The North West Derby – The Tale of the Tape

Manchester United host Liverpool in tonight’s only Premier League match. Both sides come into the game looking to record their first victory of the 22/23 season, with Manchester United having lost both of their previous games by an aggregate score of 6-1. Liverpool come into the game having drawn their previous two, despite having the highest xG of any team in the league.

Squad Analysis

Coming into the biggest game in English football, Liverpool are relatively tight on squad depth. Jurgen Klopp will be left scratching his head coming into this one as he must choose between Joe Gomez or Nat Phillips to partner Virgil Van Dijk following Joel Matip suffering a “strange” injury, according to the words of Jurgen Klopp.

In addition, Liverpool’s midfield options are significantly smaller than what they usually are. Coming into the game arguably Liverpool’s best midfielder, Thiago Alcantara, remains an injury doubt as he pulled his hamstring against Fulham on the opening weekend. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is also out of action as he suffered a pulled hamstring over the preseason.

To put the icing on the cake for Jurgen and his team, Darwin Nunez will also not be present for tonight’s game. The Uruguayan was awarded a straight red card for violent conduct during Liverpool’s home draw with Crystal Palace.

On the other hand, Manchester United are facing far fewer injury woes. For the Old Trafford based team, their only doubts for the game are Victor Lindelof, Brandon Williams and Anthony Martial. Prior to the weekend, United fans had been hopeful that Casemiro would be able to make his debut vs Liverpool tonight but due to the late transfer confirmation and registration of the player, he will not be able to play against the noisy neighbours of Liverpool.

Head-to-Head

In the Premier League era, the two sides have faced off 60 times, with Manchester United holding a better record in the fixtures than their Merseyside opponents. Of the 60 games, Manchester United have won 28, with Liverpool winning 18 and the two sides having drawn 14 times. However, in the past 10 meetings between the teams Manchester United have won just 2, with Liverpool winning 5.

Check back following the game for the Match Report.

Who do you think will come out on top?