Manchester United are stumbling from one crisis to another so the last thing they need right now is a trip to Anfield to face rampant Premier League leaders Liverpool.
Most United fans were pretty optimistic when Ruben Amorim was named as Erik Ten Hag's successor, especially when the Portuguese coach led his Sporting Lisbon side to a 4-1 Champions League win over Manchester City.
But Amorim is struggling to get the Old Trafford players to adapt to his 3-4-3 system and they were lucky to escape with just a 2-0 loss to Newcastle on Monday, with Alexander Isak bringing up one of our Super Singles.
That made it four defeats in a row for Manchester United and their dismal form stands in stark contrast to Liverpool, who are racing clear at the top of the Premier League.
Arne Slot's side battered West Ham 5-0 on Sunday night, bringing up a bet for me, and have still tasted defeat just once all season in all competitions.
Liverpool cruised to a 3-0 win at Old Trafford earlier this season and will be desperate to pile on the misery for Amorim and his players.
How the bookies view it: More hell for the Red Devils
It says everything about the sorry state of Manchester United right now that BoyleSport make them 17/2 rank outsiders for a win at Anfield. Liverpool are tiny at 2/7 and the draw pays 9/2.
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Recent head to head: United's Anfield of screams
Manchester United ground out a 0-0 draw on their last visit to Anfield but Liverpool beat them 7-0 and 4-in the two home games before that. You also have to go back to 2016 for United's last win on enemy soil, although they did claim a 4-3 FA Cup win at Old Trafford last term and also damaged Liverpool's title hopes with a 2-2 draw.
Players to watch: Mo with the flow
Mo Salah scored in Liverpool's Old Trafford stroll earlier this season and has an incredible record in this fixture, netting 15 times in 16 matches against United. The Egyptian is just 5/6 at BoyleSports to continue that incredible scoring streak but backing him to score two or more pays 4/1.
Manchester United welcome skipper Bruno Fernandes back from suspension and that will give them a boost. The midfielder scored in that 2-2 draw at Old Trafford last term and is 9/2 to grab another goal here.
Probable line-ups
Joe Gomez was forced off in Liverpool's win over West Ham and joins fellow defenders Ibrahima Konate and Connor Bradley on the sidelines.
In addition to having Fernandes back, Manchester United also have Manuel Ugarte available again after suspension. But Luke Shaw, Mason Mount and Victor Lindelof look set to miss out with injury again.
Liverpool: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Robertson, Van Dijk, Quansah, Mac Allister, Gravenberch, Jones, Gakpo, Diaz, Salah.
Manchester United: Onana, Martinez, Yoro, De Ligt, Ugarte, Mainoo, Dalot, Mazraoui, Fernandes, Amad, Hojlund.
Anything else catch the eye?
Newcastle could have easily scored four or five at Old Trafford in midweek and if Manchester United defend as poorly in this game it could get ugly for them. Combining a Liverpool win with over 3.5 goals pays 13/10 at BoyleSports and that has come up in their last three matches.
Amorim paid the price for pairing veterans Casemiro and Christian Eriksen in midfield against Newcastle but is unlikely to make the same mistake again.
United played much better after Kobbie Mainoo came on in that game and the youngster will put himself about if he gets the nod to start here. Mainoo looks good at 6/4 with Bet365 to commit over 1.5 fouls while BoyleSports price him at 11/4 to go into the book.
This English Premier League match between Liverpool and Manchester United will be played on Jan 5, 2025 and kick off at 16:30. Check below for our tipsters best Liverpool vs Manchester United prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
