Match Preview: Liverpool v United

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Reds go to Anfield as leaders after claiming top spot with a win at Burnley on Tuesday evening. Paul Pogba’s volleyed winner sent us three points above the Merseysiders going into the weekend's big clash.

With the two most successful teams in England going head-to-head, we’ve rounded up all you need to know ahead ahead of a clash that always showcases the fierce rivalry between the clubs…

HOW CAN I FOLLOW THE GAME?

The match at Anfield kicks off at 16:30 GMT on Sunday and will be broadcast live in the UK on Sky Sports. You can follow all the action on ManUtd.com and in our Official App, where you can also track in-game data via our Match Centre. MUTV will also provide build-up, live radio commentary and post-match reaction, as well as showing full reruns of the game the following day. The Match Day Live programme on MUTV starts at 15:25 GMT.

TEAM NEWS

Victor Lindelof was absent against Burnley on Tuesday evening, having missed the game against Watford in the Emirates FA Cup due to a back injury. The Swedish defender was the only pre-match doubt absent for United, as both Paul Pogba and Luke Shaw, who also missed the Hornets match, were back in the starting line-up at Turf Moor. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will deliver the latest team news during his press conference on Friday.

For Liverpool, Dutch defender Virgil van Dijk remains sidelined with a long-term injury. The same is the case for fellow centre-back Joe Gomez, with Brazilian midfielders Fabinho and Jordan Henderson filling in at centre-back for Jurgen Klopp’s team as doubts persist over Joel Matip's availability. In addition, Portuguese attacker Diogo Jota will not take part in the match on Sunday due to a knee injury. Spanish midfielder Thiago Alcantara has recently returned to the side, though, after being out of action for an extended period. 

FORM GUIDE

As the league position suggests, United have been in great form. In our last 11 Premier League matches, the Reds have won nine and drawn the remaining two. The 20-times champions have not lost a league game since the start of November. If we only take the away games into account, Ole’s men have won seven out of eight Premier League fixtures on the road this season - the most in the division. Our only draw came on Boxing Day, when we drew 2-2 with Leicester City. Hence, United go into the match at Anfield full of confidence.

Liverpool will be looking to regain top spot. Klopp’s side have only won four of the last 10 matches in the league, failing to win in any of their last three fixtures. In their last match, Southampton beat the Merseysiders 1-0, thanks to a solitary goal from former Liverpool striker Danny Ings.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

Looking at our overall record against our north-west rivals, it has been fairly close over the years but United certainly edge it in terms of wins. In 232 games between the clubs since 1894, United have come out on top 88 times, whereas Liverpool have won 77. Some 67 matches have ended with honours even.

It is always a tough battle when United and Liverpool go up against each other. In the last 10 meetings, there have been six draws. At Anfield, the hosts have the upper hand in recent seasons, having won two of the last four with two games ending 0-0. United’s last win against Klopp’s side, away from home, came in January 2016, when Wayne Rooney scored a second-half winner with a powerful shot into the roof of the net. Our last triumph over the Merseysiders came in March 2018, as Marcus Rashford scored twice to secure a 2-1 win at the Theatre of Dreams.

PLAYER TO WATCH

Mohamed Salah is the top goalscorer so far in the Premier League with 13 goals to his name and is one of Liverpool’s main threats going forward. In this fixture last term, the Egypt international scored in injury-time to seal a 2-0 win on the counter-attack as United were looking for a late equaliser. He forms part of a consistent forward line also comprising Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino.

MATCH OFFICIALS

Referee: Paul Tierney

Assistants: Lee Betts, Constantine Hatzidakis

Fourth official: Craig Pawson

VAR: Stuart Attwell

Assistant VAR: Stuart Burt

RIVALS WATCH

SATURDAY 16 JANUARY

Wolverhampton Wanderers v West Brom (12:30 GMT)

Leeds United v Brighton & Hove Albion (15:00 GMT)

West Ham United v Burnley (15:00 GMT)

Fulham v Chelsea (17:30 GMT)

Leicester v Southampton (20:00 GMT)

SUNDAY 17 JANUARY

Aston Villa v Everton (12:00 GMT) - Postponed.

Sheffield United v Tottenham Hotspur (14:05 GMT)

Liverpool v UNITED (16:30 GMT)

Manchester City v Crystal Palace (19:15 GMT)

MONDAY 18 JANUARY

Arsenal v Newcastle United (20:00 GMT)