Liverpool host United at Anfield

Liverpool vs Manchester United: History. Blood. Moments of magic.

But this meeting at Anfield could be one for the ages, marked down as the most important in recent years.

With Liverpool gunning for their first title in 30 years and overwhelming favourites, the Red Devils would love nothing more to break the Reds 38 game unbeaten league and 50 unbeaten Anfield league games sequence.

United are the only side to take points from a steamrolling Reds outfit in 21 matches, securing a 1-1 draw with Marcus Rashford on the scoresheet in the Autumn.

Points have been dropped aplenty for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and his young side since that day, but Jurgen Klopp’s well oiled engine of ruthlessness remain evergreen.

Manchester United are still heading forth in four competitions, with the Premier League perhaps taking less of a focus as they aim for Champions League qualification perhaps through the Europa League.

They edged past Wolves in the week’s FA Cup replay with a Juan Mata strike and face an uphill battle in the League Cup Semi-Finals against their city rivals – but I’m sure they would give up both for a win at Anfield.

Liverpool are unbeaten against United since Marcus Rashford’s double in March 2018 saw the Red Devils take three points at Old Trafford, and haven’t lost at Anfield against them since Wayne Rooney’s volleyed effort in 2016.

The Reds certainly aren’t yet ‘back on their perch’ – and won’t be until they win the domestic title. But Manchester United have certainly been surpassed in that quest to roost above all other clubs in the country, in Europe, and the world.

The latter two have been accomplished – but they would happily give their two continental trophies up for a single domestic one to end the decades of heartache.

The key for the Reds is to remain with their feet on the ground. No lead is unassailable until it is mathematically unassailable.

Team news

The Reds will be boosted with a vast injury return – Fabinho, Joel Matip and Dejan Lovren are expected to be in the matchday squad when the fateful day arrives.

They will still be without James Milner, Naby Keita and Nathaniel Clyne for it as they continue recovery.

Manchester United have their own mini-crisis akin to Liverpool’s a few weeks back, with Marcus Rashford limping off in the week the outstanding potential absentee.

Luke Shaw, Eric Bailly and the aforementioned Rashford face late fitness tests while Paul Pogba’s future remains in disarray. Axel Tuanzebe, Scott McTominay and Marcos Rojo miss out.

From the Dugout:

Jurgen Klopp:

“It’s a very, very important football game. Very important. We have to learn how to deal with games like this in the right manner. We did not do too bad in the past but we can still improve.

“The game at United is a good example, we were not at our best where we should have been because of the quality of the opponent.

“We were not bad that day but it was not our best and we need to make it more likely that we are at our best.”

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer:

“I’ve had both wins and defeats there at Anfield as a player so you’ve got to look forward to these games, it’s a great challenge for our players to play against the leaders of the league.

“We’ve done well the last couple of times but away at Anfield is another matter. You can make sure you enjoy it but it can also be an intimidating place, but got to prepare as well as we can some young players playing at Anfield for the first time.”

Head-to-head

Liverpool wins – 88

Draws – 67

Man United wins – 76