A beleaguered Liverpool face a stern test against resurgent Manchester United at Anfield on Sunday in the Premier League.
Manchester United haven’t been a serious factor during manager Jurgen Klopp’s time at Liverpool until now. He ushered in an era of unprecedented brilliance at Liverpool while United fumbled in the dark post-Ferguson.
Wednesday’s 2-0 win over Wolves was a brief respite from Liverpool’s frustrating season so far. Their injury-hit attack is in transition, they have no midfield and the defense hasn’t been as solid as usual. Manchester United, meanwhile, are whispering excitedly about ‘the start of something special’ after their Carabao Cup win.
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When fatigue and injuries hit Liverpool, they hit them hard – just look at the 2020-2021 season. With the prospect of a Manchester United who actually feel good about themselves ahead, Jurgen Klopp is aware of the strain on his squad.
“I think Man United is the team in form in the moment, maybe together with Arsenal and City are [also] doing well,” he said after the Wolves game.
“The teams up there are all in a pretty good moment and I didn’t see yet the line-up [for United’s Emirates FA Cup game with West Ham United] but maybe they changed quite a few?
“That means some of them will be a bit fresher than us, but it’s a home game and it’s Anfield. I thought Anfield proved a point tonight again, it was super, super-enjoyable. It felt like a proper unit, we were all together – I loved that.
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Despite their erratic season so far, Liverpool aren’t dead in the race for top 4. After Wednesday, they’re six points behind Tottenham in 4th with a game in hand. Win on Sunday and they’ll be seven points behind United, who may or may not be in the title race.
“That’s what we need again on Sunday,” added Jurgen Klopp on Anfield. Liverpool’s pride took a beating there against Real Madrid. If they want to get their groove back, Sunday could be the perfect time.
