Next Monday, August 22, we will travel to the theater of dreams to witness the first derby of the season between the two biggest and most successful teams in England.
For many sports analysts and celebrities, the Premier League is the most competitive league on the planet and it is reflected on the pitch every matchday.
After two rounds have been played in this start of English soccer, we can highlight the following.
Manchester United data:
⁃ The home side are the most successful club in England with twenty league titles to their name, one more than Guardiola’s side.
⁃ It is in a major crisis, reflected in poor results as well as individual performances.
⁃ Disappointment is palpable with new coach Erik ten, evidencing that there is still much work to be done to establish the foundation and schemes that will lead to success.
⁃ In their first two performances they recorded two defeats: against Brighton by 1-2 and against Brentford by a pitiful 4-0 , this being one of the worst results in the club’s history. With these two defeats, they have now gone 5 games without a win. In fact, in the last 10 matches, the “Red Devils” have only won twice.
Probable Manchester United lineup:
De Gea; Dalot, Maguire, Martinez, Shaw; Fred, McTominay; Sancho, Fernandes, Rashford; Ronaldo.
Although we include Ronaldo in the 11, it is worth remembering that there is uncertainty and controversy about the continuity of Cristiano Ronaldo.
Liverpool data:
⁃ The side led by Jürgen Klopp is much more consolidated and solid.
⁃ After the first two matchdays, they have recorded two draws against Fulham and Crystal Palace.
⁃ It is the reigning Carabao Cup, Emirates FA Cup and Community Shield winner, as well as runner-up in the UEFA Champions League.
⁃ Despite the departure of Sadio Mané, they have star player Mohamed Salah, a Ballon d’Or candidate, in their ranks.
⁃ Possession game, verticality and great offensive performance that can do a lot of damage to a team with many defensive mismatches (Manchester has conceded 6 goals in two games).
Probable Manchester United lineup:
Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Phillips, van Dijk, Robertson; Fabinho, Elliot, Milner; Salah, Diaz, Firmino.
⁃ In total, they have met 209 times, with a positive balance for the Manchester side after 81 wins to Liverpool’s 70. However, in recent years the team coached by Jürgen Klopp has been dominant. In fact, the two meetings last season resulted in two resounding victories for the Anfield side, who stormed Old Trafford with a 5-0 win and then won 4-0 at Anfield. Making a balance of 9-0 in the last two meetings.
The current situation of both teams contrasts in favor of Liverpool, a team that we trust to win.
Scenario and analysis that brings us closer to green. However, always with responsibility for the factors that we cannot control.
