Showdown

Liverpool v Man United

When Liverpool lost 3-0 at Old Trafford in mid-December to leave them 10 points behind their fiercest rivals Manchester United, it appeared simply the continuation of a woeful start to the campaign for last season’s Premier League runners-up. Yet it was to prove the turning point in a phenomenal return to form that means they go into Sunday’s return match at Anfield with the chance to overhaul United in the standings and assume a place in the top-four for the first time this season.

Under closer observation, a 3-0 scoreline at Old Trafford had failed to reflect what took place on the pitch. Manchester United had benefited from an extraordinary display by David de Gea, while some poor defending had cost Liverpool dear. The visitors had enjoyed more shots at goal and on target and there were signs of a return of the attacking verve that characterized their push for the title last season. Key to that improvement was Brendan Rodgers’ switch to three at the back, and it has been a continued deployment of that basic shape that has seen Liverpool win 10, draw three and lose none of their 13 Premier League matches since.