Premier League: The Northwest Derby Goes Dutch

Manchester United vs Liverpool

It’s always one of the biggest games in the English top-flight calendar and Premier League: Manchester United vs Liverpool has arrived pretty quickly this time around as the two old rivals go head to head on Sunday.

This mega clash is a first meeting in the league for Erik ten Hag and Arne Slot, the two Dutch masters who are trying to bring former glories back to their respective clubs.

Liverpool have had more recent major success with a Champions League win in 2019 and a Premier League title the following year. Meanwhile, ten Hag gave the Red Devils an EFL Cup win in 2023 along with the FA Cup last season.

But ten Hag’s team come into this crucial clash on the back of a 2-1 defeat away to Brighton and Hove Albion, while Liverpool have won two from two, seeing off Brentford last week in a 2-0 victory.

As ever, it’s going to be a huge occasion when these two giants collide, and we may see a couple of new faces enter the field of play too.

Talking Points

United in race to register Ugarte

The Red Devils are hoping to complete the deal to sign midfield ace Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain and register him in time for him to play some part against Liverpool on Sunday.

The Uruguayan has apparently completed his medical and is ready to join the club at Old Trafford at an agreed price of €50 million; Ugarte could become a United legend if he starts against the Reds and makes his mark.

At 23 years of age he’s a battling defensive midfielder who has made 22 appearances for his country and his strength and technical prowess will make him a formidable opponent once he settles.

Ten Hag will hope he fits in quickly with the departure of 21-year-old Hannibal to Burnley and the likely move of Scott McTominay to Napoli—a deal which is inching ever closer on deadline day.

If he registers in time, Ugarte will challenge for a spot on Sunday and could line up alongside England star Kobbie Mainoo and skipper Bruno Fernandes in a stronger looking midfield.

Is Chiesa in line for some derby action?

In other Manchester United vs Liverpool news, the Anfield Reds have finally made a summer signing with the capture of former Juventus forward Federico Chiesa.

Slot’s first signing—keeper Giorgio Mamardashvili in a £29 million deal from Valencia—is back with Los Ches until 2025, but Chiesa is ready and waiting for his Anfield debut.

The 26-year-old Azzurri star looks to be a perfect fit for the Merseyside squad. He’s played as a winger or striker for Fiorentina, Juventus and Italy, and his flexibility across the front line is exactly what Liverpool fans have com to expect from their forwards.

Slot has said the player is training with the first team squad in preparation for Sunday’s fixture but is not certain to play a part, which may be true … but could also be kidology.

Talisman Mo Salah is certain to start of course; the Egyptian hitman was on target again as Liverpool picked up their second win of the season against the Bees and he looks as sharp as ever. With Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota also starting last week—and Darwin Nunez on the bench—there is healthy competition for places in the Liverpool attack.

If Reds fans have title aspirations again this season, then they will be watching the progress of Manchester City and Arsenal closely. But there is little Slot’s team can do about matches elsewhere and if they are to challenge seriously, this is the type of game they must win, or at the very least not lose.

History

With 34 wins to 25 the Red Devils are leading the head to heads against their Northwest rivals; they haven’t lost their last three games against Liverpool at Old Trafford.

Last season the match ended in a 2-2 draw as Mo Salah scored a late equaliser, after Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo had put the Red Devils in charge with two stunning strikes. In December last year the game at Anfield ended goalless as Liverpool had 34 shots but could not beat United keeper Andre Onana.

Betting Tip

With apologies to my SBOTOP mate James, I can’t really see the Red Devils winning this game but would they accept a draw? I suspect they would.

The Manchester United vs Liverpool betting odds put the visitors odds on at 1.85 to win while their hosts are priced at 3.23 and the most likely score line is either 1-1 or a 1-2 away win; both at odds of 7.91.

 

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