The opposition: Manchester United

Ahead of the Reds’ eagerly-anticipated trip to Old Trafford, take in our comprehensive lowdown on the opposition…

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Back-to-back, come-from-behind Premier League victories over Chelsea and Crystal Palace have enabled second-placed United to stay two points in front of Liverpool in the table.

Jose Mourinho’s team’s last defeat came in February, when they lost 1-0 to Newcastle United. Since then, they have beaten Huddersfield Town to reach the quarter-finals of the FA Cup and claimed a 0-0 draw in their Champions League last-16 first leg against Sevilla.

Key men

David de Gea’s importance to United is quantified in the fact that the Spain international goalkeeper has kept 15 clean sheets in the Premier League so far this term - more than any other stopper in the division.

At the other end of the pitch, Romelu Lukaku has scored 23 times in all competitions during his debut campaign at Old Trafford, while Mourinho moved to further strengthen his attacking options with the signing of Alexis Sanchez from Arsenal in January.

Quotes

Mourinho: “For me, it's just a big match - two historical clubs, not just in England, but in the world. And in this moment, important points for the top four, important points for second position, which is better than third or fourth.”

Chris Smalling: “I think there’s always that rivalry, but even more this year. We’re a lot closer in the table than we’ve probably been for a while. The fact that we’re so close gives it an added intensity.”

Last time out

This season’s reverse fixture at Anfield back in October was largely a story of Liverpool being frustrated by a resolute, stubborn performance by United’s defence.

The Reds had 19 shots on goal to the visitors’ six and enjoyed 62.2 per cent possession, but had to settle for a 0-0 draw. The closest the hosts went to breaking the deadlock came 10 minutes before half-time, when De Gea produced an excellent reflex save to deny Joel Matip from close range.