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Here is how the numbers stack up ahead of the much-awaited Premier League clash between Liverpool and Manchester United at Anfield this Sunday.
Liverpool is heavily favoured to win their upcoming Premier League clash against Manchester United, with the Opta supercomputer predicting a 70.2% chance of victory for the Reds. United, on the other hand, have only a 13% chance of winning, while a draw is likely at 16.8%.
Statistically, Liverpool has dominated this fixture, with United scoring just one goal in their last eight Premier League away games against Liverpool dating back 2018. The Red Devils have also failed to score in each of their last five away games against Liverpool. This dismal record is compounded by United’s longest run without scoring in their league history, with six goalless matches against Everton between 1969 and 1974.
Liverpool’s recent form has been impressive, with the team losing only one of their last 13 Premier League games against United. The Reds have also won their last three Premier League matches, scoring at least three goals in each victory. This winning streak is reminiscent of their six-match winning run in February/March 2014, where they also scored three or more goals in each win.
Mohamed Salah has been instrumental in Liverpool’s success, with 30 Premier League goal involvements this season (17 goals, 13 assists). This tally is already the most by a player in a single campaign, with Salah also holding the record for most goal involvements in a calendar year (39 in 2024). Only Trent Alexander-Arnold has provided more Premier League assists for Liverpool in a calendar year than Salah’s 16 in 2024.
In addition to Salah’s impressive form, other Liverpool players have also been shining. Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo are on top form, with Diogo Jota also scoring in the 5-0 win over West Ham last time out. Alexander-Arnold has made headlines this week amid speculation of an impending move to Real Madrid, but he is another player thriving in Arne Slot’s team.
Liverpool scored the most goals in the Premier League in 2024 (92) – it is their second-most in a year in the top flight, behind the 106 goals they netted in 1982. The Reds also had 286 shots on target, the joint most by a team in a year, alongside Manchester City in 2021, since Opta began recording such data in 2004.
In contrast, Manchester United is struggling, having lost their last three Premier League games. The team has also shipped 18 goals in all competitions in December, their most in a single month since March 1964. United’s woes are further compounded by their poor record against Liverpool, having not won any of their last eight league away games against the Reds (D4 L4).
United’s new boss Ruben Amorim is cautioning his team against complacency, warning that they could be drawn into a relegation battle if they are not careful. Historically, four teams who were 14th at the turn of the year have then been relegated – Newcastle (2008-09), Burnley (2009-10), Norwich City (2013-14), and Leeds United (2022-23). However, the Opta supercomputer predicts that United will avoid relegation, with only a 0.1% chance of going down.
United lost six matches in all competitions last month. That is the most games they have lost in a single month since they suffered seven defeats way back in September 1930. The Red Devils have lost their last three Premier League games and have not lost four league games in a row in the same season since between December and February 1979.
Despite these challenges, United will be looking to exploit Liverpool’s vulnerability in their opening league game of the year. The Reds have not won their opening league game in consecutive years since 2013 and 2014.
