Liverpool VS Manchester United

Excluding the Merseyside derby, the Liverpool management could arguably not have hoped for a more captivating clash to set a new spectator attendance record, especially considering recent outcomes against Manchester United. As Sunday's significant event approaches, Jurgen Klopp's side stands at the summit of the Premier League.Despite the historical challenge of 12:30 pm kickoffs for Klopp, Liverpool faced potential midday misery when Jean-Philippe Mateta scored for Crystal Palace from the penalty spot last weekend. However, a remarkable turnaround ensued, marked by Mohamed Salah's 200th goal for the Reds and a splendid winner from Harvey Elliott. With Arsenal falling short against Aston Villa later in the day, Liverpool enters gameweek 17 with a one-point lead over the Gunners and a two-point cushion over Villa, both of whom are scheduled to play at 2 pm. Therefore, by the time the first whistle blows at Anfield, Liverpool may have slipped to the third position.

Even a victory over Bayern Munich on the final matchday in Champions League Group A would have been inconsequential due to Copenhagen's triumph over Galatasaray, leaving Erik ten Hag's team unsuccessful in their attempt for Europa League salvation. They finished at the bottom of the group after succumbing to a Kingsley Coman strike.With no European fixtures scheduled for the first half of 2024, Ten Hag has ample time to address his team's dismal domestic performance. The disheartened Red Devils faced a chorus of boos from frustrated fans after a humiliating 3-0 loss to Bournemouth at Old Trafford last weekend. Consequently, Manchester United enters the weekend five places and 10 points behind Liverpool in the Premier League standings. The Red Devils have not won away against a top-eight team in over two years, with their last such victory being the 3-0 success over Tottenham Hotspur in October 2021, orchestrated by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.Reflecting on their last encounter at Anfield in March, where Liverpool handed Manchester United a 7-0 defeat—the Red Devils' heaviest Premier League loss ever—both Solskjaer and Ten Hag may be pondering the significant challenge they face. Manchester United has not secured a Premier League win at Anfield since 2016.