English football's most storied rivalry is set to ignite once more as Liverpool hosts Manchester United at Anfield this Sunday, January 5, 2025. The match promises to be significant, not just for the intense rivalry but also for its implications on the current Premier League standings.
Liverpool, managed by Arne Slot, enters the match as the clear favorites, sitting five points clear at the top of the Premier League table. With two games in hand over closest competitors Arsenal, they seem poised to extend their lead. Liverpool’s stellar form is underlined by their recent 5-0 victory over West Ham, showcasing their attacking prowess with Mohamed Salah at the forefront. Salah has been nothing short of phenomenal this season, tallying 20 goals and 17 assists across competitions.
Despite Liverpool's surge, the mood on the opposite side of the pitch tells a very different story. Manchester United, under the guidance of Ruben Amorim, languishes far down the table, currently positioned 14th and merely seven points above the relegation zone. Their recent form has been alarming, suffering three consecutive league defeats. Anka, writing for The Athletic, articulates this disquiet, stating, "Pretty grim" describes the atmosphere surrounding the club after December's drubbing and losses, tallying 18 goals conceded and whispers of relegation looming.
Coinciding with these internal struggles, United is grappling with significant injury challenges. Star forward Marcus Rashford is sidelined due to illness, and others like Victor Lindelof, Luke Shaw, and Mason Mount are also doubtful for the fixture. The team must find solutions quickly, as another loss would mark their first four consecutive league defeats since 1961.
Meanwhile, Liverpool's defense has been fortified by the return of Ibrahima Konaté and Conor Bradley, easing some concerns caused by Joe Gomez's recent hamstring injury. The Reds' strong positional play and resilience suggest they are on course to dominate once again.
This match calls to mind their last encounter on September 1, 2024, when Liverpool routed United 3-0 at Old Trafford. That game underscored the competitive gap between the teams, with Liverpool capitalizing on defensive errors from United’s backend.
The pre-match mood is electric around Anfield, with fans buzzing about the prospect of pushing their team closer to what seems to be their rightful dominance over Manchester United. Andy Jones, also from The Athletic, notes the buzz of excitement surrounding Liverpool, especially as contract negotiations loom for key players like Salah and Virgil van Dijk, as they aim to convert their promising form this season not just to league superiority but tangible silverware.
Jones points out, "It feels like it will have to involve several Liverpool’s players having an off day" for Manchester United to secure any advantage, reflecting the consensus on momentum favoring the home side. Slot's side has shown themselves adept, particularly at home, where they've amassed the highest goals scored and the lowest conceded this season.
Yet, external factors like weather could threaten the fixture's execution. Heavy snowfall has plagued much of the UK, resulting in travel disruptions, particularly at nearby airports, and has raised concerns about fan safety traveling to the match. Although as of early Sunday morning, no decision had been made on postponing the fixture, the Safety Advisory Group was set to discuss it based on the conditions' impact on supporter welfare.
All eyes will be on this match, not just for its historic importance but as both teams grapple with distinctly different aspirations. Liverpool looks to maintain their foothold at the top, hoping to augment their points tally, whereas Manchester United seeks redemption and to stave off fears of slipping toward disaster.
The clash of titans will kick off at Anfield at 4:30 PM GMT, promising high stakes under the weight of the rivalry's storied history.