Sunday’s matchup in top-flight action at Anfield sees Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool FC play hosts to new table-toppers Manchester United.
A shallow run of form by the Merseyside Reds have seen them endure a three-game winless streak, helping Ole Gunnar Soslkajer’s men to clinch the top spot in the league standings as their recent 1-0 win over Burnley meant that the 20-time champions went three points clear at the summit.
Should Klopp’s star-studded side come out on top in Sunday’s high-billed clash, the Champions of England would stand to reclaim their premier position in the league table, ahead of their arch-rivals on goal difference.
It is safe to say that the Merseysiders have not hit the ground running in recent times as was evident in the 1-0 defeat away at Southampton last week, with a poor show of defending in the early minutes from the visitors allowing ex-Red Danny Ings to find the back of the net with a lobbed effort over Alisson Becker.
Anfield, however, remains a fortress for the Premier League holders and a 68-game unbeaten run at home turf is bound to provide solace to an under-fire Liverpool FC side ahead of Manchester United’s visit.
𝐉𝐨𝐛 𝐝𝐨𝐧𝐞. ✔
Onto the next one 👊
🔴 #MUFC
#️⃣ #BURMUN
🏆 #PL pic.twitter.com/1rOv9efkGV— Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 12, 2021
Solskajer’s men head into Sunday’s fixture bubbling with confidence after what has been a massive turnaround for the Red Devils in league outings and their exit from the UEFA Champions League only providing them with more firepower to focus on aiming for a 21st top-flight crown.
A moment of solo brilliance from Paul Pogba helped Manchester United last time around against Burley, pipping Sean Dyche’s men narrowly to secure all three points from their visit to Turf Moor.
The game at Anfield, on the other hand, promises to be a much sterner test for both sides and Klopp and Co. will be looking forward to returning to winning ways in the most heroic manner with a win over their arch-foes and nearest title-challengers.
WHEN & WHERE?
UP THE REDS ✊🔴#LIVMUN pic.twitter.com/2gCvo4H0hh
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) January 15, 2021
Date: Sunday 17 January
Time: 4:30 PM GMT
Venue: Anfield
TEAM NEWS
Liverpool FC’s biggest headache on the injury front going into the weekend clash would be the fitness of Joel Matip, with the centre-back not having turned out on the pitch for the Merseysiders’ last four outings.
Matip remains the sole senior central defender available to Jurgen Klopp following long-term layoffs awaiting both Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez.
The Cameroonian international has often struggled with recurring niggles but his inclusion in the Liverpool FC XI on Sunday means much more than a mere name on the teamsheet for Jurgen Klopp’s side as the in-form visitors frontline requires experienced options to be fielded for the Reds.
Following last week’s FA Cup win over a youthful Aston Villa side, first-team regulars would return to the starting eleven for Liverpool FC on Sunday, especially Thiago Alcantara and Andy Robertson.
KEY BATTLE
Thiago Alcantara vs Bruno Fernandes
Summer signing Thiago Alcantara’s obstructed return to the first-team fold for his new club has been subject to massive applause from the Liverpool FC fanbase.
The Spanish international is tipped to play a huge role in the centre of the park for Klopp’s men come Sunday, rivalling the impact played for the visitors’ recent fortunes by Bruno Fernandes.
Both players are creative sparks for each of their sides, ensuring a firework-laden display over the weekend at Anfield for the viewers to rejoice in.
MATCH PREDICTION
Manchester United have an upper hand going into Sunday’s mouth-watering contest based on their inspiring run of form of late, which contrasts quite starkly with the misfiring fortunes of Jurgen Klopp’s Reds.
Anfield does provide the hosts with much-needed firepower to hand a defeat to United and we see the game finishing in a 2-1 win for Liverpool FC.
