Home of football statistics and historyLiverpool and Manchester United head into their blockbuster Premier League clash at Anfield on Sunday with plenty riding on the outcome.
It may seem hyperbolic to suggest this could be a season-defining game for both clubs so early in the campaign, but the stakes are exceedingly high.
The online bookmakers featured on Likme.tv rate Liverpool as the odds-on favourites to pick up three points, despite their recent dip in form.
The Reds lost three consecutive games in all competitions before the international break, sparking talk that their bubble had finally burst.
Odds of 8/13 to defeat Man United may look attractive on paper, but it is difficult to argue they represent value given the manner of their performances this season.
Liverpool splashed the cash on several new players during the summer transfer window, sparking talk that they would easily retain the Premier League title.
Five consecutive league victories at the start of the campaign suggested that viewpoint was accurate, but the results masked some deeper concerns.
Aside from Hugo Ekitike, the club’s sizeable investment in new players has yet to pay dividends, with the rest of the newcomers failing to impress.
Liverpool bought two new full-backs who have made their defence worse, while playmaker Florian Wirtz has struggled to adapt to the Premier League.
Striker Alexander Isak has also underwhelmed after forcing through a move from Newcastle United, which has not helped Liverpool’s cause.
Established performers such as Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah have not hit their usual heights, triggering talk that their powers are waning.
The overall picture is concerning, particularly when considering that title rivals Arsenal and Manchester City have been demonstrating their quality.
Manager Arne Slot will be desperate to steady the ship, starting with the fixture against Man United. However, that will be easier said than done.
While the Red Devils’ decline over the past few seasons has been well documented, it is worth noting that they have lost just one of their last five meetings with Liverpool.
The 2-0 victory over newly-promoted Sunderland before the international break moved United up to tenth in the table, six points adrift of leaders Arsenal.
While no one realistically expects Ruben Amorim’s side to challenge for the title this season, winning at Anfield would transform the narrative surrounding the club.
United have won just 20 out of 50 games in all competitions since Amorim replaced Erik ten Hag last November – a dreadful record for a club of their stature.
Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has publicly backed Amorim, claiming that it is unfair to judge him until he has had three years in charge.
In a league where short-termism often runs wild, Amorim will hope that Ratcliffe means what he says and he is afforded time to succeed at Old Trafford.
The fixture at Anfield on Sunday gives the Portuguese manager the opportunity to make a significant statement as he heads to the end of his first year in charge.
Although a draw would not be the worst result in the world, winning the game would send a message that he can guide United to where they want to be.
His team must show belief that they can get the job done and then execute against a side that has failed to live up to expectations this season.
Liverpool will be desperate to prevent their recent wobble from turning into a full-blown crisis. Even a draw would raise questions about their title credentials.
A club’s season is rarely defined by a single game, but this weekend’s clash has the potential to buck that trend.
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