By David 
Was scrolling through football apps this morning, proper lazy Sunday vibe. Thought man, tonight’s Liverpool versus United clash gotta be spicy. Wondered who’s actually gonna start for both teams – you know, like proper lineup, not just fan gossip.
Started digging into team news
First opened that football scores app everyone uses, the one with the bright logo. Got hit instantly with transfer rumors and sponsorship crap. Was like nah mate, need actual team sheets, not who bought new boots. Switched apps twice before finding some manager press conference bits.
For Liverpool, heard Klopp say something about Salah being “assessed.” Groaned. Loads of folks shouting online that Trent might play midfield again – honestly gave me flashbacks of that Arsenal mess last season.
United side wasn’t clearer either. Ten Hag waffling about Rashford’s “form” and Maguire “needing rest.” Scrolled Reddit quick, saw supporters predicting Garnacho starting over Anthony. Whole thing felt proper cloudy, like trying to see through Manchester fog.
My crack at predicting the lineups
Grabbed my notepad – actual paper one. Started scribbling names for Liverpool:
- Alisson in goal, easy choice unless he grew extra arms.
- VVD definitely starts unless his cat had kittens this morning.
- Midfield headache: Szoboszlai and Mac Allister felt sure, but that third spot… Endo, Jones, or chuck Trent there?
Switched to United:
- Onana starts even if he turned up wearing pajamas.
- Wan-Bissaka or Dalot? Flip a coin stuff.
- Up front: Rashford starting felt wild but somehow expected?
Got stuck comparing wingers. Salah if fit versus Garnacho… different beasts innit. Drew arrows between positions like some mad detective board. Whole page ended up looking like spaghetti bolognese.
Why bother doing this?
Cause last time I just copied Twitter predictions, total disaster. Ended up with Gakpo as false nine and McTominay playing centre-back – in what universe, lads? This time wanted to actually think not parrot others.
Finished by staring at both my scribbled XIs. Truth? Wasn’t no clear winner on paper. Liverpool’s midfield worries me if Endo plays alone, and United’s attack looked like hoping Rashford magically remembers last season.
My conclusion? Probably both managers will surprise us anyway. Might see Jones starting and Amrabat becoming Pirlo overnight. Proper wasted my tea break doing this – but hey, beats watching paint dry.
