Liverpool and Manchester United have not been in top form this season and are lying ninth and sixth in the EPL standings respectively. But when these two teams meet at Anfield on Sunday, expect the them to give it their all as they target a crucial points.
Liverpool vs Manchester United matches are one of the biggest games in the EPL, as they are the two most successful teams in the league. Not only does the contest usually produce goals, it is also played with a high intensity, which in turn increases the risk of a few red cards being shown.
Get the goals and highlights of the match HERE
Post-Christmas, Liverpool have been in decent form in the EPL with two wins, one loss and an impressive draw against Arsenal in their last game, which must have given the Reds a huge boost of confidence. Liverpool, who have been troubled with injuries this season, will once again miss key players such as Philippe Coutinho, Dejan Lovren and Martin Skrtel, who are all suffering hamstring problems.
Liverpool manager, Jurgen Klopp, has to get the best out of his fit players in the squad, mainly Roberto Firmino, who was impressive against Arsenal, Jordan Henderson and Adam Lallana.
Liverpool skipper, Henderson, who has missed a number of games for the Reds this season, is happy with the fighting spirit his team showed against Arsenal, and wants his side to start on the front foot against United as well.
"Against Arsenal we kept going right until the end and we managed to get the equaliser, but we've got to do that every game. We've got to make sure we do that every game. On Sunday, we've got to make sure we start the same way – start well. We're looking forward to it," Liverpool's official website quoted Henderson as saying.
United manager Louis van Gaal may not have huge problems with injuries as compared to Klopp's, as the Red Devils have better depth in their squad. Luke Shaw, Antonio Valencia and Michael Carrick are missing for United, while Bastian Schweinsteiger is doubtful for Sunday's game.
Manchester United, who defeated Liverpool in their last EPL meeting at Old Trafford, will be eager to do the double and also climb up the standings. With players such as Wayne Rooney, Anthony Martial, Juan Mata and Memphis Depay, they have attacking talent capable of demolishing any top team in the EPL.
However, Manchester United's current EPL form is not something their fans will be too proud of as they have only won once in their last five. They suffered defeats to Stoke City and Norwich City and drew against Chelsea and Newcastle United.
Van Gaal, who has not lost to Liverpool as Manchester United manager, is under huge pressure to defeat the home side as he has been criticised for his tactics, which has been deemed boring. Hence there have been talks about his exit from Old Trafford, and if the Red Devils fail to defeat their arch-rivals on Sunday, Van Gaal could come closer to the axe.
Despite possessing some world class players, Manchester United have not been able to create chances like they used to in the past, which has been a major concern. However, Manchester United have got a real chance to up the ante with Liverpool's injury concerns. It is time for United to prove their mettle against their biggest rivals in the EPL.
Where to watch live
Liverpool vs Manchester United EPL clash is scheduled for 2:05pm local time (7:35 pm IST, 9:05 am ET) start. Indian TV viewers can watch the mega clash on Star Sports 4/HD with live streaming option on Starsports.com.
Viewers in the UK can watch Liverpool vs Manchester United EPL clash on Sky Sports 1 and Sky Sports HD with live streaming on Sky Go.
Viewers in the US can watch Liverpool vs Manchester United EPL match on NBC Sports, while the game can also be live streamed on NBC Live Extra.
Football fans in the African countries can watch the game live on Supersport 3 Africa.
