Liverpool Vs Manchester United Preview, Team News, Expected Line-ups, Date And Kick-off Time

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Adesina David

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The City of Merseyside is set to witness a mountainous clash involving two English giants; Manchester United and Liverpool, an encounter that has been slated for Sunday, December 17, 2023.

An estimated 57,000 fans are anticipated to witness this marquee Premier League clash, where both titans seek to rectify recent errors.

Anfield Road Stand's portion unexpectedly opens ahead of schedule, aiming to host Liverpool's largest Premier League-era audience since Bill Shankly's era in 1973.

Excluding the Merseyside derby, it's hard to imagine Liverpool's organizers wishing for a more thrilling match to set a new attendance record.

Recent outcomes against Manchester United add to the anticipation, and Jurgen Klopp's team enters this fixture leading the Premier League standings.

Liverpool, sitting atop the Premier League standings, faces a noon kickoff, a slot not favored by manager Jurgen Klopp.

Despite a tense start against Crystal Palace, Liverpool turned the tide with Mohamed Salah's 200th goal and Harvey Elliott's winner.

Heading into gameweek 17, Liverpool holds a one-point lead over Arsenal and a two-point edge over Aston Villa.

Despite a loss to Union SG in the Europa League with a fringe squad, Liverpool secures a last-16 spot.

The team's formidable seven-game home winning streak in the Premier League, coupled with consistent goal-scoring, delight their devoted fans.

Meanwhile, Manchester United's European dreams were shattered after a disheartening loss against Bayern Munich.

With no European football in early 2024, Erik ten Hag's squad looks to reverse their dismal domestic fortunes after a humiliating 3-0 loss to Bournemouth, leaving them trailing five places and 10 points behind Liverpool in the Premier League.

Notably, Man United's away record against top-eight teams has been bleak for over two years, with their last triumph against Tottenham Hotspur in October 2021.

Memories of their 7-0 thrashing at Anfield in March still linger, marking their heaviest Premier League defeat.

Klopp and early kickoffs at 12:30 pm haven't been a great combination, but their fortunes seemed to change when they reversed the game's momentum.

The Merseyside supporters are wishing for a favorable outcome this time with the early kickoff.

After Arsenal's loss to Aston Villa in a later match, Liverpool begin gameweek 17 with a one-point lead over Arsenal and a two-point gap ahead of Aston Villa. Both Arsenal and Aston Villa are playing their matches at 2 pm.

While Liverpool anticipate the return of injured stars, including Salah and Van Dijk, Man United face a string of injury concerns, sidelining key players like Maguire and Shaw.

With both teams facing challenges and key absences, Sunday's clash promises an intense battle at Anfield.

Team News for Manchester United

Erik ten Hag faces the absence of team leader Bruno Fernandes, who received his fifth booking of the season, resulting in a one-game suspension after the defeat against Bournemouth.

Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford were absent in the UEFA Champions League game against Bayern Munich due to illness, and doubts surround the availability of Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire after they sustained injuries in the first half of their game against Bayern.

The condition of the defensive duo remains uncertain, with further updates expected from the manager during his press conference.

Notably, Man United's away record against top-eight teams has been bleak for over two years, with their last triumph against Tottenham Hotspur in October 2021. Memories of their 7-0 thrashing at Anfield in March linger, marking their heaviest Premier League defeat.


Klopp and early kickoffs at 12:30 pm haven't been a great combination, but their fortunes seemed to change when they reversed the game's momentum. The Merseyside supporters are wishing for a favorable outcome this time with the early kickoff.

After Arsenal's loss to Aston Villa in a later match, Liverpool begins gameweek 17 with a one-point lead over Arsenal and a two-point gap ahead of Aston Villa. Both Arsenal and Aston Villa are playing their matches at 2 pm.

Team News for Liverpool

Allison Becker is expected to feature in goal against Manchester United, while Diogo Jota, Stefan Bajcetic, Alexis Mac Allister, Andrew Robertson, and Joel Matip remain absent due to injury.

Meanwhile, Liverpool anticipate the return of injured stars, including Salah and Virgil Van Dijk.

Despite both teams facing challenges and key absences due to injury, Sunday's clash promises to be an intense battle at Anfield.

Liverpool's possible starting lineup:
Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Szoboszlai, Endo, Gravenberch; Salah, Nunez, Diaz

Manchester United's possible starting lineup: Onana; Wan-Bissaka, Evans, Varane, Dalot; McTominay, Amrabat, Mainoo; Antony, Hojlund, Rashford

Prediction: Liverpool 3-1 Manchester United

The Reds are in a rich vein of form and have a magnificent attacking setup, that can wreak havoc on Manchester United.

Erik Ten Hag will be expecting his side to turn the corner sooner rather than later, but he knows that it would be a difficult task for his side to get a victory at Anfield.

The game is a rekindling of rivalry, and vociferous fans of Liverpool will be fully behind their side to get the maximum 3 points.

Date and Kick-off Time: Sunday, December 17, 2023, 05:30 PM