Manchester United and Liverpool have 40 top-flight titles between them but the two most successful clubs in English football are not competing for top honours this season.
Instead, it is a battle for third place while also ensuring they play Champions League football next season.
That does not mean the stature of the fixture has been reduced in any way, according to United’s interim boss Michael Carrick.
He said: “It’s certainly always been one of my favourite games, without a doubt. It is a standout game.
“There are obviously big games and rivalries that we have with other teams, but this one is certainly right up there because of the history, the ups and downs this match-up has produced in the past, the entertainment and the emotion. All of those things make it a really special game.
“When I think about this game, the first thing that comes to mind is that air of competition really, irrespective of league positions over the years. Things like that have never changed the emotion of the players and the supporters. I also really appreciate what it means to them.”
That view was echoed by his Liverpool counterpart Arne Slot, who said: “We are aware that it is a very big game. Not only because we play Man United, but to qualify for the Champions League and to get the highest possible league position.
“We wanted to win the league – that is not possible – so we are trying to finish as high as possible.
“A win [which could secure a top-five finish] is the right step forward. It is an important step, it is definitely not a step backwards.”
United start the weekend in third place, three points ahead of Liverpool but a win for Slot’s side will see them leapfrog their North West rivals.
It will be a big summer at both these clubs as they attempt to close the gap on the current two powerhouses: Arsenal and Manchester City.
United have to decide whether Carrick is the long-term replacement for Ruben Amorim while the Merseysiders will have to replace Andy Robertson and Mohamed Salah.
Team news for Manchester United v Liverpool
United are hopeful Matheus Cunha will be fit but he may have to settle for a place on the bench. Luke Shaw is likely to play despite coming off with a minor injury against Brentford. Matthijs de Ligt is not yet ready to return while Lisandro Martinez is still suspended.
Liverpool will wait till the last minute to see if goalkeeper Alisson can play. If not third-choice Freddie Woodman will continue between the sticks. Salah is sidelined with a hamstring injury.
Predicted line-ups for Manchester United v Liverpool
Manchester United: Lammens; Dalot, Maguire, Heaven, Shaw; Casemiro, Mainoo, Mbeumo, Fernandes, Diallo; Sesko
Liverpool: Woodman; Gomez, Van Dijk,Konate, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Wirtz, Szoboszlai, Gakpo; Isak
Where to watch Manchester United v Liverpool: TV and online streams
Manchester United versus Liverpool kicks off at 3.30pm UK time on Sunday afternoon. You can watch it on Sky Sports or stream via the Sky Go app.
If you’re watching from outside the UK, click HERE for details of the channels showing the game in your region.
Stats for Manchester United v Liverpool
- Liverpool have won on three of their last five visits to Old Trafford in the league, as many as in their previous 18
- Only in their opening five matches of the campaign have Liverpool enjoyed a longer winning run in the Premier League than their ongoing run of three victories
- Alexander Isak’s next Premier League appearance will be his 100th in the competition. He is looking to score in successive top-flight outings for Liverpool for the first time
Prediction for Manchester United v Liverpool
It has been a disappointing season for Liverpool but they can at least secure bragging rights over their North West rivals with victory on Sunday.
We think the Merseysiders have the superior quality and fancy them to edge it.
Prediction: Manchester United 1-2 Liverpool
