Carrick hopes to continue his excellent start. — AP
LIVERPOOL and Manchester United head into the weekend with contrasting make-ups after a major swing in fortunes.
Reigning champions Liverpool slipped out of the top four and automatic Champions League qualification last weekend, while Man United have been revitalised under Michael Carrick.
Installed as interim manager two weeks ago, Carrick has overseen two remarkable victories at Old Trafford – the comprehensive derby win over Manchester City followed by the brilliant comeback triumph against league leaders Arsenal last Sunday.
Liverpool now face another tricky test when Newcastle visit Anfield, while Man United welcome a resilient Fulham side to the Theatre of Dreams.
The Liverpool-Newcastle rivalry is long synonymous with goals, and this meeting promises more of the same given both sides’ defensive vulnerabilities.
Liverpool conceded 32 goals and scored 35, while Newcastle have shipped 29 and netted 32.
Both sit on a goal difference of plus-three, and little separates them in the table, with Liverpool sixth and Newcastle ninth.
Anthony Gordon, Newcastle’s brightest attacking force this season, has contributed goals and assists in equal measure and will again be key to their threat going forward.
Eddie Howe’s side will be eager to rebound from their home defeat to Aston Villa and build on their midweek Champions League draw with reigning champions Paris St Germain, which secured them a playoff spot.
Nick Pope’s shot‑ stopping and Kieran Trippier’s qualities as a full‑back and leader will also be crucial if the Magpies are to make a fist of it.
For Liverpool, Dominik Szoboszlai and Alisson Becker – when fit – have been the top performers in an otherwise inconsistent and flawed campaign.
Their midweek 6-0 Champions League thrashing, though, of Azerbaijan kingpins Qarabag offered some respite after the late collapse at Bournemouth.
Arne Slot, who so famously delivered the title last season but is now facing calls from some quarters to step aside, will again look to Szoboszlai and Alisson to steady the ship and guide them through another testing fixture.
With home advantage, Liverpool may just edge it.
Man United, meanwhile, will be widely expected to dispatch Fulham, though Marco Silva’s side have shown enough unpredictability to trouble in-form opponents.
Carrick’s early momentum should continue, but Man United will need to maintain the intensity that has marked his brief tenure.
Casemiro and Bruno Fernan-des, both rejuvenated under the interim manager, are likely to be central to Man United’s bid for a third straight victory and the consolidation of fourth place in what is beginning to look like a genuine mini‑revival. — By SHAUN ORANGE
