TIME is ticking for Erik ten Hag as his Manchester United side have been massively underperforming – and their next assignment is Liverpool at Anfield.
The Red Devils were embarrassed by bottom-half Bournemouth last weekend after being thrashed 3-0 in front of their home fans.
And then things went from bad to worse for United as a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Bayern Munich saw them go crashing out of Europe just a few days later.
As a result, Ten Hag’s time at Old Trafford has come under serious scrutiny and SunSport understands Graham Potter is being lined up as a shock replacement should the Dutchman get kicked to the curb.
But it could be a major turning point for the Red Devils gaffer should his side do the unthinkable and beat Jurgen Klopp’s men.
However, title-chasing Liverpool haven’t lost in the league since September and they scored a demolition of goals when United last travelled to Merseyside.
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Recent form
A weakened Liverpool side were beaten 2-1 by Union Saint-Gilloise in the Europa League on Thursday in what was only the Reds’ third defeat of the season.
Jurgen Klopp has taken his team back to the Premier League summit after winning three on the bounce, with a comeback victory over Crystal Palace last time out.
They have lost just one Prem game in 16 and that came against Tottenham where they had two players sent off.
As for United, they have been plagued by inconsistency throughout the season and were dumped out of Europe following a 1-0 defeat to Bayern Munich on Tuesday.
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The Red Devils have lost three out of their last four matches including a humiliating 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth at Old Trafford in their last league fixture.
What is the team news?
Erik ten Hag will be desparate for some of his key men to return for this momentous Premier League fixture.
The United gaffer is expected to be without; Harry Maguire (groin), , Amad Diallo (knee), Mason Mount (calf), Tyrell Malaica (knee), Christian Eriksen (leg), Casemiro (hamstring), Lisandro Martinez (foot), Victor Lindelof (knock) and Anthony Martial (muscle).
Bruno Fernandes is suspended after picking up five yellow cards this season while Jadon Sancho continues to be banished from the squad.
Marcus Rashford is expected to return after a bout of illness and Luke Shaw, who was forced off against Bayern, should also be back in the side.
Ones to watch
Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mo Salah have been in good form recently but Dominik Szboszlai could make the difference in the middle of the park.
He has averaged two chances created per game in the Prem and produced two goals and two assists.
Keeping Liverpool at bay is key for United and since Luke Shaw will be tasked with dealing with their biggest threat Salah, the left-back is one to watch for this clash.
He missed months out due to injury but has shown no sign of rustiness despite his side’s poor form.
Shaw could also be key going forward as his set-pieces and crossing ability always pose a potent threat.
What the managers have said
Klopp is expecting a “special” game at Anfield and he is not convinced by media headlines which criticise United.
He said: “I never like when the headlines about United aren’t great before we play because it’s always like, ‘okay’.
“It’s the game where you can put everything right. I don’t follow United closely enough to know exactly what’s the problem there.
“But I saw Erik became Manager of the Month last month, I saw that they were the team in form result-wise in the last month.
“How can it be all wrong? I just don’t understand it.
“Yes, the 7-0 we knew that on the day it was a freak result, that happens once in a life and if it helps anybody for the next game, it’s the team who lost 7-0 not the team who won 7-0,” Klopp said.
“That’s another thing. If you take it all out of consideration, we just play a football game against the rival, the historical rival of Liverpool FC at home at Anfield.
“That in itself should make it a special game, that’s what I want to see from us, a special game. Really understand the situation and give your all, that’s all I need.”
Ten Hag has ruled Maguire out and responded to a question asking if he felt he was under pressure.
He replied: “I’m focussing on the process, making the team better and that’s my concern. That’s what I’m focussing on, the right thing, and that’s the team. There is no concern because I’m here to win and I have to make the team play better. Good is not good enough, we are inconsistent and I have to work on how the team will play.”
On the 7-0 to Liverpool in their last visit to Anfield, he said: “No [not worried]. We will put out a team that can challenge and we’ll prepare them in the best way we can. We are confident we can put out a team that can win.
“I haven’t seen last season we were scared there. It was a bad experience, but it’s not similar, you start again. Last year, the first half we played very decent and we got hammered just after half-time, then we collapsed.
“That can’t happen but it’s last year, it’s a different team and different players for a part at least. We won’t ignore it, but we’ll be confident and we have to fight, challenge and go there with the idea, to prepare to win”
SunSport prediction
If recent form is to go by this should be a comfortable win for Liverpool, but this rivalry often springs up a surprise.
However if United conceded first it could be a tough afternoon, 3-1 Liverpool.
When is Liverpool vs Man Utd?
- Manchester United’s mouthwatering trip to Liverpool will take place on Sunday, December 17.
- It is scheduled to get underway at 4:30pm GMT.
- Anfield is the allocated arena for this huge match and it can host approximately 54,074.
- Liverpool pummelled United 7-0 when the sides last met in March.
What TV channel is it on can it be live streamed?
- Liverpool vs Manchester United will be broadcast LIVE on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League in the UK.
- Coverage is expected to commence from 4pm on both channels – 30 minutes before kick-off.
- Fans can also stream the action on NOW TV.
- Alternatively, follow SunSport’s live blog for minute-by-minute action of entire match.
Elsewhere, Liverpool have a few issues of their own, especially with Alexis Mac Allister whose injury is more ‘tricky’ than first thought according to Jurgen Klopp.
Mac Allister is set to join Joel Matip (knee), Stefan Bajectic (calf), Andy Robertson (shoulder), Diogo Jota (muscle) and Thiago (hip) on the sidelines.
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What are the latest odds?
- Liverpool to win 2/7
- Draw 9/2
- Man Utd to win 15/2
*Odds courtesy of Paddy Power are correct at time of publication
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
