4 hours ago 9

Slot Faces Amorim in a Tactical Duel That Could Shape Liverpool’s Season

Date: Sunday, 19th October 2025

Venue: Anfield

Kick-off: 16:30 BST

The international break ends with a fixture that needs no introduction. Liverpool versus Manchester United remains the headline act of English football — a rivalry of history, ego, and identity. While the two clubs currently exist in contrasting realities, with Liverpool the reigning champions and United still undergoing structural repairs, the intrigue remains undimmed, and the footballing world awaits with anticipation.

Arne Slot’s Liverpool have hit their first real crossroads of the campaign. After three consecutive defeats across the Premier League and Champions League, the Reds need a reaction to reassert control at the top of the table. Sitting one point behind Arsenal, the reigning champions must rediscover rhythm and conviction at Anfield against an opponent desperate to halt their own decline.

For the United boss, Rúben Amorim, this is a chance to inject credibility into a faltering project that remains uncertain about its future. The Portuguese coach has steadied results but continues to face the same long-term questions that have haunted his predecessors: can United match intensity, structure, and bravery against the elite?

It would be nice to remember how to play football and beat United this weekend, please, Liverpool.

— Henry Jackson (@HenryJackson87) October 17, 2025

Manchester United Availability

Amorim’s side arrives on Merseyside with form still as fragile as its defensive balance, despite some heartening recent wins. United’s inconsistency has been fuelled by rotation and key absences, however, this next phase of the season is vital to progression. Before a home 2-0 win over Sunderland came a 3-1 loss away to Brentford and a 2-1 win over visiting Chelsea. Lisandro Martínez remains sidelined through injury, while Ayden Heaven and Noussair Mazraoui are doubts. Following seven games thus far, an uninspiring 10th place is held with only ten points taken.

In attack, Rasmus Højlund and Alejandro Garnacho will look to exploit space behind Liverpool’s high line, while Jadon Sancho could be restored after promising international form.

Predicted Manchester United Lineup (3-4-2-1):

GK: Senne Lammens

RCB: Matthijs de Ligt

CB: Harry Maguire

LCB: Luke Shaw

RWB: Amad Diallo

LWB: Diogo Dalot

CM: Casemiro

CM: Bruno Fernandes

LW: Mason Mount

RW: Bryan Mbeumo

CF: Benjamin Šeško

🚨📊Premier League Chances Created from Open play this season:

Liverpool – 71💪
Man United – 68
Everton – 55
Arsenal – 53👀

It's going to click, sooner rather than later!⌛️ pic.twitter.com/uH8IiRwUp9

— Anything Liverpool (@AnythingLFC_) October 17, 2025

Liverpool Availability

Arne Slot will be hoping to welcome back key figures at a time when representing their countries may have taken on a new form which was previously lacking. Alexis Mac Allister’s resurgence during international duty provides hope of restored control, while Ibrahima Konaté may miss out due to a minor injury which saw him return to training only on Friday. Giovanni Leoni is out for the season, whereas Alisson Becker needs at least another week before he is ready to return.

The focus will again fall on how Liverpool builds from deep without Trent Alexander-Arnold, whose departure has clearly disrupted the rhythm. Ibrahima Konaté’s form remains inconsistent amid ongoing speculation over his future, and his understanding with Conor Bradley must sharpen, which could see both Joe Gomez and Jeremie Frimpong brought into the side. Florian Wirtz is expected to regain his starting place as the creative fulcrum, with Salah tasked with rediscovering his sharpness in front of goal. Despite some poor form, the Reds sit second in the league and are just a point behind leaders Arsenal.

Predicted Liverpool Lineup (4-2-3-1):

GK: Giorgi Mamardashvili

RB: Jeremie Frimpong

RCB: Joe Gomez

LCB: Virgil van Dijk (c)

LB: Andy Robertson

CM: Ryan Gravenberch

CM: Alexis Mac Allister

AM: Dominik Szoboszlai

RW: Mohamed Salah

CF: Alexander Isak

LW: Florian Wirtz

⸻

The Tactical Picture

Slot will look to dominate possession and use Mac Allister’s tempo control to bypass United’s press. The Argentine’s ability to dictate rhythm and break lines could be decisive in re-establishing Liverpool’s identity, therefore, I see his return to form as the vital component in the home side’s initiative. If the midfield recovers its shape, the front line’s understanding — particularly between Salah and Isak — could finally begin to click.

United, by contrast, will likely set up to frustrate and counter. Amorim’s side thrives on vertical attacks and quick transitions. The question is whether they can resist Liverpool’s high press long enough to create meaningful chances and utilise a front line that is equally capable, yet also not battle hardened for this encounter.

At Anfield, intensity often tells the story. Slot’s Liverpool must rediscover their swagger and impose control early, while United will rely on defensive resilience and opportunistic moments.

Player to Watch: Alexis Mac Allister

After a challenging start to the season, the World Cup winner’s performance against United could mark the moment Liverpool rediscover their cohesion. His calm authority and ability to knit phases together could turn control into points. A successful performance for Argentina that saw a match-winning display accompanied by two goals, which could be the catalyst for this new-look side.