Manchester United vs Liverpool Prediction: Manchester United and Liverpool are expected to play to a 1-1 draw in their pre-season friendly, reflecting an evenly-matched contest despite recent setbacks for both teams.
As the summer heat builds in Columbia, South Carolina, football fans are eagerly anticipating a thrilling encounter between two English giants. Manchester United and Liverpool are set to face off at Williams-Brice Stadium in a pre-season friendly that promises excitement and intrigue.
Match Preview
Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United enter this fixture riding the wave of a pulsating 3-2 victory over Real Betis. The Red Devils showcased their attacking flair but also revealed defensive vulnerabilities, giving Ten Hag plenty to ponder as he fine-tunes his squad for the upcoming season.
On the other side, Liverpool, under the fresh guidance of Arne Slot, come into this match with renewed confidence after an impressive 2-1 win against Arsenal. The Reds demonstrated tactical flexibility and individual brilliance, with Harvey Elliott particularly catching the eye.
Injured and Unavailable Players
Manchester United:
- Leny Yoro (foot injury, out for 3 months)
- Marcus Rashford (unspecified injury)
- Antony (unspecified injury)
- Rasmus Hojlund (hamstring issue, out for 6 weeks)
Liverpool:
Andrew Robertson (unspecified injury)
Manchester United vs Liverpool Lineups and Formations
Manchester United Lineup (4-2-3-1): Diallo, Casemiro, McTominay, Eriksen, Lindelof, Amass, Mejbri, Wan-Bissaka, Mount, Onana, Evans
Liverpool Lineup (4-3-3): Van den Berg, Carvalho, Konate, Endo, Tsimikas, Jota, Salah, Gravenberch, Bradley, Elliott, Kelleher
Where to Watch
Fans across the globe can catch this exciting clash through various channels:
- USA: ESPN+, fuboTV, ESPN App, ESPN, ESPN Deportes
- Great Britain: LFCTV, MUTV
- Australia: beIN Sports Connect, beIN SPORTS 3
Kick-off is scheduled for 23:30 UTC on August 3, 2024.
Form Guide
Manchester United: Last 5 matches: W-D-W-L-W
The Red Devils have shown mixed form in pre-season, alternating between wins and setbacks. Their recent victory over Real Betis highlighted both their attacking potential and defensive frailties.
Liverpool: Last 5 matches: W-W-L-W-W
Liverpool have enjoyed a more consistent run, with their only blemish being a narrow loss earlier in pre-season. Their recent victory over Arsenal showcased the team’s quick adaptation to Arne Slot’s tactics.
Head-to-Head
Recent encounters between these rivals have been closely contested. Their last competitive meeting saw Manchester United emerge victorious with a 2-2 (4-3) win after extra time in the FA Cup. However, their Premier League clash earlier in the season ended in a goalless stalemate.
Prediction
While Liverpool’s more settled squad and recent form might suggest an advantage, the unpredictable nature of pre-season friendlies and the fierce rivalry between these clubs make this a challenging match to call.
Predicted Score: Manchester United 1-1 Liverpool
As both teams continue to build towards the new season, this match promises to be an entertaining spectacle for fans and a valuable exercise for the managers as they fine-tune their tactics and assess their squads.
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