BIG LIVERPOOL TEST: ARNE SLOT EXPLAINS HOW TO BEAT MAN UTD
Ex-Man Utd defender Danny Simpson warns Liverpool are a "wounded animal" ahead of Sunday's clash. He advises United to survive Anfield's early onslaught to unsettle the Reds, who have lost three straight games.
Creator: Andrew Powell | Credit: Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Before Liverpool's pivotal match against Manchester United this Sunday, Danny Simpson has given the players some advice.
When the Reds host their bitter foe at Anfield, the legendary match is expected to return with a bang. However, after losing their last three games, Arne Slot's team are currently having trouble staying in shape. The defending Premier League champion Liverpool lost to Galatasaray 1-0 in the Champions League after suffering a late 2-1 loss to Crystal Palace in September.
Before the international break, Slot's team suffered yet another 2-1 loss to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, which only put them one point behind Mikel Arteta's Arsenal in the league standings.
However, despite a patchy record under Ruben Amorim, United enters the game fresh off a 2-0 victory over recently promoted Sunderland.
Simpson described how Liverpool can resume their winning ways against United in an interview with the Manchester Evening News via MightyTips. "There are two ways of looking at that," the former Red Devils player said.
"They are all away from home for a start, but they are not used to losing three games. Any time you face Chelsea, Palace, or Galatasaray, it feels really difficult, in my opinion.
"Is it time to attack and force them to lose four games now that they have received a little respite? Or will they become enraged and fight because they are back at home, and the crowd will be even louder because it is Man United?
"So, United did win against Sunderland, but, with all due respect, Sunderland won at home. If I were a United player, I would think that this would be a fantastic opportunity to start the game well, in fact, to get the players and supporters anxious.
"The opening twenty minutes, in my opinion, will be crucial. I have performed a lot at Anfield, and after the first ten or fifteen minutes, they may make you anxious.
"Getting better is difficult. particularly if you lose 1-0. It would be extremely tense for Liverpool if United could simply weather that storm at ten minutes, perhaps generate a few chances, and then score a goal."
Simpson also noted that players returning to club duty may face challenges as a result of the recent international break, especially if they suffer injuries while playing for the national team.
"The international break is difficult as well because we do not know what condition the players will be returning in, and the manager does not know until maybe tomorrow or Thursday," the 38-year-old continued. Thus, it is always challenging following the international break.
Liverpool's roster is thin going into their match against United at home because of recent injuries. While Ibrahima Konate, Ryan Gravenberch, and Wataru Endo are still doubtful, players like Alisson and Giovanni Leoni have been ruled out entirely.
However, United also has to deal with its own injury problems. It is unclear if Ayden Heaven and Noussair Mazroui will be healthy enough to return, while Lisandro Martinez is not anticipated to be fit again until November.
DISCIPLINARY BLOW: MADRID PLAYER SUSPENDED POST EL CLáSICO TUSSLE
Real Madrid's backup keeper Andriy Lunin has been handed a one-game suspension by the RFEF for his aggressive conduct on the bench during the heated final moments of El Clásico. Real Madrid's appeal was rejected.
El Clásico Scuffle - Photo Credit Getty Images
Los Blancos' goalie Andriy Lunin has been suspended for one game by the RFEF Disciplinary Committee for his involvement in the sideline dramas during the El Clásico's final moments. Although the cameras did not catch it, referee Soto Grado did record that he had sent the Ukrainian off.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the RFEF responded as follows when asked why Lunin received a red card.
The reason for Lunin, Andrii's expulsion in the 90th minute was that he had to be restrained by his teammates after he walked aggressively from his bench to the blonde bench.
The disciplinary committee of the RFEF
"When considered significant, those whose behaviour violates sporting order will be suspended for four to ten games or fined between 602 and 3,006 euros."
Because of Lunin's actions, which constituted a minor violation of the sporting order, he was suspended for one game. The ruling had been challenged by Real Madrid. However, the RFEF stayed steadfast, defending the referee's ruling and the evidence in the match report and on film.
Now, the backup goalie will not play against Valencia this weekend, where he is probably going to be benched. Fran Gonzalez and Sunico, both from the youth team, might be called up as the matchday squad's third choice, with Sergio Mestre serving as a backup.
No Barcelona players or any other Real Madrid players were slapped with bans following the two flash moments in the closing stages of the game. When Vinicius Jr. and Lamie Yamal argued, even players who were not on the team were spotted shoving on the side of the field. The RFEF, however, determined that nothing that came to pass would justify further prohibitions.
ARSENAL STAR DROPS CONFIDENT TITLE HINT AFTER STRONG OPENING
Arsenal star Bukayo Saka is targeting a historic Premier League and World Cup double with England this season. The winger believes it's a "doable" feat as the Gunners lead the title race.
Bukayo Saka - (Image: David Price/Arsenal FC)
According to Bukayo Saka, it is feasible for Arsenal and England to win both games this season. The season has started well for the Gunners under Mikel Arteta's leadership.
Arsenal leads the Premier League standings by four points at the moment and is starting to look like a title contender. Manchester City is only one point ahead of defending champions Liverpool, who are seven points behind.
Saka, however, is not only interested in winning at his club; he also hopes to succeed internationally. Manager Thomas Tuchel has stated that winning the trophy is his ambition for England, who have qualified for the World Cup in the USA next year.
Saka is optimistic about his club's and his nation's chances of winning. "Yeah, that is my prayer," he remarked in an interview with Sky Sports. It is possible, of course.