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10 important things to know ahead of Liverpool vs. United man

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Liverpool have a tough job ahead of them to stop an in-form Man United side visiting Anfield on Sunday.

Old rivals are back at Anfield.
Liverpool have had the upper hand at home of late, not losing since 2016.

However, this is United’s strongest side to visit Merseyside in ages and Jurgen Klopp’s side will need to put in their best.

performance since the World Cup if they are to get anything out of the game. Here are 10 things you need to know before Liverpool vs. United man

1. No love lost

Whether Liverpool or Manchester United are your personal nemesis, this match takes on enormous significance and is regularly the most-watched match in world football.

Animosity hasn’t been as prevalent on the pitch in recent years, but the atmosphere at Anfield will certainly prepare players for battle, something Liverpool may need as a weaker side in their current form.
In this Redmen!

2. Gomez is ‘not close enough’

Jurgen Klopp confirmed in his pre-match press conference that Liverpool’s available personnel would remain unchanged from Wednesday’s game, saying: “They were all fine last night.”

Then he added, “Joe Gomez is closer, [but] not close enough.”

Thiago and Luis Diaz remain absent while Arthur is unlikely to make the first team.
There was no mention of Naby Keita’s punch stopping him against Wolves, but he was back in training on Friday afternoon.

3. The Ten Hag Team

Having won the League Cup and reached the FA Cup quarter-finals, Man United will be confident, but Klopp’s side will be hoping they can enjoy too much of a night of celebration.

Luke Shaw and Jadon Sancho are doubts for the game as they both miss Wednesday’s cup game through injury and illness respectively. Erik Ten Hag is optimistic that they can play a role. He said: “I think we will get the players back. Luke Shaw was not available yesterday so we are waiting for him back.
“Sancho was ill, but we’ll have to wait and see how he develops, but I think he might also be available.”

Fred was only fit enough for a late appearance off the bench in the previous time-out, though he did score in the short time he was on the field.

Anthony Martial, Donny van de Beek and Christian Eriksen remain out. Possible Man Utd XI: De Gea; Dalot, Varane, Martinez, Malacia; Fred, Casemiro; Antonio, Fernandes, Rashford; away horst

4. A penalty, please

Liverpool have played 32 games without a penalty in the Premier League.
They had 1,138 touches in the opponent’s box this series.

This is the most touches in the penalty area a team has ever had in a series of Premier League matches without conceding a single penalty in Opta’s records.

No clear decisions have been made on penalties against Liverpool in recent weeks, but the Reds have fallen short in the penalty area this season. We have now played 32 Premier League games unpenalized, with 1,138 touches in the opposition box during that time.

Opta’s Michael Reid said: “This is the most touches in the box a team has had in a series of Premier League games without taking a single penalty in Opta’s record.”

Commenting on Klopp’s verdict on the matter, he said: “It’s funny not having a penalty for so long.”

It wasn’t the cause of Liverpool’s demise, but a bit of luck would be welcome!

5. Klopp on ‘the incredible’ Rashford

Klopp was in fine form during his press conference and had to ask several questions about Sunday’s opposition. Marcus Rashford was a name that kept coming up.
Commenting on the striker’s world-class form, Klopp said:

“I have to say it’s hard, if not impossible, to be happy about something positive at Manchester United when you’re coaching Liverpool, but I’m happy for Rashford. “Now he’s playing incredible. His speed, his technique, his composure in front of goal.”

6. Back on television

While following our live blog is a good option, unlike Wolves you can also watch the match in the UK on Sky Sports Premier League.
It’s a game that deserves the first slot: Liverpool haven’t played at 4.30pm on a Sunday since the beginning of November, when we beat Tottenham.

7. Not a derby

You can forgive those whose first language is not English, but for future reference, Liverpool vs. Man United no derby.
A derby is between two teams in the same town or area, not across the M62.
Everton and possibly Tranmere Rovers are the only other professional sides Liverpool could play in a derby.
But don’t worry, Jurgen, you’re forgiven!

8. Fabinho is showing signs of redemption

Since signing him in 2018, Fabinho has been a key part of Liverpool’s success and fall.
He has been poor for most of this season, but lately the Brazilian’s form has improved and Klopp has acknowledged this:

“Everyone could see it, why not say the obvious?
“Now everyone can see Fab get back in shape, this is what we need. I was so happy with his last match, so many things were like we needed him.

9. Madley in the middle

Sunday’s referee is Andy Madley and Liverpool have never lost with the Huddersfield-born referee in charge. The Reds’ luck with David Coote, who will take over command duties at the VAR, has been less fortunate. I hope there won’t be too much controversy when you start working full time at Anfield!

10. Follow the game with TIA

Liverpool vs. Manchester United is live on Sky Sports Premier League and Main Event from 4.00pm (GMT), with kick-off at 4.30pm.
TIA’s match day live blog will be available from 3.45pm, with Sam Millne on duty to keep you entertained and up to date.

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