Liverpool versus Manchester United is and always will be one of the biggest games in the world.
The rich history of the two teams is like no others, no side in English football can compare.
It is still a fierce debate which no one can agree on, which side is the bigger?
Liverpool dominated the 80s and 90s whilst under Sir Alex Ferguson Manchester United just kept winning league title after league title like it was nothing.
Since the Scot left, they have struggled to recreate that having gone nearly eight years without a league title.
But now there is a growing confidence that this run will end as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side sit three points clear of the current champions.
Which is mental when you think about how much the manager has been critisced and often made the scapegoat for the side’s poor performances, even though at times it has been warranted.
Pressure has been on Solskjaer but this time there is no pressure on him at all, it is a free hit at Anfield as Liverpool has been stuttering.
No league win in three games and then an embarrassing first half performance in the FA Cup against Aston Villa’s kids.
The pressure is on Liverpool and no one else but when that is the case Jurgen Klopp and his side tend to deliver.
Back-to-back titles looked set to be the case on paper at the start of the season but injuries and poor form have meant that it is anyone’s title to lose and Manchester United have taken that quite literally.
Klopp knows that his side need to lay down a marker more than ever before with this game between the sides being the first in a title race since Rafa Benitez and Sir Alex was in charge.
In those times Liverpool used to often rise to the occasion but could never capitalise on it and go onto win the league.
This time it needs to be different.
The build-up for these games is excruciating enough when both teams aren’t competing for the title so this time around it is that more sickening for both sets of supporters.
Klopp is looking forward to the game and in his press conference he said something that will get Liverpool fans excited.
He said: “I’m really looking forward to this game, to be honest. I know Ole said that this is the best moment to play against Liverpool yeah? Let’s see.”
Fighting talk normally implies a heavy metal performance and probably does not do the nerves any good due to the expectation.
Whether Solskjaer can cope with that and prove to the rest of the league remains to be seen but the Norwegian coach will most likely want to sit deep and counterattack which seems to be his best attribute.
Last season that is how it panned out and it ended up being the game that the crowd all came together and dared to sing ‘we are gunna win the league.’
The players knew it was happening too and they need to make it happen this time round.
This time around it may give either set of supporters that same belief to go on an impressive run and get their hands on the title.
Add that on top of all the history between the clubs and it has all the ingredients to be one of those Premier League games you look back on in several years time and think wow.
Just like a lot of other results in this fixture.
Liverpool fans hate Manchester United.
Manchester United fans hate Liverpool.
It is always a nerve-jangling spectacle and then sprinkle on top the fact it is a season defining game with a ludicrous home unbeaten run on the line then who knows what can happen.
One thing is for sure, if there is a penalty there will be a riot from one side of the North West.
You will probably start having that sickly feeling right about now, most had it at the start of the week.
Written by Elliot Thompson
