Liverpool versus Manchester United LIVE: North West rivals in action in Premier League

With both Arsenal and Aston Villa winning this afternoon, Liverpool currently sit third in the table but can return to the summit with a win here. Jurgen Klopp’s relaunch of Liverpool’s midfield has sent them on an upward trajectory, and they look like they could be serious title contenders once more. Personally, I think squad depth might undo them this season, with injuries and international tournaments causing disruption and the likelihood of a long run in the Europa League keeping them on that awkward Thursday-Sunday treadmill. No one’s running away with this season yet though, and they’re far from the only contender with problems to overcome.

Liverpool have doled out a pasting to United on their last two visits here, belting them for four and then seven to nil; when you add in a 5-0 humbling at Old Trafford that signalled the beginning of the end for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, that’s three comprehensive hosings in the last four games between the two. Erik Ten Hag and United will cling to their one victory in there - a 2-1 win at Old Trafford last August after a disastrous start to 2022-23, achieved in the backs-to-the-wall style. They’ll surely need a similar spirit to walk away from Anfield with anything today.

Liverpool make one change from last week’s win over Crystal Palace, as Ibrahima Konate returns at centre back in place of Jarell Quansah.

United are forced into changes via injury and suspension. They’ll start today with a centre back pairing of Jonny Evans and Raphael Varane, with Kobbie Mainoo back in the team ahead of them. Scott McTominay will captain United in place of the suspended Bruno Fernandes.

Liverpool: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Van Dijk, Konate, Tsimikas; Endo, Szoboszlai, Gravenberch; Salah, Nunez, Diaz

SUBS: Adrian, Kelleher, Gomez, Jones, Gakpo, Elliott, McConnell, Quansah, Bradley

Manchester United: Onana; Dalot, Varane, Evans, Shaw; Mainoo, Amrabat, McTominay; Antony, Hojlund, Garnacho

SUBS:Bayindir, Kambwala, Reguilon, Wan-Bissaka, Gore, Hannibal, Pellistri, Van de Beek, Rashford

It’s a match that needs very little selling, but let’s do it anyway. English football’s most tribal and febrile contest is back for its 212th instalment at Anfield today. The hosts are in the ascendancy going into it, not just of United but everyone else; 21 points from their last 27 have seen Liverpool soar to the top of the table in recent weeks. By contrast, United arrive in a beleaguered state. They’re depleted of both players and confidence, with a lengthy injury list and having lost 12 of their 24 matches in all competitions.

Though as fans of both sides will insist, there is simply no excuse for not getting up for this one. Team news off the wires for you shortly.