With Arne Slot set for his first taste of Liverpool’s historic rivalry with Manchester United, we take a look at the Liverpool side set to take the field on Sunday and what players are expected to miss out on the Premier League encounter at Old Trafford.
Last week’s starting XI and injuries
In Liverpool’s most recent outing, the Reds eased to a 2-0 victory over Brentford in Slot’s first competitive fixture at Anfield. Goals from Luis Díaz and Mohamed Salah ensured the 100% start to the season was maintained, rendering Liverpool one of two teams yet to concede a goal in the current Premier League season.
Read more: Man Utd predicted XI and team news
The lineup last Sunday, including alterations made, was as follows:
Alisson, Alexander-Arnold (Bradley 72), Konaté, Van Dijk, Robertson, Szoboszlai, Gravenberch (Endo 90+1), Mac Allister, Salah, Jota (Núñez 72), Díaz (Gakpo 72)
Regarding the injury list, the only notable absence from Slot’s senior squad is Curtis Jones. The midfielder was unavailable for last weekend’s clash with Brentford as a result of a suspected groin injury, which is alleged to have been picked up in training.
Jones missed out on Liverpool’s 2-0 win at home to Brentford
Jarell Quansah was also unable to feature last time out, having picked up in an injury in a training session following Liverpool’s opening day victory over Ipswich Town. Unlike Jones, Quansah was fit enough to join the matchday squad at Anfield, however the defender spent the entirety of the encounter on the bench.
Whilst it is likely that Quansah will be fit enough for a cameo at Old Trafford, Jones’ fitness remains uncertain ahead of the clash with Manchester United.
🏥 Rumours circulating that Curtis Jones has picked up an injury and is out for today.
As @chomakovg spotted in the latest episode of inside training, it looks like it’s a groin injury.pic.twitter.com/pSIA7fC6rh
— Anything Liverpool (@AnythingLFC_) August 25, 2024
Speaking after Liverpool’s most recent result, Slot spoke on Jones’ injury, stating that “It’s going to be close, so we have to wait and see.”
“It’s always difficult to see how an injury evolves during the upcoming week.”
“He’s not going to be out for a long time, but it’s going to be close for him to be there next week.”
Liverpool suspensions
Whilst there are no suspensions of note regarding Sunday, Darwin Núñez will be wary of the suspension he picked up this week from CONMEBOL. The Uruguayan recently received a five-match ban for his actions following Uruguay’s 1-0 defeat against Colombia in the semi- final of the Copa América in July.
The suspension means Núñez is unable to feature for his country in their 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers against Paraguay, Venezuela, Peru and Ecuador. The 25- year- old was also fined $20,000 by the South American footballing body.
Nunez will be unable to feature for Uruguay for some time following his suspension
Although the ban does not affect club football, it is unclear whether Slot chooses to include him in the starting lineup on Sunday in light of recent events surrounding the forward.
Deadline day arrivals and departures
It also remains unclear how the deadline of the summer transfer window may affect Slot’s starting XI.
On Thursday, Liverpool confirmed the signing of Federico Chiesa from Juventus for an initial fee of £10m, but the forward is unlikely to make his debut this weekend.
Liverpool confirmed the signing of Chiesa on Thursday afternoon
The Reds are yet to officially conclude their business, as Slot looks to strengthen his squad before his meeting with Erik ten Hag.
It is also likely that the Reds lose a small handful of players before the weekend.
Joe Gomez and Kostas Tsimikas are both rumoured to be exiting Anfield by the end of the week, as the former eyes up a potential move to Crystal Palace.
Elsewhere, Stefan Bajčetić has been linked with a loan move away from Liverpool, as Red Bull Salzburg close in on securing the services of the Spanish youngster.
🔴⚪️✈️ Stefan Bajcetić to RB Salzburg, here we go! No chance for Barcelona even with attempts overnight.
Barça issues with Financial Fair Play block the move and they can’t proceed with La Liga limits.
Bajcetić leaves #LFC to join Salzburg, travel and medical today. 🇦🇹 pic.twitter.com/ovTT71oLFu
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 29, 2024
Given this, there is a chance that Slot’s squad is somewhat lighter when they take to the field in Manchester.
Below is how we think Liverpool will line up:
Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson, Szoboszlai, Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Salah, Jota, Diaz.
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