Manchester United have returned to the top of the Premier League, the first time they have held first place at this stage since 2013, and the stakes could not be any higher ahead of the Red Devils’ trip to Liverpool.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side have put together an impressive run of results to put themselves firmly in the title mix-up, with Jurgen Klopp’s champions fluffing their lines in recent games.
Here, Sportsmail’s CHRS SUTTON runs through the form of each predicted line-up ahead of Sunday’s mammoth clash at Anfield.
Chris Sutton runs through the form of Man United and Liverpool ahead of their Anfield clash
LIVERPOOL (4-3-3)
Alisson
Liverpool may have had their problems this season but, more often than not, the Brazilian represents a reliable, solid and safe pair of hands. 8.
Trent Alexander-Arnold
Strangely out of sorts. A very creative full-back, so he is going to give the ball away sometimes, but he has to do better. 6.
Fabinho
The Brazilian has become an incredibly important player for Liverpool. Can do a job at the back but that means he’s missed in midfield. 8.
Trent Alexander-Arnold has looked out of sorts and off the pace from his form of 2019-20 term
Andy Robertson has been a bright spark for the Reds, putting in more crosses than anyone
Nat Phillips
Academy graduate who could be given an opportunity to come of age. The 23-year-old centre back is still learning. 5.
Andy Robertson
Robertson has put in 161 crosses this season. The next highest? Wolves’ Pedro Neto on 108. Always carries an attacking threat. 7.
Jordan Henderson
Liverpool need their captain in midfield more than defence, where he has filled in occasionally. The type of player you want on your side. 7.
Jordan Henderson is desperately needed back in midfield, but is being used as defensive cover
Thiago Alcantara
Hard to judge, given his lack of starts due to the injury he suffered against Everton, but good defensively and with the ball at his feet. 7.
Gini Wijnaldum
Not been at his best this season. A few more forward passes to help out Henderson wouldn’t go amiss. 6.
Mo Salah
He’s had dips but remains the Premier League’s top scorer and Liverpool’s most important player. Attack isn’t the same without him. 8.
Mo Salah has had dips but remains the league’s top scorer and Klopp’s most important player
Roberto Firmino (right) and Sadio Mane are out of form and need a confidence boost
Roberto Firmino
We know his knack for linking play, but Liverpool have seemed out of sync lately. Needs to rise to the challenge. 7.
Sadio Mane
Went eight games without a Premier League goal before scoring at Crystal Palace last month. Could do with rekindling form. 7.
TOTAL – 76/110
MANCHESTER UNITED (3-4-1-2)
David De Gea
He has limited his mistakes this season and improved his form enough to ensure he remains United’s No 1 ahead of the impressive Dean Henderson. 7.
Eric Bailly
Injuries have held him back this season but United look better with him in the team, adding some pace alongside Maguire in defence. 8.
Harry Maguire
That Greece episode seemed to impact his football at first. But now the 27-year-old is looking like an England centre back again. 7.
Manchester United look a better side with Eric Bailly (left) partnering Harry Maguire (right)
Luke Shaw
A good game against Burnley, even if he could have been red carded. Been a consistent performer for United this season. 7.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka
One on one, he’s as good a defender you’ll see, as Paris Saint-Germain discovered in the Champions League earlier this season. Could improve in other areas. 7.
Scott McTominay
Someone who clearly loves the club, having been with United since the age of five. The Scot is never short of effort. 7.
Scott McTominay (left) has been popular with Solskjaer due to his effort and commitment
Bruno Fernandes is ‘Mr United’ and would walk into any team, including the champions
Fred
The 5ft 7in Brazilian is looking more reliable game-by-game as he establishes himself in midfield. No longer the £47m forgotten man. 7.
Alex Telles
He’s primarily been a back-up to Shaw since his summer move to Old Trafford. Needs to do more and take his chances to get regular starts. 5.
Bruno Fernandes
Mr United. Would walk into any team, Liverpool included. Scores, assists, creates, wins. Player of the Year candidate. 9.
Paul Pogba (centre) has epitomised inconsistency but has improved since exit comments
Paul Pogba
Inconsistent. But since his agent Mino Raiola told the world Pogba wants to leave, at least we’ve seen signs of a player worth £89million. 6.
Marcus Rashford
A lovely assist for Pogba against Burnley, the way he delayed and spotted the space. A winner, on and off the pitch. 7.
TOTAL = 77/110