On Monday 22 August, an out-of-form Manchester United side welcome a Liverpool team that is also looking to get its first three points of the season. Both sides are winless in their first two opening games of the 2022/23 season, with the hosts currently sitting 20th after suffering two defeats, and the visitors 12th after two draws in their two games.
Arguably one of the most famous fixtures in English football, involving the two most successful clubs in English football. Their meeting comes early this season as both sides look to turn their fortunes around and not stray too far from the competition. While their previous seasons were in contrast of each other, both teams find themselves in unfamiliar territory early this season, being in the bottom half of the table.
Manchester United opened their season with a 2-1 loss to Brighton and Hove Albion, and followed that trend as they suffered a shock 4-0 defeat to Brentford. In the wake of these results the Red Devils have faced backlash from a part of their fanbase, a majority of them calling for a squad overhaul and a new-look in the board. Although it is still in the early times of the season, the fans haven’t held back their disappointment, with others already calling the season “wrapped up”.
A victory against Liverpool, who finished 2nd last season, would surely raise the hopes of the United faithful and also boost the morale in the players’ dressing room. While it would not just raise their morale, it would also lift the club out of 20th place on the standings and properly kick-start their season.
There has been a lot of controversy and speculation regarding the legendary Cristiano Ronaldo’s future at the club. He has since addressed these rumours with a message saying:
Liverpool have also been victims of unfamiliar results, being held to a 2-2 draw and a 1-1 draw by Fulham and Crystal Palace respectively. They have also faced their fair share of struggles this season coming in the form of player fitness, they medical room must be fully booked with the amount of 1st team players suffering injuries. Including the likes of anchor man Fabinho, reliable forward Roberto Firmino and playmaker Thiago just to name a few crucial players for The Reds. With Darwin Nunez, their big-money signing, suspended as a result of a red card for a headbutt to Palace defender Joachim Andersen and the recent departure of Sadio Mane, their options up front have now been devastatingly limited.
If it’s anything to learn from Liverpool these past few seasons since Jurgen Klopp’s appointment is that they are an ambitious and determined bunch, so it would be no surprise to see them quickly bounce back from these first two results. A majority of people are backing Liverpool to come out on top in what has since been dubbed by football fans across the world rejoicing of these clubs’ struggles as a “relegation battle” match between these 2 sides. Klopp has been able to instil his practice into his well-assembled squad, on contrary to United who have recently appointed former Ajax manager, Erik Ten Hag. The Dutch manager will be involved in his first “Big Six” meeting this season and it couldn’t come at a worse time as he still trying to find his own rhythm with squad.
On the mbet.co.za website Manchester United has the odds firmly stacked against them at an odds-against of 5.00, while Liverpool have been touted as the odds-favourite at 1.60.
The game takes place in Old Trafford, home of Manchester United, in the late hours of Monday, 22 August. It is easy to see why most people have touted Liverpool as comfortable favourites in this clash given United’s unconvincing displays in their opening games. While they can still prove me wrong, I can actually put my money against The Red Devils.
