At this stage last season Liverpool had lost once and were top of the Premier League. They scored 12 goals in their first three league games of 2024 to prove their credentials as title challengers before faltering in April and finishing third. They again have an impressive platform but January will test the fortitude of Arne Slot’s side, with eight games in four competitions while the rumour mill churns in the background.
A dysfunctional Manchester United arrive on Sunday, 23 points behind Liverpool, desperately hoping that against arguably Europe’s best side they can find a way to halt their run of atrocious performances. Anfield is buoyant after a superb start under Slot but beating a great rival, even one in the doldrums, would take the mood even higher.
