Manchester United travel to Anfield for today’s much-awaited Premier League clash against Liverpool.
The Red Devils are currently on a two-match winless streak in all competitions and they face a tough challenge against their arch-rivals this evening.
The club have not won at Anfield in the last eight meetings with three losses and five defeats. They have scored on just one occasions during this period.
United and Ten Hag will be aiming to end the dreadful run, but they will be without several key players for the game including the suspended Bruno Fernandes.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Predicted Line-up:
Andre Onana has played every minute in goal for United this season. The Cameroon international is expected to continue between the sticks in the North-West derby.
In defence, there will be an enforced change with Harry Maguire suffering a groin injury in the midweek Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich at Old Trafford.
In his absence, it is likely that Luke Shaw will move into central defence to partner Raphael Varane, considering there has been no update on Victor Lindelof’s injury.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka could return to the starting line-up in the right-back position. Diogo Dalot is very likely to get the nod over Sergio Reguilon in the left-back role.
With Fernandes suspended, Scott McTominay may operate in the advanced number 10 position today as he looks better going forward without extra defensive duties.
The Scot is enjoying his best-ever scoring season in the league with five goals and could be seen as a potential goalscoring source with his clever runs into the box.
In that case, we would prefer Kobbie Mainoo to line up alongside Sofyan Amrabat to provide the defensive assurance in midfield. The wonderkid has had a fine start to his senior career.
He has looked assured in possession and has good recovery pace. Hannibal Mejbri is another choice, but the Tunisian does not have the same ball control as Mainoo in tight situations.
Further forward, we are anticipating a surprise change on the left wing with Alejandro Garnacho making way for Marcus Rashford, who has a good record against Jurgen Klopp’s side.
The club graduate has scored five times in 12 league meetings and has caused plenty of concerns for Trent Alexander-Arnold in the past. He could return to the starting XI this evening.
Elsewhere, Antony is likely to continue on the right wing ahead of Facundo Pellistri. With Anthony Martial out with illness, Rasmus Hojlund is guaranteed to lead the attack for United.
The Dane ended the Champions League group stage as the joint top-scorer with five goals, but he is still looking for his maiden league goal for the club. He won’t get a better time to end the drought.
