Former Liverpool midfielder Joe Cole does not expect the Reds to blow away Manchester United this weekend despite the Red Devils’ poor form.

Ruben Amorim’s men head into the game at Anfield having lost four games in a row but, speaking to Paddy Power, Cole said the fact that it is a derby means this may well be a closer encounter than some are predicting.

“It’s a derby and it’s a one-off game. But having said that, you can’t look past this Liverpool side. Manchester United will turn up, make a game of it, but Liverpool will win 2-1. Manchester United might threaten on the counterattack and get a goal, but they’ll get pinned back at Anfield up against the Kop.”

A 2-1 win would be a bit too close for comfort if you are a Liverpool supporter but they would still be glad of the three points.

Liverpool v Manchester United team news

Head coach Arne Slot will have Dominik Szoboszlai back from suspension after he missed the 5-0 win over West Ham last Sunday.

However, Joe Gomez is now out with a hamstring injury that could keep him on the sidelines for quite a while. Conor Bradley (thigh) is also still unavailable.

Ibrahima Konate’s fitness remains in doubt going into the United clash. Slot hinted that the France international could return to training this week but we may not know for sure whether he is in the squad until shortly before kickoff.

Pressure from title rivals

Arsenal could be just three points behind Liverpool when the Reds kickoff. The Gunners won against Brentford on New Year’s Day and they then face Brighton on Saturday night.

Slot’s side will, therefore, have even more motivation than usual to secure the win against United.

Find out who is in Liverpool’s first-team squad for 2024/2025 season here