Liverpool Target Revival Against Manchester United as Postecoglou Chases First Win

Liverpool will be desperate to rediscover their spark when they face fierce rivals Manchester United at Anfield this weekend, while Ange Postecoglou continues his search for a first victory as Nottingham Forest boss.

The reigning champions have dominated recent league meetings against United, losing just once in their last 14 encounters. However, they enter the clash on the back of three consecutive defeats in all competitions, with Arsenal now sitting top of the Premier League table.

Meanwhile, Postecoglou remains under mounting pressure after a winless start to his tenure at the City Ground.

AFP Sport examines three key talking points ahead of this weekend’s Premier League fixtures:

Liverpool Banking on Anfield Fortress Against United

When Liverpool began the campaign with five successive Premier League victories, it looked as though they were firmly on course to claim a record 21st English top-flight title — moving one clear of United in the all-time tally.

However, their early momentum has stalled. Defeats to Crystal Palace and Chelsea, either side of a Champions League loss at Galatasaray, have exposed defensive frailties and a lack of sharpness in attack.

Liverpool, currently one point behind leaders Arsenal, cheekily reminded United of their 7–0 demolition in March 2023 on social media this week. Mohamed Salah scored twice that day and boasts a prolific record against the Red Devils, having netted in 10 of the past 11 meetings across all competitions.

Yet, the Egyptian forward heads into this encounter short of form, while summer signings Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak have also struggled to make their mark. Defensively, Arne Slot’s men have looked vulnerable.

United have not won at Anfield since 2016 but secured credible draws on their last two visits. Ruben Amorim’s side may be languishing in mid-table, yet they will fancy their chances of exploiting Liverpool’s weaknesses.

Postecoglou Still Searching for First Forest Win

Despite seven league matches without victory, Ange Postecoglou has remained publicly calm about his future at Nottingham Forest. The club sits just one place above the relegation zone and faces Chelsea in Saturday’s early kick-off.

It represents a sharp decline for Forest, who finished seventh last season under Nuno Espírito Santo, earning a spot in Europe.

For Postecoglou, this also echoes the struggles of his final months at Tottenham, where a disastrous league campaign ultimately cost him his job despite Europa League success.

Following a 2–0 defeat at Newcastle on 5 October, the 60-year-old Australian remained defiant:

“I’ve fought for things my whole life, so it’s just another fight that I love to be in the middle of.”

The international break may have bought him time, but pressure continues to mount, with Sean Dyche reportedly among the contenders should Forest opt for a change.

Semenyo Shining Bright for Bournemouth

Antoine Semenyo has emerged as one of the Premier League’s standout performers this season. The London-born Ghanaian winger has scored six goals and registered three assists, spearheading Bournemouth’s remarkable surge to fourth place after their best-ever start to a top-flight campaign.

Semenyo has been directly involved in nearly 82 per cent of the Cherries’ goals — the highest contribution of any player in the league.

“He is incredible,” said teammate Justin Kluivert. “He shows it every game now. He is just world-class.”

Manager Andoni Iraola has guided Bournemouth to this impressive run despite the club selling approximately £200 million worth of talent during the summer transfer window. Their next test comes against Crystal Palace, eager to respond after their 19-match unbeaten streak across all competitions came to an end.

Premier League Fixtures

Saturday (14:00 GMT unless stated)

• Nottingham Forest v Chelsea (11:30)

• Brighton v Newcastle

• Burnley v Leeds

• Crystal Palace v Bournemouth

• Manchester City v Everton

• Sunderland v Wolves

• Fulham v Arsenal (16:30)

Sunday

• Tottenham v Aston Villa (13:00)

• Liverpool v Manchester United (15:30)

Monday

• West Ham v Brentford (19:00)