Steve Freeth, Kelly Somers and Sam Matterface discuss Sunday's crunch derby match between Liverpool and Manchester United at Anfield with the two English giants in contrasting form of late.
The biggest match in English football in the eyes of many, Liverpool v Manchester United is a fixture steeped in history.
The two sides have experienced differing fortunes over the past few decades, with the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson's long dynasty of success at United coinciding with a long barren run for Liverpool in the Premier League, and the Merseysiders' return to the top of the game under Jurgen Klopp met with a decline from the Red Devils.
Following the appointment of Erik ten Hag from Ajax last summer, the pendulum appears to be swinging back the way of Man United who remarkably remain in contention for a quadruple after clinching the EFL Cup at Wembley last week, while Liverpool have had a season to forget so far as they languish 13 points behind the Old Trafford club in the Premier League in seventh.
United have been in outstanding form recently having lost just once since the resumption of domestic football following the World Cup, to league leaders Arsenal, whilst Liverpool have only managed three wins in their last 11 in all competitions.
This makes for an intriguing contest at Anfield this weekend, with Liverpool desperate to draw in Newcastle in fourth place who they trail by 13 points with a game in hand, and United keen to stay in touch with the top two as they trail Manchester City and Arsenal by six and eight points respectively.
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Liverpool have been buyoed by the return to fitness of key stars such as Virgil van Dijk, Roberto Firmino and Diogo Jota in recent weeks, stabilising their form in the league with two commanding wins over Merseyside rivals Everton and Newcastle, although the Reds were still dismantled 5-2 at home to Real Madrid in the Champions League.
They will lean heavily on the Anfield crowd to inspire them to victory against famous foes Man United this weekend, with Klopp's men unbeaten in the last seven meetings between the two sides in Merseyside.
Man United appear a far different proposition at present, however, and will fancy their chances of hurting a Liverpool side who have already conceded more goals in the Premier League in this campaign than they did in the entirety of last season in the final third.
Marcus Rashford could just be the decisive player in this match, with the 25-year-old England international having netted 15 goals in 17 games since the World Cup. If deployed in his typical position on the left-hand side of attack, United may look to isolate Rashford with Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold who can be exploitable defensively.
Watch the video above to hear the thoughts of Steve Freeth, Kelly Somers and Sam Matterface ahead of this big match.
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