Liverpool can move 26 points clear of rivals Manchester United if they beat the disillusioned Red Devils on Sunday.
Arne Slot, who has already done it scored a 3-0 win over Man Utd in the Premier League, he has guided his side to the top of the table in his first half-season at Anfield and has tasted just one defeat during his impressive reign.
Sunday offers the Dutch manager another chance to secure an emphatic victory that will endear him even more to the Anfield faithful, with Liverpool guaranteed to finish the weekend as league leaders regardless of the outcome of the trip to Man Utd on Merseyside.
Here’s how Slot could line up his Liverpool side for a crucial match.
GK: Alisson – The Liverpool goalkeeper is still one of the best – if not the best – in the world and has kept five consecutive clean sheets in home games for Man Utd. Given that the Red Devils have dropped in their last three, he will fancy a sixth on Sunday.
RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold – There has been meaningful discussion about his future at Liverpool, but his performance at West Ham last time out exemplifies why he is so integral to the Reds. It was an exceptional displayboth in the final third and in their own half.
CB: Jarell Quansah – Ibrahima Konate is back in full training but Sunday’s clash may come too soon for him. With Joe Gomez facing several weeks with a hamstring problem, young Quansah may be called up to Anfield.
CB: Virgil van Dijk – The Liverpool skipper has been imperious this term and will not be too concerned about the prospect of coming up against Rasmus Hojlund or compatriot Joshua Zirkzee.
LB: Andy Robertson – There has been justified criticism of the Scot this season but he still has the support of Slot. It would be brave for the Dutchman to replace him with Kostas Tsimikas this weekend.
DM: Ryan Gravenberch – Liverpool’s Dutch cohort have dazzled this season and Gravenberch has been the beating heart of the midfield. The young midfielder continues to flourish in his new defensive role.
DM: Alexis McAllister – Mac Allister has one goal and two assists in his last three games and has scored against Man Utd in the FA Cup last term. The Argentine will be key in controlling the midfield battle against an unconvincing opponent.
RW: Mohamed Salah – Despite offering to on the update on his future at LiverpoolSalah’s performance on the pitch will not be affected against Man Utd. He has 15 goals and six assists in 16 appearances against the Red Devils.
AM: Dominik Szoboszlai – The Hungarian international was lost West Ham win due to suspension but returns on Sunday. He will battle with Curtis Jones for a starting place against Man Utd.
LW: Cody Gakpo – Gakpo found himself on the scoresheet again last weekend, scoring his 11th goal of the season against the Hammers. With two in his last two, he will be poised for another brace against Man Utd, as he did in the 7-0 thrashing in 2022/23.
ST: Luis Diaz – Diogo Jota’s return has been welcomed with open arms, but Diaz is in such incredible form that he simply cannot be let down. He has scored three in his last two and is ready to punish a woeful Red Devils defence.
