In the upcoming clash on 17th December 2023, English Premier League titans Liverpool vs Manchester United are set to engage in a pivotal showdown during Game Week 17 of the ongoing season. Liverpool currently boasts an impressive lead in the Premier League standings with 37 points amassed from 16 matches, while Manchester United finds themselves in sixth place, trailing by 10 points with 27 points from as many games.
Liverpool vs Manchester United challenging season
Manchester United has faced a challenging season, losing half of their matches, with 12 out of 24 ending in defeat. In contrast, Liverpool suffered a lone setback against Tottenham Hotspur, a game marred by controversies. The focal point of Liverpool’s attacking prowess has been Mohammad Salah, securing the second spot in the Premier League’s top-scorer charts with 11 goals. Meanwhile, Scott McTominay, United’s midfielder, leads their goal-scoring endeavors with 5 goals in the current campaign.
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Liverpool’s defensive stalwart, Virgil Van Dijk, has experienced a resurgence in form, notably avoiding being dribbled past throughout the season. Conversely, Manchester United faces a defensive crisis with key players such as Casemiro, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, and Victor Lindelöf (doubtful) sidelined due to injuries.
Score predictions for Liverpool vs Manchester United? pic.twitter.com/H8STdMkKkN
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Adding to United’s challenges, captain Bruno Fernandes will be absent from the upcoming match due to a suspension resulting from an accumulation of yellow cards this season. Creative forces including Mason Mount, Marcus Rashford, Christian Eriksen, and Anthony Martial are uncertain for the fixture as they nurse injuries.
Liverpool, too, will be missing key players such as first-choice left-back Andrew Robertson, World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister, dynamic forward Diogo Jota, ACL-stricken Joel Matip, as well as midfielders Thiago and Stefan Bajcetic.
Recalling the previous season’s encounter, Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool dominated Erik ten Hag’s Red Devils with a resounding 7-0 victory at Anfield. The match was a lopsided affair with Darwin Nunez, Cody Gakpo, and Mohammad Salah each netting a brace, and Roberto Firmino bidding farewell with a goal before his move to Saudi Arabia.
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A victory for Liverpool in this anticipated clash would solidify their position at the top of the Premier League standings for another game week. Conversely, a triumph for Manchester United would be an unexpected turn of events, given their performance throughout the season.