2 weeks ago
10
Two well-known soccer analysts are forecasting a return to winning ways for Liverpool this weekend as the team welcomes Manchester United to Anfield.
The Reds have suffered back-to-back Premier League defeats at the hands of Chelsea and Crystal Palace, and were also bested by Galatasaray in the Champions League. Following a trio of consecutive away games across all competitions, they're back on home turf this Sunday, where they've maintained a flawless record through five matches this season.
The standout moment amongst these victories was a 1-0 triumph over Arsenal, courtesy of a late free-kick from Dominik Szoboszlai. United, on the other hand, is yet to secure a win on the road, having been defeated by Brentford and Manchester City, and managing only a draw against Fulham.
The Red Devils also fell short in a League Cup penalty shootout against Grimsby Town.
Paul Merson has ramped up the pressure on Liverpool, suggesting that "this title race may even be over" if the Reds fail to overcome United. Speaking to Sportskeeda, he said: "If Arsenal win on Saturday, this is a must-win game for them.
"I thought Liverpool fully deserved to get beaten by Crystal Palace and Galatasaray. They must get back on track now.
"All three Liverpool defeats have come away from home, and now they return to Anfield. We all know Liverpool are a different beast on home turf, and Manchester United haven't been great on their travels!"
Merson concluded before predicting a 2-0 win for Liverpool: "I don't think Liverpool will lose at home; they will snap out of this run. Manchester United will be lucky if they can walk away with something from Anfield."
Meanwhile, Chris Sutton offered a comparable view to the BBC, though with slightly more confidence in United's prospects.
"This is a huge game for Arne Slot's side," he remarked.
"United can definitely hurt Liverpool on the break, and that is clearly the way they will set up at Anfield."
Sutton added: "There are definitely reasons for Manchester United to be optimistic here. Liverpool have issues defensively, and their weakness at full-back might suit United's tactics. I can see Bryan Mbeumo causing Arne Slot's side all sorts of problems.
"My head is telling me that Ruben Amorim's side will get something at Anfield, but I don't want to go for a draw, even though that's what I think will happen."
He concluded before predicting a 2-1 win for Liverpool: "It is not in my nature to sit on the fence for a big game like this."
English (US) ·