On January 19, 2020, Liverpool did battle against Manchester United with the title all but confirmed; just the win against their rivals was needed to convince even the biggest of doubters to believe.
And, as the final whistle sounded- just moments after Mohamed Salah had sealed victory via an Alisson Becker pass who would go onto run the full length of the pitch to celebrate with the shirtless Egyptian- Anfield erupted to sing ‘we’re gonna win the league’ for the first time that season.
It was the moment of the season for Liverpool; a moment which confirmed title number 19 as far as the fans were concerned, and condemned Manchester United to more misery.
Liverpool v Manchester United: A Game With Contrasting Consequences This Season
Manchester United: The Unexpected Leaders Over Liverpool
Now, almost exactly a year later, the two are set to do battle once more in the most contrasting of circumstances. United sit top, ready to take back their throne and defend their record. Liverpool, three points behind the Manchester club, are in pursuit of a record-equalling 20th title and their second on the spin.
A year ago, too many points to count separated the two clubs. 12 months later, just the three separate them with United the unexpected leaders.
A Liverpool win will see them return to the top. A United win will see them go six points clear- setting up the biggest game between the two for years.
An injury struck Liverpool go into the game without a Premier League win in their last three. Meanwhile, Manchester United enter Anfield having not suffered defeat since their Champions League-exiting loss against RB Leipzig.
With that said, on paper, it is Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side who enter the game as favourites. In reality, it is Premier League champions Liverpool who should be expected to make a statement of intent and live up to the tag of champions at Anfield- where they have failed to lose since 2017 in the Premier League.
The only thing missing is fans, due to the country-wide lockdown, but the football itself should provide entertainment aplenty. On this occasion, there will be no chants of ‘we’re gonna win the league’.
Instead, both sets of fans will likely be found signing rallying cries to their Televisions to drive their team towards glory in perhaps the most important game of the season.
Liverpool Must Solve Predictability Problem
In the aforementioned three-game winless run, Liverpool have suffered from a predictability problem. Teams have sussed that by preventing the impact of the fullbacks, they prevent the impact of Liverpool’s attacking threat; they force the likes of Jordan Henderson to pass aimlessly long or sideways.
The man to solve this problem? Thiago Alcantara. As proven in games against Everton, Aston Villa and Newcastle. His forward-thinking passing ability which breaks through the press and behind a low block can be the difference-maker for Liverpool- especially against Manchester United.
As for Manchester United- who will likely look to sit back and counter- they will aim to frustrate Liverpool before taking advantage of their unsustainable high line and utilising the pace of Marcus Rashford– a player who loves a goal against the Reds.
With young centre-back Rhys Williams likely to start if Joel Matip fails to return to full fitness, too, Rashford could have a field day- teaching the young defender a lesson in the process.
More Than Just a Title Race
With over half the season to go, it would be naive to think the title race is between the two teams in the top two spots- especially with how close this campaign has become- but, if it does come down to Manchester United and Liverpool, it will mean more than just a title race.
The two rivals have it all to gain and all to lose, it seems. Liverpool are chasing United’s record of 20 titles whilst looking to go back-to-back. Meanwhile, United are looking to return to their perch- defending their famous record in the process.
It could be a title race like no other, and one that will see another twist come fulltime.
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