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Introduction
The Premier League kicks off 2025 in electrifying fashion as Liverpool hosts their arch-rivals Manchester United at Anfield this Sunday at 4.30 pm GMT. This encounter between two of English football’s most storied clubs is always a spectacle, and with both teams vying for dominance, the stakes couldn’t be higher. As we gear up for this clash of titans, here are 12 fascinating Opta stats to set the stage for what promises to be a blockbuster fixture.
Liverpool’s Dominance in Recent Encounters
Liverpool have been a thorn in Manchester United’s side in recent years. The Reds have lost just one of their last 13 Premier League meetings with the Red Devils, boasting seven wins and five draws. Their only defeat in this period came in a 2-1 loss at Old Trafford in August 2022. Given this record, Liverpool will be confident of maintaining their supremacy on Sunday.
A Scoring Spree for the Reds
Arne Slot’s Liverpool side has been in scintillating attacking form, scoring three or more goals in each of their last three Premier League matches. This goal-fest has yielded an impressive total of 14 goals. The last time Liverpool enjoyed a longer streak of scoring three or more in consecutive wins was during a six-match run in February and March 2014.
Arne Slot Aiming for History
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has a chance to etch his name into the club’s history books. Following a commanding 3-0 victory at Old Trafford earlier this season, Slot could become only the second Liverpool manager to achieve a league double over Manchester United in his debut season. The first was George Kay in the 1936-37 campaign.
A Historic Unbeaten Run
Liverpool’s current 23-match unbeaten streak across all competitions (20 wins and three draws) is the fifth-longest in the club’s illustrious history. To surpass this run, they would need to match the 25-game unbeaten streak achieved between April and November 2021.
Consistency in Scoring Goals
Liverpool have scored two or more goals in their last 11 Premier League matches, a feat that highlights their attacking consistency under Slot. This streak is their second-longest in the club’s history, only behind the 15-game run achieved between March and September 2019.
Mixed Fortunes in New Year Openers
The Reds have struggled to start the year on a high, winning just three of their last 10 New Year’s Day league games, with three draws and four losses. However, when beginning the year at Anfield, Liverpool are unbeaten in their last eight Premier League matches, winning six and drawing two.
A Rare Opportunity to Win Back-to-Back Openers
Liverpool began 2024 with an exhilarating 4-2 victory over Newcastle United. If they secure a win against Manchester United on Sunday, it will mark the first time since 2013 and 2014 that Liverpool has won their opening league game in consecutive calendar years.
United’s Anfield Woes
Manchester United’s recent record at Anfield has been dismal. The Red Devils have failed to win any of their last eight Premier League away games against Liverpool, with four draws and four losses. This marks their longest winless streak at Anfield since a nine-game run between 1970 and 1979.
A Goal Drought for the Visitors
Manchester United’s attacking struggles at Anfield are glaring. They have managed just one goal in their last eight Premier League visits and have failed to score in their last five trips to Merseyside. United will be desperate to break this barren run on Sunday.
Mohamed Salah: United’s Ultimate Nemesis
Mohamed Salah has been a nightmare for Manchester United, scoring 12 goals and providing six assists against them—the most by any player in Premier League history. With Salah in sublime form, the Egyptian King will undoubtedly be a key figure in Sunday’s encounter.
Salah’s Record-Breaking Season
Salah has been involved in 30 Premier League goals this season, scoring 17 and assisting 13. He has also set a record for scoring and assisting in eight different games in a single campaign. His brilliance has been instrumental in Liverpool’s success this season.
Salah Matches Alan Shearer’s Feat
This season marks the fifth time Salah has achieved 30+ goal involvements in a Premier League campaign. This incredible consistency matches the record held by Alan Shearer, further solidifying Salah’s legacy as one of the league’s all-time greats.
A Fierce Battle of Midfields
One of the game’s most intriguing battles will be in the midfield. Liverpool’s dynamic duo of Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister have brought creativity and energy to the Reds, while Manchester United will rely heavily on Casemiro and Urgate to control the tempo. The midfield showdown will likely determine which team gains the upper hand in this high-stakes fixture.
Conclusion
The stage is set for a thrilling encounter at Anfield as Liverpool and Manchester United lock horns in their first game of 2025. Liverpool’s recent dominance, attacking firepower, and Mohamed Salah’s brilliance make them the favorites. However, Manchester United will be determined to overcome their Anfield struggles and start the year with a statement win.
With so much at stake and a rich history of drama between these two teams, this fixture promises to deliver another classic. Make sure you tune in to witness the action as the Premier League’s fiercest rivalry takes center stage.
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Thank you for your continued support, and let’s cheer Liverpool on to success in the upcoming match. Your thoughts are always welcome in the comments section. For further insights, you may explore the official Liverpool FC website by clicking here.
YNWA (You’ll Never Walk Alone)!
The Liverpool FC Times Team
LiverpoolFCTimes.com