It’s not often Liverpool fans have the opportunity to look over their shoulder at Manchester United. Yet right now, 28 games in to a season which has been both bewildering and incredible in equal measure, Liverpool are riding high in 3rd (following Manchester City’s victory over Hull today) while United are sat in 6th, level on points with Everton who have only played 27 after their game against relegation-threatened Crystal Palace was postponed early last month.

However, to expect a North West Derby held at Old Trafford to be a walk in the park for a Liverpool side looking to record their 5th consecutive victory would be a risky assumption, and one that may leave you deflated this evening. David Moyes may currently be on course to teach those under the age of 21 what it feels like for Manchester United not to be in the Champions League, but there is still a long way to go in a Premier League season which has thus far proven to be anything but predictable.

In fact, before us Liverpool fans start to dream of Suarez, Sturridge, Sterling and Coutinho running rings around the United defence, we should remember that, at Old Trafford, the Anfield side have won just once in almost 10 years: the famous 4-1 victory in 2009. In the five years since that day, United have inflicted six consecutive defeats on Liverpool at the Theatre of Dreams, albeit by 1 goal margins.

11 points currently separate the two sides, with the red of Manchester (for the first time in 12 years) facing the prospect of finishing far below their great rivals. Should Moyes mastermind a victory today, the 8 point gap facing his side may act to revive them for their final nine games. However, should Rodgers and his men leave Old Trafford with their current nine match unbeaten run extended, the Champions League may be all but out of United’s grasp, and firmly in Liverpool’s.

Team News

Liverpool

Liverpool’s recent defensive woes may become less of an issue as Mamadou Sakho and Lucas are both set to return from injury and should make the bench. Jose Enrique is still sidelined with a knee problem, with a return to full fitness this season looking unlikely.







Manchester United

Rafael and Nani are available, while Jonny Evans and Javier Hernandez may feature after overcoming minor knocks.

Manchester United vs Liverpool Pre-match by Elliot Morrow