Peter Crouch believes Liverpool can produce a dominant display against Manchester United on Sunday and has backed Arne Slot’s side to end their three-match losing streak with a statement win at Anfield.
The Reds slipped to defeats against Crystal Palace, Galatasaray and Chelsea before the international break, leaving Slot under pressure to steady the ship as the Premier League champions prepare for one of their biggest fixtures of the season.
Despite that difficult run, Liverpool remain only two points behind Arsenal at the top of the table and are yet to lose at home this term.
Victories over Bournemouth, Arsenal and Everton in the league, alongside cup wins against Atlético Madrid and Southampton, have maintained Anfield’s reputation as one of the most formidable grounds in Europe something Crouch believes will once again play a huge role this weekend.
Speaking exclusively to Paddy Power, the former Reds striker who netted 42 goals during his time at the club said he expects Liverpool’s attacking quality to shine through against a United side he described as “too open”.
“I do. United beating Sunderland I don’t read too much into that,” Crouch said. “I think they’ve had difficulties this season and, at times, have been miles off it. I do feel this is a game where Liverpool can win comfortably.”
Crouch, who has become a respected pundit since his retirement, referenced Manchester United’s ongoing defensive vulnerabilities as a key factor that could decide Sunday’s contest.
“I was at the Brentford game, and Brentford were too good for United in the attacking areas, and they couldn’t deal with it at all,” he explained.
“It was chance after chance, and Brentford could’ve had more [goals]. They’ll still play that way against Liverpool, and with the players that Liverpool have got, there’s too many players that can punish you. At the moment, they’re just too open.”
Crouch believes the match presents the perfect opportunity for Liverpool’s new summer signings to finally “click into gear” after what has been a somewhat inconsistent start under Slot.
“I think this could be the game where the new boys really settle,” he said. “There’s too much quality in that side for it not to come together soon. It’s been a rough few weeks, but a win against United that changes everything. It lifts the mood, it restores confidence, and it sends a message to everyone else that Liverpool aren’t going away.”
The former England international also addressed the mounting pressure on Slot after three consecutive defeats, acknowledging that while the Dutchman deserves time, another setback could intensify scrutiny from supporters and pundits alike.
“I don’t think we should be putting Slot under the same pressure as Amorim, but he needs to win,” Crouch continued. “Does he need the win in this game as much? Probably, yes. Amorim is under more pressure for his job, but with regards to losing three in a row if they [Liverpool] lose again, certainly to Manchester United, who are coming in for so much criticism at the moment then yes, the pressure ramps up. For Liverpool to lose four [in a row] feels like a travesty.”
Crouch went on to defend Slot from some of the harsher criticism he’s received, though he admitted there have been clear issues in Liverpool’s performances over the past month.
“I think you’re entitled to criticism,” he said. “I think there’s been mistakes obviously the Palace game. It’s been pretty evident they look like they’ll concede quite often. They’ve had games where they’ve scored last minute to kind of paper over the cracks. But losing to Chelsea, Galatasaray could’ve been more [goals conceded]. Palace in the first half could have certainly scored more.
They’re losing games where they aren’t battering teams and probably deserve to lose, which is the frustration.”
Despite recent struggles, Crouch is confident that Liverpool’s attacking depth and home advantage will see them through, urging fans to maintain perspective as Slot continues to implement his methods.
“They’ve got so much talent in that front line Salah, Isak, Díaz, Szoboszlai, Wirtz and at Anfield, with the crowd behind them, it’s just a different energy,” Crouch said.
“People forget how quickly things can change in football. You win a couple of games, especially against a rival like United, and suddenly everything looks brighter again. This could easily be the spark they need.”
Liverpool will return to domestic action eager to re-establish their rhythm after an uneven start to October. For Slot, Sunday represents more than just a rivalry it’s a test of character and a chance to remind the Premier League why his team were champions last season.
As Crouch put it:
“Liverpool losing four in a row? That would be a travesty. I just can’t see it happening — not at Anfield, not against United.”
