Liverpool’s starting XI to take on Manchester United has been announced

Liverpool host Manchester United at Anfield this afternoon, desperate to get their season back on track. After a flawless start, Arne Slot’s side have suffered three consecutive defeats in all competitions, losing top spot and raising doubts about their momentum. Anfield could be the perfect place to bounce back — Liverpool are unbeaten in their last nine Premier League meetings with United on home soil, while Mohamed Salah boasts the most goal involvements against United in the competition’s history.

There’s some good news on the injury front. Ryan Gravenberch is fully fit after a minor hamstring issue with the Netherlands, and Ibrahima Konaté has returned to full training and could start. However, Alisson Becker remains sidelined for this and next weekend’s matches, meaning summer signing Giorgi Mamardashvili continues in goal. Jeremie Frimpong is pushing for a start at right-back after a light international workload, which would allow Dominik Szoboszlai to return to midfield. On the left, Milos Kerkez is expected to keep his place, with Andy Robertson being carefully managed for fatigue.

In attack, competition is fierce. Salah is nailed on for the right wing after scoring twice for Egypt during the break. Cody Gakpo also returns in top form with four goal contributions for the Netherlands and a recent strike at Chelsea. Hugo Ekitike is expected to lead the line, while Alexander Isak — now nearing full fitness — could feature off the bench. Florian Wirtz continues to lead Liverpool in chance creation and is a strong candidate for the No.10 role, though Szoboszlai could also fill that position. Wataru Endo is being monitored for fitness, but Liverpool still have solid options in midfield.

United, meanwhile, travel to Merseyside chasing consecutive league wins under Rúben Amorim after a 2–0 victory over Sunderland before the break. They face their own injury dilemmas, particularly in central defence, but will look to capitalise on Liverpool’s recent struggles and the absence of Alisson. The opening 20 minutes could prove vital — if Liverpool dominate transitions and control the spaces around Frimpong and Kerkez, their attacking quartet should have the firepower to decide the match.

Expected Liverpool XI (4-2-3-1): Mamardashvili; Bradley, Konaté, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Gakpo; Ekitike.

Match details: Sunday, 19 October 2025 — 4:30 pm BST, Anfield
Live on: Sky Sports Main Event / Sky Sports Premier League