‘Will be lucky if…’ – Paul Merson and Roy Keane share same prediction for Liverpool vs Manchester United clash

Liverpool will aim to end their run of three straight defeats when they welcome Manchester United to Anfield on Sunday.

Although the Reds have comfortably outperformed their fierce rivals over the past two seasons, United have managed to earn draws on their last two visits to Merseyside. Liverpool’s most recent home win against them remains the unforgettable 7–0 thrashing in March 2023.

Alisson Becker will miss the clash through injury, but Arne Slot confirmed that both Ryan Gravenberch and Ibrahima Konaté are expected to be available after minor issues picked up on international duty.

Merson and Keane back Liverpool to bounce back

In his Sportskeeda predictions column, Paul Merson suggested that Liverpool will be under added pressure if Arsenal beat Fulham on Saturday, but he still expects the champions to return to winning ways.

“This is one of the biggest fixtures in English football and it always delivers,” Merson wrote. “Liverpool have lost three in a row, and if Arsenal win, this becomes a must-win. But I don’t see them losing at Anfield. I’m going 2–0 to Liverpool — United will be lucky to get anything.”

Roy Keane, speaking on The Overlap, shared a similar view, tipping Slot’s side for a 3–1 win.

Motivation won’t be an issue

Facing their greatest rivals while desperate to end a poor run of form provides plenty of motivation for Liverpool. Should Arsenal drop points at Fulham on Saturday — as they have in each of the last two seasons — the Reds could even reclaim top spot with a win at Anfield.

Despite several injury concerns earlier in the week, Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim is expected to have nearly a full squad available as his side look to claim their first away point since August.

Slot will know that if Liverpool recapture the intensity and quality that won them the title last season, they should have too much for United — though it will require a sharp improvement from recent performances.

Most fans would gladly take Merson’s predicted outcome: a much-needed home victory and a clean sheet.