Prediction Manchester United vs Liverpool, season opener for Erik ten Hag's team

This season the team never looked back, going far in every competition and ending their trophy drought by winning the Carabao Cup.

A win against Liverpool could rejuvenate the season this year as confidence has taken a hit following the defeat to Brighton. So here is the prediction and match analysis for Manchester United vs Liverpool:

Game overview

First things first: Even though Liverpool continue to win under Arne Slot, there are clearly visible stylistic changes in the team's lineup.

Slot has introduced a more possession-based style of play, while maintaining the tactical flexibility to cover long distances against opposition pressure.

This was clearly evident in the game against Ipswich, where Kieran McKenna's men unsettled them in the first half before Liverpool turned things around.

Therefore, it would be wise for Ten Hag to abandon the false 9 and opt for a traditional 4-2-3-1 and give Joshua Zirkzee his first start.

After Mason Mount's injury, that decision could be made for him anyway, so United may have to go back to basics in this game.

Let Liverpool have the ball, apply pressure once they penetrate United's half and keep the wingers high and wide to give them space on transitions.

There should be no room between the lines for Liverpool's progressive passes and, more importantly, for Liverpool to outflank with and without possession.

Zirkzee will be extremely important in keeping the ball and bringing his teammates into play, while Diogo Dalot's baptism of fire in his less preferred position of left-back will come against Mohamed Salah this time around. Marcus Rashford will have to provide all the help he can by running backwards.

Prediction Manchester United vs Liverpool

Expect United to start quickly and try to get the crowd on their side early on with some key tackles and duels.

It would be a dream scenario if they scored an early goal because then they would be able to switch to transition plays and allow Liverpool to keep possession.

If this fails, United will likely retreat into a safe formation after the fast start and close the spaces between the lines in order to break through with the wingers.

It will be interesting to see whether Amad, who was recently voted United's player of the month, keeps his place or not, as Rashford is always effective against Liverpool, while Alejandro Garnacho is quicker and more explosive.

In any case, United cannot afford to be as wasteful as they were in the first two games because they will not get as many chances. A focused and hard-working United side should win the game, buoyed by home advantage.

United in Focus predicts Manchester United 2-1 Liverpool.

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