Manchester United will travel to Anfield to take on Liverpool in a game which Erik ten Hag can’t afford to go similarly to last season.
Manchester United come into the toughest game on the calendar in absolutely woeful form. Two losses on the bounce and three losses in the last four leave the club in a fragile place.
This is all ahead of a trip to Anfield, United’s first since last season’s 7-0 thrashing. However, this game comes in very different circumstances with Erik ten Hag under pressure.
The feeling is his job isn’t in immediate danger however a complete capitulation could spell bad news at Old Trafford.
However, that being said, it’s about time United’s winless run at Anfield ended and this is how we predict Ten Hag will line up in order to do so.
Manchester United predicted line-up v Liverpool
To stand any chance of taking points from this game, Ten Hag must get the team selection right. This starts in goal and Andre Onana who will be required to be on top form here. He can right all the wrongs thus far if he pulls out a miraculous display here.
In the full-back positions, Aaron Wan-Bissaka is a must as his defensive talents will no doubt be called into action repeatedly on the right. However, there will also be a place for Diogo Dalot who for us should start at left-back.
The Portuguese international starts on the left due to injuries woes at centre-half which will see Luke Shaw slot in as he was declared fit.
Shaw will partner Raphael Varane who must start ahead of Jonny Evans here.
Moving into midfield, the lack of Bruno Fernandes means Ten Hag should probably play more of a three-man midfield to protect against attacks from the opponent.
Kobbie Mainoo, Sofyan Amrabat and Scott McTominay, who’s enjoying his best season ever, should all start in midfield. Mainoo and Amrabat will have the crucial defensive roles and will be important in building out from the back.
In attack, Alejandro Garnacho should keep his place on the left while Antony also remains in the team, on the right.
Up front, Anthony Martial isn’t fit but likely wouldn’t have played anyway and so Rasmus Hojlund will continue on his quest for a Premier League goal – albeit he’s probably expecting another tough afternoon.
Onana; Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Shaw, Dalot; Amrabat, McTominay, Mainoo; Antony, Hojlund, Garnacho.
from United In Focus https://ift.tt/gu1osLz