It’s been a poor start to the season for both Manchester United and Liverpool.
Ten Hag has lost his first two competitive matches in charge, falling to Brighton and Brentford. Jurgen Klopp has seen his Liverpool team fall four points off the pace already following draws with Fulham and Crystal Palace.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s future hangs over United, while Liverpool are without Thiago Alcantara, Joel Matip and Darwin Nunez.
Winner: Liverpool
Liverpool are missing key players and searching for their first win of the league campaign, but they are still the team to back at Old Trafford on Monday evening.
United are, once again, in disarray. Their performance at Brentford was shambolic with dysfunction across the team from ineffective pressing to sloppy passing.
Avoiding another heavy defeat would be a positive outcome for United.
Both Teams To Score: Yes
Liverpool are in the bottom half in expected goals against so far, and their back line has looked vulnerable at times. Aleksandar Mitrovic was a nuisance in the season opener and Wilfried Zaha was a threat on the break at Anfield, ultimately going clear on goal to give Palace the lead.
United’s attack hasn’t been potent, but they have created some chances. It’s reasonable to expect the hosts to get on the scoresheet considering how Liverpool have defended in the first two matches.
To Score Two Or More Goals: Mohamed Salah
Mo Salah has six goals in his last three matches against Manchester United. Five of those came in the two league fixtures last season.
Ten Hag is bound to persevere with playing out from the back. United were repeatedly caught out doing so by Brentford, and Liverpool’s press will be at least as effective.
Salah is the obvious beneficiary if United turn it over in their own third. Other goalscoring chances will inevitably come his way against this shaky United defence.
After his success against the Red Devils in 2021-22, this is a good price on the Egyptian to score two or more.
All odds are subject to change