Liverpool and Manchester United will renew their famous rivalry when they meet in a Premier League clash at Anfield on Sunday, 16 December 2018, kick-off at 18h00 CAT.
Liverpool come into the game on a high, having assumed top spot on the log last weekend when their 4-0 win at Bournemouth was followed by Manchester City losing at Chelsea. As a result, the Reds are not only the last remaining unbeaten team in the top flight, but they have renewed belief that they can truly challenge the Citizens for the title.
Jurgen Klopp’s side have solved the defensive fragility that plagued them through the last couple of seasons – thanks to addition of goalkeeper Alisson and the outstanding centre-back Virgil van Dijk – while their attack remains highly potent, especially with Egyptian star Mohamed Salah back to his awesome best.
United, meanwhile, have again shown signs of releasing the shackles to play a more aggressive style in their last two Premier League matches (which have been notable for the absence of midfielder Paul Pogba): an entertaining 2-2 draw with Arsenal and a 4-1 win over bottom-of-the-log Fulham.
Yet manager Jose Mourinho is well known for deploying defensive tactics in big matches – especially when they are away from home – and it would be no surprise if the Red Devils played in a far more conservative manner at Anfield.
Man United lack both defensive stability and consistent attacking prowess – two elements Liverpool are right on top of at present – but they may have the advantage of fresher legs coming into the match: their midweek Champions League fixture at Valencia is essentially a dead-rubber in which they can field fringe players, while Liverpool face a must-win clash at home to Napoli in which Klopp will play his strongest available team.
In head-to-head stats, Liverpool and United have met in 52 Premier League matches. The Manchester side has claimed 28 wins compared to 13 for their rivals, while 11 games have been drawn.
The teams’ most recent meeting was a Premier League clash at Old Trafford in March 2018 which United won 2-1 thanks to a brace of goals from Marcus Rashford.
Liverpool v Manchester United – Head-to-head, Premier League
Matches played 52
Liverpool wins 13
United wins 28
Draws 11
Last five results (Premier League only, most recent first)
Liverpool – WWWWW
Man United – WDDDL