Liverpool are in action tonight as they look to haul themselves back to the top of the Premier League table.
Following Arsenal’s comfortable win over Luton Town last night, the Reds have dropped to second place in the division. They’ll have to beat Sheffield United to claim first position.
No game in the Premier League should be seen as a guaranteed three points, and Liverpool won’t feel that way about this evening’s match. However, at Anfield, it’s a game the Reds really should be winning.
Beyond the final whistle tonight though, perhaps Liverpool’s biggest test of their remaining eight games lies in wait; Manchester United away. They need only revisit a couple of weeks ago to remember how difficult it can be to go to Old Trafford and win.
Obviously, the Reds will be fully focused on getting the win against Sheffield United tonight. But given the size of Sunday’s game, pundit Chris Sutton has already been looking ahead to it.
Chris Sutton predicts Liverpool vs Man United
Looking at the fixtures left, Sunday really is circled large. A trip to Old Trafford is at the best of times, but this really does feel big.
On paper, you’d argue that Liverpool could perhaps just about accept a draw away at their arch-rivals. That’s what Gabriel Agbonlahor thinks will happen and he still expects the Reds to end up winning the league.
However, dropped points will open the door for both Arsenal and Manchester City. And a win would really boost Liverpool’s morale while damaging that of their challengers.
Having failed to beat United in two previous attempts this season though, the Reds aren’t nailed on for a victory. Speaking on the ‘It’s All Kicking Off!’ podcast though, pundit Sutton has backed them to buck the trend and beat Erik ten Hag’s team.
“It is interesting this season that Manchester United, from where we just haven’t seen it happening, have got results against a superior Liverpool team,” he says.
“Will it be third time lucky for Liverpool this season? I think it will be.”
Who are Man City and Arsenal playing next
If Liverpool get the three points tonight then it’ll be ‘as you were’ for the Premier League’s top three. That will set things up nicely for another weekend of drama.
The Reds’ clash against United is obviously the big one and both City and Arsenal will be hoping for Ten Hag do to them a slightly unlikely favour.
By the time Liverpool’s game kick-offs at Old Trafford, they’ll already know whether they’re chasing or leading the pack. Of the three challengers, they play last again.
First up, City travel to Palace on Saturday lunchtime. Selhurst Park has been a tricky place for them to go historically, so maybe the Eagles can pull something out of the bag. Arsenal then head to the Amex to face Brighton in what could also be a slippery fixture. Nervy and exciting times ahead, Reds!