sunday.
The iconic fixture is set to return with a bang as the Reds welcome their arch-rival to Anfield. However, Arne Slot's players are currently struggling for form, having lost their last three matches. Liverpool, the reigning Premier League champion, was dealt a late 2-1 defeat by Crystal Palace in September, followed by a 1-0 loss to Galatasaray in the Champions League.
The team's woes continued with another 2-1 defeat at the hands of Chelsea at Stamford Bridge before the international break, leaving Slot's players second in the league standings, just one point behind Mikel Arteta's Arsenal.
On the other hand, United is coming into the match on the back of a 2-0 victory over newly-promoted Sunderland, despite a mixed bag of results under Ruben Amorim.
In an interview with the Manchester Evening News via MightyTips, Simpson outlined how Liverpool can get back to winning ways against United. The former Red Devils star stated: "There's two ways of looking at that.
"They're not used to losing three games, but they're all away from home for a start. Palace, Galatasaray, Chelsea, I think any time you play them, it feels way tough.
"They've had a little bit of a break, so is it the time to strike and make them lose four games? Or are they going to be angry and come out fighting because they're back at home and the crowd is going to be even noisier, and it's Man United.
"So, United, yes, they got a win against Sunderland, but albeit, no disrespect, it was Sunderland at home. If I was a United player, I'd be thinking it is a great time to just start the game well, actually, to make the players and the fans nervous.
"I think the first 20 minutes is going to be so key. I've played at Anfield loads, and they can make you nervous after the first 10, 15 minutes.
"It's hard to recover. Especially if you go 1-0 down. If United can somehow just get through that storm at 10 minutes, maybe create a few chances, nick a goal, then it would be really nervous times for Liverpool."
Simpson also pointed out that the recent international break could create difficulties for players returning to club duty, particularly if they sustain injuries whilst on national team service.
The 38-year-old added: "It's hard as well with the international break because we don't know what condition the players are coming back in, and the manager has no idea until maybe tomorrow or Thursday. So, it's always a tricky one after the international break."
Liverpool is heading into its home game against United with a depleted squad due to recent injuries. Players such as Alisson and Giovanni Leoni have been ruled out completely, while the availability of Ibrahima Konate, Ryan Gravenberch, and Wataru Endo is still uncertain.
On the other hand, United also has its own injury concerns to contend with. Lisandro Martinez isn't expected to regain fitness until November, and it's yet to be determined whether Ayden Heaven and Noussair Mazroui will be fit enough to make a return.
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