Liverpool vs Manchester United Preview: Reds Seek Redemption as Slot’s Men Aim to Halt Losing Streak
Anfield, Sunday, October 19, 2025 — 4:30 pm BST (Live on Sky Sports Main Event & Premier League)
Liverpool return to Anfield this afternoon looking to reignite their season after a difficult spell of form. Following a perfect start under Arne Slot, the Reds have stumbled with three consecutive defeats in all competitions, slipping from top spot and prompting questions about their early-season momentum.
Home comforts may offer the ideal reset. Liverpool are unbeaten in their last nine Premier League home games against Manchester United, and Mohamed Salah remains a constant threat — no player in league history has registered more goal involvements against United.
🔴 Team News: Key Boosts for Liverpool
Slot’s side have received timely injury boosts ahead of the clash. Ryan Gravenberch has recovered from a minor hamstring problem sustained with the Netherlands, while Ibrahima Konaté is back in full training and expected to start alongside Virgil van Dijk.
However, first-choice goalkeeper Alisson Becker remains out for at least another week, meaning summer signing Giorgi Mamardashvili will continue between the posts.
At right-back, Jeremie Frimpong is pushing for a start after a light international workload, which could allow Dominik Szoboszlai to move back into midfield. On the opposite flank, Milos Kerkez should retain his place, with Andy Robertson being eased back due to fatigue.
⚽ Attack: Depth and Decisions
Competition for places remains fierce in the final third. Mohamed Salah is a guaranteed starter on the right after netting twice for Egypt over the break, while Cody Gakpo also returns in excellent form, having been involved in four goals for the Netherlands and scoring Liverpool’s lone strike against Chelsea.
Up front, Hugo Ekitike is expected to lead the line, with Alexander Isak nearing full fitness and likely to feature from the bench. Florian Wirtz continues to be Liverpool’s chief creator and is favourite for the No.10 role, though Szoboszlai could also occupy that position. Wataru Endo is being assessed for match readiness, but Slot still has solid depth in midfield.
⚫ United’s Perspective
Rúben Amorim’s Manchester United arrive on Merseyside aiming to build on their 2–0 win over Sunderland before the international break. However, the visitors face significant defensive concerns, particularly at centre-back, with Lisandro Martínez ruled out and Noussair Mazraoui doubtful.
United will look to exploit Liverpool’s vulnerability in transition and the absence of Alisson, but Anfield has rarely been kind to them — their last league win here came in 2016.
The opening exchanges could prove decisive. If Liverpool assert control early, particularly through Frimpong and Kerkez down the flanks, their attacking quartet has the quality to tilt the contest in their favour.
Predicted Liverpool XI (4-2-3-1):
Mamardashvili; Bradley, Konaté, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Gakpo; Ekitike.
