'Raise their game': Martin Keown predicts whether Man United can add to Liverpool's woes and beat them on Sunday

Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Rousing the Kop or go back to LFC Live.

Liverpool need to sort out some of their problems from before the international break to get back on track in the Premier League.Arne Slot’s side went into the break on a three-game losing streak in all competitions as their two losses in England’s top-flight saw them slip down to second place, one point behind rivals Arsenal.It was not a surprise, given the previous performances, that they went on a losing run, but it was still a disappointment, as in their previous unbeaten run, they found a way to win even when it seemed impossible.But this form fans will expect to be just a blip with the quality that Liverpool have and the fantastic manager at the helm.Some issues need to be addressed by Slot, with the main one being the defence which has caused a multitude of problems in the poor displays this season.Photo by Alex Broadway/Getty ImagesMartin Keown expects Liverpool to get over their defensive problemsThe reasons for the defence’s fragility include the new signings coming in, the lack of a solid right-back, and individual performances.Ibrahima Konate and Milos Kerkez have been the pair receiving the most criticism, with many of their displays below the standards expected.READ MORE: Liverpool fans will be left with more questions than answers after watching Milos Kerkez for HungaryIt is expected that Kerkez will start the next fixture, but it seems that Konate’s injury may rule him out of the first game back, so it will be interesting to see what happens there.Martin Keown, highlighting the problems in the defence, has said that he expects those issues will be solved soon.Speaking to talkSPORT, the former Arsenal player explained that last year it was easier for the manager to work out the issues, but even though he has had problems he sees him fixing them quite soon.Keown said: “He wasn’t sacked was he? I mean it’s a great situation to walk into because it was just a few pieces in the jigsaw puzzle.

Maybe nothing at all.”“But this year, I mean, Wirtz has come in, Konate is not playing his football, Kerkez at the back, Frimpong, they look a little bit weak defensively, but I expect them to iron all this out.”Martin Keown predicts Liverpool will beat Manchester UnitedWell, fans will hope that these issues are fixed as quickly as the 59-year-old expects, with the Manchester United game at Anfield the first fixture back. It is a game that has a rich history behind it and strong feelings from both sets of fans, making it mean just that little bit more if Slot wins.Keown is convinced that it will be a win for the Reds when United are away from Old Trafford this time.The ex-player said: (Can Manchester United win?) No, I don’t see that happening.

Although they do raise their game, don’t they, when they play in these big games.“So, there’s been an awful lot on that one, but I don’t see it ending well for Manchester United.”They have had one win before the break, but Ruben Amorim’s team have struggled with their form this season.It may just be the game that Liverpool need to kick on with their season and make a big defence of their title.