Erik ten Hag has been given a telling insight into the Liverpool camp ahead of Manchester United’s upcoming showdown with their Merseyside rivals. The Red Devils have only beaten Liverpool twice in the last five years but will have high hopes of claiming a rare victory when they meet at Anfield next month.
A win against the Reds would go a long way to easing the pressure on Ten Hag’s shoulders, with United having failed to impress over the course of the campaign to date. The Dutchman has already received a crucial insight regarding the availability of Alisson Becker and Diogo Jota, who are both facing a race against time to be fit for the match.
Jurgen Klopp confirmed on Wednesday that both players will be sidelined for an indefinite period after suffering hamstring injuries, which could give United an edge when they face Liverpool next month.
“Ali is a bit lesser, so we have to see,” said Klopp. “Not day by day, he cannot play tomorrow or Sunday and probably not the week after, should be kind of OK. Diogo will take a little bit longer, I don’t know exactly. Have to see.”
The news of Alisson and Jota’s injuries will certainly give Ten Hag a helping hand in drawing up his tactical approach for the Liverpool fixture. Caoimhin Kelleher is likely to start in goal if Alisson is ruled out and United could look to capitalise on the Irishman’s lack of experience by peppering him with a higher volume of shots.
Kelleher is undoubtedly a strong goalkeeper but has conceded five times in the Europa League so far this season and could be a weak point for Liverpool if he plays against United. Meanwhile, the suggestion that Jota might also be absent will give Ten Hag a clearer picture of the likely front three that will be deployed by the Reds.
It seems as though Luis Diaz would be the obvious choice to replace Jota on the left flank, while Darwin Nunez and Mohamed Salah will be certain to start as long as they manage to stay fit between now and then. Cody Gakpo will also be an option for the Reds but the former PSV man will be more likely to settle for a place on the bench.
It remains to be seen if United will be able to capitalise on Liverpool’s growing injury list to earn a welcome victory over their greatest rivals next month. They are set to be without a number of their own star players, though, with Casemiro and Lisandro Martinez expected to be out until the turn of the year.
Christian Eriksen and Mason Mount may also be sidelined for the trip to Anfield, which could leave United thin on the ground in the middle of the park. Both players are currently recovering from leg injuries but will be hoping to work themselves back to full fitness in time for the match on December 17.
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