A reddish affair

It's make or break for the two most successful clubs in English football. As Liverpool take steps into modern-day greatness, Manchester United keep taking more steps away from it.

Fortunes can't be more contrasted in such a historic fixture.

A 3-1 loss away to Liverpool proved to be José Mourinho's final game as United manager, and 10 months on, United continue to struggle as a football club.

While Jürgen Klopp's Liverpool have gone on to become a winning machine, with a 100% record in the league so far. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's charges are short on confidence after a terrible run of form which produced nine points from eight games.

The Reds will equal Manchester City's record 18-game winning streak with a win here while United hope to snap a five-game winless run.

Manchester United are overwhelming underdogs at Old Trafford. (EPA).

United can only cling unto hope and good omens that Old Trafford brings. 

They are unbeaten in the last six home matches against Liverpool and have a somewhat decent record at Old Trafford; with four wins from six home games in 2019/20. 

Man Utd can rally the against-all-odds spirit that defied Man City in 2018 and PSG in last season's Champions League Round of 16. They are massive underdogs but a fearless performance against their biggest rivals in front of their fans cannot be overlooked.

That alongside the fact that United remain one of the only English teams Mo Salah hasn't scored against is music to the ears of the optimistic United faithful.

Mohamed Salah has never scored for Liverpool against United. (REUTERS)

The Red Devils have to dig even deeper to get a result as they are Without David de Gea and Paul Pogba. Although Anthony Martial, Luke Shaw and Aaron Wan-Bissaka are set to return. 

Scott McTominay's form is a rare positive in United's season and he'll be important against Liverpool's dynamic midfield. The Scotsman, however, needs a huge performance from midfield partner Andreas Pereira.

Many of a United conviction think that a win can kick-start their season. 

Manchester United are looking for a season-altering win. (GETTY) 

On the flipside, Klopp's first win at Old Trafford In five visits is sure one of the mental hurdles that need to be scaled in Liverpool's title push.

The Merseysiders welcome goalkeeper Allison, who has been out since the opening-day, and Joël Matip; very bad news for United's blunt attack that has scored only nine times in eight. Mo Salah is also set to feature after injuring his ankle against Leicester.

Liverpool are on a spectacular winning run this season. (GETTY)

Klopp's team must be brave and avoid a repeat of the nil-nil stalemate in this fixture in March. They will once again require this season's winning spirit to secure maximum points at the home of their enemies.

Anything short of maximum points is Manchester City's gain.