Ahead of Liverpool’s clash with Manchester United this weekend, we had the pleasure of catching up with Anfield legend John Barnes. The match between two of the Premier League’s most esteemed teams has produced some extremely one-sided results in recent years, particularly last year’s 7-0 thrashing at Anfield.
In this article:
- Can Liverpool cope without Mac Allister?
- Manchester United are fantastic on their day
- Barnes downplays impact of Anfield’s Capacity
- Form goes out of the window when Liverpool face United
Can Liverpool Cope Without Mac Allister?
When Manchester United and Liverpool face off this weekend, Erik ten Hag will be under immense pressure. After crashing out of the Champions League and finishing bottom of their group, which was compounded by a 3-0 loss to Bournemouth, United will be desperate for a change in results and fortune. Meanwhile, Liverpool are excelling at the top of the Premier League.
However, they’ve suffered a significant setback with the injury to Alex Mac Allister. The question remains: how impactful will the loss of Alex Mac Allister be for Liverpool in their upcoming clash with Manchester United this Sunday?
“Well, I mean, we have Curtis Jones, we’ve got other players who can play in that position. We’ve still got Szobozslai who can play anywhere. We have Endo, Harvey Elliott can come into the midfield. So, yeah, it’s obviously a loss for us but I think we have enough to cope with it. It’s not gonna be an issue.”
Manchester United Are Fantastic On Their Day
Despite the difficulties that United are currently enduring, Barnes is wary of the threat United pose. One could argue it’s unnecessary caution considering how poor United have been in tandem with the form of Liverpool.
“The real issue is which Manchester United turns up because on their day they’re fantastic. They can play well, but as we’ve seen when they don’t play well, they can be disastrous. So we really don’t know which Manchester United will show up which is dangerous for Liverpool. But we know which Liverpool is going to turn up.
“So hopefully we’ll be able to start off well and make them play with no confidence because of what they’ve been going through. Man United are a good team and as I said, on their day, they can turn up and play really well. Hopefully not this Sunday.”
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Barnes Downplays Impact Of Anfield’s Capacity
Liverpool is set to play in front of Anfield’s largest crowd in more than half a century when they face Manchester United on Sunday. The capacity will be increased to around 57,000 for the game. Interestingly, Barnes doesn’t think the increase in attendance will significantly impact the game. Anfield is well renowned for its fiery atmosphere and Sunday’s game is sure to be a cauldron.
“Well, at the moment, it’s going up by five or six thousand. I mean, the atmosphere has always been fantastic.
“I don’t necessarily think that the atmosphere is going to be that much better because you’ve got another five thousand. The Anfield is fantastic regardless of, you know, whether there’s an extra five or not. So I don’t think that’s gonna have any bearing at all.”
Form Goes Out Of The Window When Liverpool Face United
The last time these two teams met, Liverpool emerged with a 7-0 victory. Given the injury and form issues at United, it wouldn’t be unreasonable to anticipate a similar outcome. However, Barnes asserts that form becomes irrelevant when Liverpool and United face each other.
“As I said, you don’t know which Man United are gonna turn now because they have great individual players that can win games. I think form goes out the window because inconsistency means sometimes you bring in and sometimes you’re not and we’re just hoping that this time they’re not gonna be brilliant. We really don’t know how they’re gonna play.
“You don’t play for Man United if you’re not a good player, But with the lack of confidence hopefully from our point of view, they will still be lacking confidence and not have that assuredness.”
