Manchester United will aim to recover and regain their winning form as they face their intense rivals Liverpool in today’s Premier League match. Following a disappointing 2-1 loss to Brighton & Hove Albion last weekend, the Red Devils will be keen to rebound.
The last two league fixtures between United and Liverpool ended in draws, but United secured a memorable victory in last season’s FA Cup quarter-final. Amad Diallo’s late extra-time goal sealed a thrilling 4-3 win, and he is expected to remain in the lineup for today’s clash with Liverpool.
**Formation: 4-2-3-1**
**Predicted Line-up:**
In goal, Andre Onana will likely continue, having played every minute of United’s Premier League matches since joining last summer.
Defensively, no changes are anticipated. Right-back Noussair Mazraoui has made a strong start to his United career, including an assist for Diallo’s goal last weekend. Despite some criticism for his role in Brighton’s first goal, Harry Maguire is expected to retain his place in central defense alongside Lisandro Martinez. Matthijs de Ligt, who struggled after replacing Maguire, is unlikely to start. Therefore, manager Erik ten Hag is expected to favor Maguire’s experience.
Diogo Dalot, despite a solid performance at the Amex Stadium, was caught out of position during stoppage time, leading to Brighton’s second goal. However, with Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia injured, Dalot remains the best option at left-back.
In midfield, Casemiro will need to improve his performance after a dip in form against Brighton. He is expected to be paired with Kobbie Mainoo in central midfield. Manuel Ugarte will not be available for the derby as he wasn’t registered before the Friday noon deadline.
Further forward, Bruno Fernandes is likely to return to his usual No. 10 role with Mason Mount injured. Joshua Zirkzee, who impressed with his goal against Fulham but struggled at Brighton, is set to make his full debut as the central striker.
Alejandro Garnacho, who had a goal disallowed against Brighton after Zirkzee was offside, is expected to replace the out-of-form Marcus Rashford on the left wing. While Rashford has scored seven times against Liverpool, Garnacho’s current form makes him a more dangerous option. The Argentine has already registered a goal and an assist this season and was unlucky not to score against Brighton.
On the right wing, Amad Diallo is likely to continue after a strong second-half performance against Brighton, where he scored the equalizer.
**Possible Manchester United line-up against Liverpool:**
– Goalkeeper: Andre Onana
– Defenders: Noussair Mazraoui, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, Diogo Dalot
– Midfielders: Casemiro, Kobbie Mainoo, Bruno Fernandes
– Forwards: Amad Diallo, Joshua Zirkzee, Alejandro Garnacho
