LIVERPOOL versus Manchester United used to be one of English football’s fiercest rivalries. At present, Sunday’s showdown at Anfield pits two teams going in opposite directions.

Liverpool, top of the Premier League and the Champions League, have their sights set on equalling the United’s record 20 Premier League titles and more. Liverpool has lost to the Red Devils just once in seven years in the Premier League, and most recently won 3-0 at Old Trafford in September.

United is closer to the relegation zone than the top, the result of another calamitous campaign which has seen the departure of a manager, a sporting director and the exile of one of its leading players.