When Liverpool Football Club welcomes Manchester United Football Club at Anfield on Sunday, 5 January 2025, the stakes couldn't be louder. Liverpool, led by Dutch tactician Arne Slot, sit atop the Premier League with a 23‑point cushion, while United, under Portuguese coach Ruben Amorim, battle a 14th‑place slump and a looming relegation scare.
Current Form and What’s at Stake
The Reds have been nothing short of relentless this season. After a 5‑0 thrashing of West Ham on 22 December, they have won seven of their last eight league games at Anfield, drawing the other. Their recent 3‑0 victory over Manchester City in February 2024 still echoes in the stands, underscoring a defensive solidity that has let in just 12 goals across 15 home games.
On the flip side, United have endured their worst start since the early 1990s. Sitting with 22 points after 19 matches, they have recorded only six wins, four draws and nine losses. Four straight defeats in all competitions, including a 0‑2 loss to Newcastle United on 31 December, have left fans restless and the board uneasy.
Statistically, Liverpool boast a goal‑difference of +38, while United limp along at –6. The gap in possession averages is stark too: Slot’s side controls the ball 63 % of the time, compared with United’s 48 % under Amorim’s high‑pressing 3‑4‑3 set‑up.
Key Player Availability
Liverpool will be without centre‑back Ibrahima Konaté and full‑back Joe Gomez, both nursing muscle strains. The Dutch‑born defender Jarrell Quansah is expected to partner Virgil van Dijk in a back‑four that still includes the ever‑energetic Trent Alexander‑Arnold and the tireless Andrew Robertson.
United’s lineup is a mixed bag of returns and absences. Captain Bruno Fernandes is back after serving a one‑game suspension, and midfielder Manuel Ugarte clears his own disciplinary hurdle. Unfortunately, striker Marcus Rashford will miss the trip after falling ill, and the defensive trio still lacks Mason Mount, Victor Lindelöf and Luke Shaw through injury.
Tactical Preview
Slot’s 4‑2‑3‑1 will likely see Mohamed Salah prowling on the left, with Luis Díaz as the lone striker, supported by Cody Gakpo and 23‑year‑old Hungarian wonder Dominik Szoboszlai. In midfield, Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch will provide the link between defence and attack.
Amorim insists his 3‑4‑2‑1 will stay intact despite squad mismatches. Expect a back three of Lisandro Martínez, Harry Maguire and Noussair Mazraoui, with wing‑backs Diogo Dalot and Kobbie Mainoo shuttling up and down the flanks. In the final third, a duo of Alejandro Garnacho and Bruno Fernandes will try to free Rasmus Højlund for a few low‑blocks.
The twist is United’s high press may struggle against Liverpool’s quick passing triangles. Slot’s side often sit deep, inviting the press and then breaking with precision through Salah’s diagonal runs. If Amorim can force the Reds out of shape early, his front three might find pockets of space.
Betting Odds, Weather and Atmosphere
Bookmakers have Liverpool at -357, United at +290, and a draw at +250. Those numbers reflect a market convinced the Reds will dominate, yet a 3‑0 victory is far from guaranteed—football loves surprises.
Thermometers at Anfield are set to read 2 °C with a chance of light snow. The forecast promises a frosty evening, which could make the pitch a bit slick. Historically, snowy Anfield fixtures have favoured the home side—think 2015’s 2‑0 win over Chelsea when the stands glistened with frost.
Fans have already pledged a sea of red scarves and a chorus of “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” while United supporters travel in a wave of blue and white, hoping to silence the Kop for once.
Expert Opinions and Predictions
Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard told Sky Sports on 2 January: "Arne’s attacking philosophy feels natural here. If United can’t break the press early, they’ll be left chasing shadows."
UEFA analyst Megan Rapinoe added, "United’s 3‑4‑3 is ambitious, but the squad’s depth isn’t there yet. The missing Rashford star will be a huge blow to their counter‑attack."
Statistical models from Opta predict a 64 % probability of a Liverpool win, a 22 % chance of a draw, and only 14 % for a United upset. The common thread across pundits: expect a high‑intensity first half, a possible tactical switch from Amorim at halftime, and maybe a late goal from Salah to seal the deal.
Key Facts
- Match: Liverpool vs Manchester United – Premier League (Event) on 5 Jan 2025
- Venue: Anfield, Liverpool
- Liverpool lead the table by 23 points; United are 14th with 22 points
- Arne Slot’s side are unbeaten in eight home league games (7W‑1D)
- Betting odds: Liverpool -357, United +290, Draw +250
What’s Next After the Game?
If Liverpool clinch another clean sheet, they’ll be on course for a record‑breaking points total, potentially surpassing the 100‑point mark set by Manchester City in 2017‑18. A win also pushes their lead to 27 points, virtually ensuring the title by season’s end.
United, on the other hand, will need at least a point to keep any distant hopes of a top‑half finish alive. A loss could see manager Amorim’s tenure questioned, especially with the January transfer window looming. Rumours already swirl around a possible loan for striker Charles De Keteleer from a Belgian side, aiming to add firepower.
Frequently Asked Questions
How could this match affect Liverpool’s title chase?
A win would extend Liverpool’s lead to 27 points with 12 games left, making the championship virtually inevitable. Even a draw keeps them comfortably ahead, while a loss would be the first blemish at Anfield this season and could spark a rare late‑season dip.
What are Manchester United’s realistic goals for this fixture?
United need at least a point to stay clear of the relegation‑danger zone. A victory would lift them to 15th and give manager Amorim breathing room to experiment before the January transfer window.
Which players are likely to be the match‑winners?
Salah’s pace and finishing ability always make him a threat, especially on the left flank. For United, Bruno Fernandes’ vision could unlock the defense, while a late surge from Rasmus Højlund might catch Liverpool on the counter‑attack.
How might the snow‑covered pitch influence tactics?
A slick surface can favour a compact, high‑pressing game. United’s pressing could be hampered if the ball skids, while Liverpool’s short passing might become even sharper, allowing them to dominate possession more easily.
What does the January transfer window mean for both clubs?
Liverpool are likely to add depth rather than overhaul—perhaps a versatile midfielder. United may look for a proven striker to replace the injured Mount and Rashford, with several European clubs rumored to be scouting United’s academy products.
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