Team news for Sunday's Liverpool showdown

Sunday's 15:30 BST kick-off represents a fabulous opportunity for the Reds to clinch a place in next season's UEFA Champions League, and also extend our lead in the table over the fourth-placed Merseysiders.

On the back of the 2-1 victory over Brentford on Monday night, there is positive news coming out of the United camp.

Matheus Cunha was forced to sit out the victory over the Bees with a sore hip flexor but is making good progress, while it is also hoped Luke Shaw will be available to maintain his run of starting every Premier League game this season, despite being taken off, last time out.

"We're in good shape really," Carrick told reporters during his pre-match press conference at Carrington on Friday afternoon.

"Matheus has done a little bit of work, so we're hopeful. We're not sure but we're hopeful."

Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu was back in the matchday squad on Monday, after being out since January's 3-2 win at Arsenal.

Lisandro Martinez serves the third match of the suspension he received for a red card in the home game against Leeds United.

Fellow central defender Matthijs de Ligt is still working on his recovery from a back problem.

"Matta is still a little bit further [off] and not involved in the game," added the boss. "But, other than that, we're in good shape."

LIVERPOOL'S TEAM NEWS

Arne Slot has suggested Mohamed Salah will be back before the end of the season but not in time for this clash, after going off injured in the win over Crystal Palace at Anfield.

Alisson is a doubt, with Freddie Woodman on standby to remain in goal, as Giorgi Mamardashvili is definitely absent after being hurt in the Merseyside derby.

There is also a question mark over Milos Kerkez's involvement, while Conor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni, Wataru Endo and Hugo Ekitike are unavailable.