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Liverpool vs Manchester United always holds some significance, no matter the occasion. On Sunday though, there will be added pressure on both sides.
Reds fans don’t really need reminding why it’s imperative that Arne Slot’s side gets back to winning ways at Anfield this weekend. Three consecutive defeats before the international break have dramatically raised concerns over what has been a real mixed bag of performances from this new-look side.
Bar Hugo Ekitike, the new signings have not settled in yet, which is a serious worry given we’re now into October. If ever there was a time to find some form, it’s against Liverpool’s biggest rivals.
Although United boss Ruben Amorim managed to ease some of the pressure on him with a win over Sunderland before the break, he is far from out of the woods yet - even with Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s strange vote of confidence.
Liverpool then, even with a poor run of form behind it, will be the favorite this weekend, although Slot’s job won’t be made any easier by injuries.
The Dutchman already knows he’ll be without Alisson Becker in goal, and there’s every chance he could be forced into making at least two changes to the side that started at Chelsea just over a week ago.
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With Ibrahima Konate sent home early by France and Ryan Gravenberch under assessment after complaining of a hamstring issue with the Netherlands, that’s two big adjustments Slot may have to make - and that’s assuming everyone else reports back with no concerns.
The Liverpool boss will have to wait a little while longer before he gets the all-clear on four of his other players, with Giorgi Mamardashvili, Milos Kerkez and Dominik Szoboszlai in action for Georgia and Hungary on Tuesday, while Alexis Mac Allister will be the last player to return to the UK after Argentina faces Puerto Rico.
Even if all four of those come through their internationals unscathed, Slot may be best served swapping out Mac Allister. The midfielder has struggled with form and fitness so far this season, and considering he is expected to start in Florida, a long flight back from the United States doesn’t make for the best build-up to such a big game against United.
Therefore, before he even considers what his best team might be, Slot could be forced into three changes for Sunday’s game, with Konate, Gravenberch and Mac Allister making way.
Joe Gomez would be the obvious choice to replace Konate - especially with makeshift center-back options potentially missing in Gravenberch and Wataru Endo - while Curtis Jones would likely return in midfield.
Florian Wirtz could also be restored to the line-up, although questions still remain on his best position after another underwhelming display for Germany on Monday.
Potential Liverpool team vs Manchester United: Mamardashvili; Bradley, Gomez, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Jones, Szoboszlai; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Isak.
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