Defeat at home to Man United this weekend would feel like Liverpool are in a crisis, but their rivals remain a mess in the post-Alex Ferguson era.
The Reds return with a bang after the international break, hosting United in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.
For Arne Slot‘s champions, it’s a case of avoiding four defeats in a row in all competitions, as they look to get back on track.
Form often goes out the window in this fixture, but either way, failure to beat a beleaguered Red Devils outfit would be a huge blow.
Ahead of the game, we spoke to United fan Kadeem Simmonds (@KadeemSimmonds) to dissect the season so far and look forward to a huge match.
How happy are you with Man Utd’s start to the season?
It has been mixed and expected, which has made it somewhat disappointing.
Defeats to Arsenal and Man City were not surprising, but losing to Brentford shouldn’t be a shock, and was a sign of the lack of progression.
One game a week and there are still teething problems with the system, and the same mistakes that were on show last season are still happening.
It was never going to be fixed during the summer, but to say the fans are happy with the start of the season would be a lie.
Which three players have stood out most and has anyone struggled?
Altay Bayindir’s struggles were expected – he was signed as a backup goalkeeper and hasn’t shown anything, barring one FA Cup fixture against Arsenal.
Mason Mount, when fit, has stood out and has displaced Matheus Cunha as the left-sided No. 10.
Bryan Mbeumo has also started well. It looks like he is confident and will be a rare good signing.
It may be one game, but Senne Lammons stood out against Sunderland, looking assured when claiming crosses and his two saves reminded fans that goalkeepers can actually prevent goals from going in.
What’s your stance on Ruben Amorim’s future?
My opinion is an unpopular one – Ruben Amorim needs time.
Sacking him a year into the job will only be repeating the mistakes of the past.
He needs wins – back-to-back victories would be amazing! – and that should ease some of the pressure.
Comparing him to a Mikel Arteta or someone else is pointless because other managers weren’t as bad as Amorim has been, but they hired him for a reason.
Fans do not like the players available and have been saying they are not good enough, so after a full season in charge, the players should improve to a point where Amorim will either stay or show that he isn’t cut out to turn things around.
What’s the main aim for Man United this season?
The club says qualify for Europe and it is hard to argue against that.
One game a week, and a club the size of United, should be competing for the title, but everyone knows we are not at that level.
So a top-seven finish should be the bare minimum.
How do you rate Liverpool’s start to the season and are we title favourites?
I don’t think it is as bad as everyone is making out.
Arne Slot is getting to grips with a new squad that has endured a terrible loss off the field. It has been a good start.
Yes, the losses weren’t ideal, but a win on Sunday and no one will talk about Crystal Palace or Chelsea.
What are your best and worst memories of United games at Anfield?
The recent 7-0 loss is by far the worst. Nothing comes close.
John O’Shea’s winner in 2007 is my favourite, closely followed by Juan Mata’s bicycle kick finish.
Where will the key battles take place on Sunday?
The same as always – the middle of the park.
United have very little control there, but from recent Liverpool games, if we can progress through the middle and not go from back to front, we may be able to consistently get at you.
Alternatively, this could be the perfect game for Liverpool to stamp their authority and dominate just by playing through United’s weak midfield.
Finally, what’s your prediction?
Liverpool 2-1 United. Florian Wirtz to grab an assist to Alexander Isak.
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