“Manchester United will turn up, make a game of it” - Joe Cole refuses to pick one-sided Liverpool win as he predicts result of Premier League clash 

Former Liverpool midfielder Joe Cole believes that the Reds won't have a free run against Manchester United this weekend. The Red Devils arrive at Anfield on Sunday, January 5, to face Arne Slot's men in the Premier League.

Both clubs are in contrasting form at the moment. While the Merseyside team is flying high under Slot, Ruben Amorim has struggled to get his side going since taking charge in November last year.

Manchester United arrive at the game on the back of a four-game losing streak and have lost four of their last five games in the league. They are 14th in the Premier League table after 19 games, with nine defeats and six wins to their name.

Liverpool, meanwhile, are at the top of the league after 18 games, with 14 wins and just one defeat. While many believe Sunday's game could be a one-sided affair, Cole begs to differ.

However, speaking to Paddy Power, the Englishman backed his former side to win 2-1.

"It’s a derby and it’s a one-off game. But having said that, you can’t look past this Liverpool side. Manchester United will turn up, make a game of it, but Liverpool will win 2-1," said Cole.

He continued:

"Manchester United might threaten on the counter-attack and get a goal, but they’ll get pinned back at Anfield up against the Kop."

The Reds arrive at the game on a four-game winning run across competitions. They scored 16 goals and conceded just five during that period.

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When was Manchester United's last win over Liverpool?

Ruben Amorim

Manchester United's last win against Liverpool game in the semifinals of the FA Cup last season. Former manager Erik ten Hag registered a dramatic 4-3 victory in extra time to take his team to the final, which they won.

The Dutchman also secured a 2-1 win over the Reds at Old Trafford in the 2022/23 campaign in the Premier League. That is the Red Devils' last win against their bitter rivals in the league.

The Merseyside club have won five of the last 10 meetings between the two sides across competitions. That includes the historic 7-0 mauling at Anfield in the 2022/23 campaign.

Arne Slot's team will enter the game in inspired form and will be looking to inflict further damage on United this weekend. They are six points clear of second-placed Arsenal at the top of the league table and also have a game in hand.