Arsenal legend Paul Merson has predicted the score for Sunday’s Premier League clash between Liverpool and Manchester United at Anfield.
The two-time English champion also discussed the reasons behind Mohamed Salah’s struggles and explained how Alexander Isak’s arrival has complicated matters for Arne Slot.
Reigning Premier League champions Liverpool have hit a rough patch after starting the season on a high. After winning their first seven games across competitions, the Reds have now strung up three defeats. Two have come in the Premier League, first against Crystal Palace and then Chelsea (both 2-1).
Paul Merson Discusses Isak Complication
Over the summer, Liverpool spent heavily on attacking reinforcements, signing Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, and Alexander Isak. Isak, who joined for a British record £125 million, has yet to score or play the full 90 in the Premier League.
Ekitike has scored twice in the Premier League, and is statistically the more in-form forward. Paul Merson, however, believes Isak’s price tag could keep the Frenchman out.
Arne Slot on Isak’s fitness:
“He’s finally at a good place, he’s done 5-6 weeks of preseason. We can now judge him fairly.” 🇸🇪 pic.twitter.com/mxmoIneF5v
— The Anfield Buzz (@TheAnfieldBuzz) October 17, 2025
While making a prediction for Sunday’s Liverpool vs Man United clash, Merson wrote in his SportsKeeda column:
“Liverpool went too top heavy in the summer transfer window. People told me Alexander Isak would help Liverpool walk the league. But what it has done is, created a confusion inside Arne Slot’s head!
“I have a feeling Isak will start this game because of the transfer fee. You just can’t leave him out when you pay that kind of money, can you? If you pay over £100 million for players, they have to be in the line-up for the big games and this is one of them.”
Merson Says Alexander-Arnold’s Exit is Behind Salah’s Poor Form
Mohamed Salah has also struggled this season, scoring just twice in seven games. Due to his poor form, Salah has become the most transferred out FPL player ahead of Gameweek 8.
Paul Merson said the Egyptian’s struggles were due to Trent Alexander-Arnold’s departure to Real Madrid.
A closer look at Mo Salah's attacking stats compared to last season 📊 pic.twitter.com/QtiPgTqcfP
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) October 16, 2025
Merson added:
“We have to talk about Mohamed Salah as well, he has struggled so far this season. Without Trent Alexander-Arnold, he isn’t the same player.
“When Liverpool had Trent, he was so good on the ball that opponents had to get close to him and always put pressure on him whenever he had the ball. Now that he’s gone, teams are just doubling down on Salah on that flank and giving him no space.”
Merson Makes Liverpool vs Man United Prediction
Lastly, Paul Merson made a prediction for the upcoming Premier League clash between Liverpool and Man United.
The Englishman wrote:
“I don’t think Liverpool will lose at home, they will snap out of this run [3-game losing streak]. Manchester United will be lucky if they can walk away with something from Anfield.”
Prediction: Liverpool 2-0 Manchester United
Liverpool were unbeaten in their last three matches against Man United (W 1, D 2). The Reds drew 2-2 with United in last season’s Premier League meeting at Anfield.
