Clash of the titans
In any season this is a huge clash but itβs even more significant this season with the two sides split by three points at the top of the table as we approach the midway point of the season. Manchester United head to Anfield top of the table and can open up a six-point gap with a win.
Liverpool form
When Liverpool hammered Crystal Palace 7-0, it looked like they were about to leave the rest in their wake over Christmas with games against West Brom and Newcastle to come.
But they drew both games and then lost to Southampton leaving Jurgen Kloppβs side in the midst of a tricky period. The champions have taken one point from their last nine and have won just two out of their last sixΒ league games.
Anfield record
They have been overtaken in the table by their bitter rivals but their home record is outstanding with seven wins and a draw from eight games this season in the Premier League.
Liverpool have made Anfield a fortress and are unbeaten in 67 matches at home in the Premier League, since losing to Crystal Palace in April 2017.
Matip fitness
Joel Matip is a doubt but Jurgen Klopp has said he is βcloseβ to a return which would be a big boost for the club, who started midfielder Jordan Henderson at centre-back next to Fabinho.
We will assess the fitness of Matip before determining whether he can be involved in Sundayβs clash with @ManUtd at Anfield.#LIVMUN
β Liverpool FC (@LFC) January 15, 2021
Manchester United form
Man United are top of the league in January for the first time since Sir Alex Ferguson retired after nine wins in their last 11 league matches. The Red Devils are unbeaten away from home in the Premier League since a loss to Liverpool on the 19th of January last season β a run of 15 away games.
Since Bruno signed & Big Six issues
They have earned more points than any other side since Bruno Fernandes made his debut last February. However, United this season have not yet beaten a Big Six side, with 0-0 draws against Chelsea and Manchester City, and defeats against Tottenham and Arsenal.
ππππ-π§π’-ππππ π€©@B_Fernandes8 is the #PL Player of the Month π’π¨π’πͺπ― πππ#MUFC pic.twitter.com/IypDwuilYv
β Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 15, 2021
In Solskjaerβs first 12 months, United won seven of 13 games against the Big Six, drawing four. But in their last 13 games against the top sides, they have won just three.
Head-to-head
United have not beaten Liverpool in their last four meetings. They have not scored at Anfield in four of their last five visits with Liverpool winning the last two at home.
Two of the three meetings between Klopp and Solskjaer have ended in draws.
Only three of the last 12 matches between the two sides have produced three or more goals. The matches between the Big Six sides have been tight this season with nine of 14 featuring fewer than three goals.
β³ 4οΈβ£8οΈβ£ hours.#MUFC #PhotoOfTheDay pic.twitter.com/WSScNzG804
β Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 15, 2021
Featured image: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Manager of Manchester United looks on prior to the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Manchester United at Molineux on April 02, 2019 in Wolverhampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
