Liverpool host Manchester United on Sunday, two the greatest teams in English football history, but could another power shift be taking place?

Having been forced to watch the Red Devils’ dominance in the 1990s and 2000s, the Reds have hit back in recent years after the Sir Alex Ferguson empire crumbled.

Georginio Wijnaldum scores against Manchester United in January 2020 in a Liverpool win – the last clash between the clubs
Georginio Wijnaldum scores against Manchester United in January 2020 in a Liverpool win – the last clash between the clubs

A Champions League win in 2019 and one Premier League title last summer have exorcised a few demons on Merseyside, while they also narrowly lost out to Manchester City in 2018/19 despite notching an incredible 97 points.

Another title tilt is on the cards this campaign, despite long-term injuries to Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez but United are threatening to take them all the way and at the start of the weekend sit on top of the Premier League table.

Back at the start of the November we were discussing if Ole Gunnar Solskjaer would be in a job much longer with his side 15th following a defeat to Arsenal.

Instead, in mid-January, they could go six point clear of their foes with victory at Anfield.

John O’Shea praises the form of Pogba, Bailly and De Gea, and discusses whether this current Manchester United side is the best since Sir Alex Ferguson

Liverpool’s resurgence in recent years has only been good for the Premier League, putting fire back into the belly of United, forcing them to splash the cash on superstars like Harry Maguire and the fantastic Bruno Fernandes.

A healthy division will always have a rivalry between the two sides at its heart – even when Liverpool weren’t as successful they gave everything against the Red Devils thanks to the likes of Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher.

In their last eight clashes though, Man United have only beaten the Reds once, although there have also been five draws, showing there was still some fight.

United and Liverpool have one of the fiercest rivals in England, even when one of the two teams aren’t performing at their best
United and Liverpool have one of the fiercest rivals in England, even when one of the two teams aren’t performing at their best

Jurgen Klopp’s side will be desperate for victory to get their season back on track.

Not only that, their mission to be one of the greatest Premier League sides relies on victory on Sunday and another title win this season.

One title in three years with a team considered so good would be tremendously sad for all involved at Anfield.

When it comes to being one of the best in England, since the Premier League began back in 1992, Liverpool need to improve too.

Premier League all-time table – Top 20

1. Man United – Pts 2270
P 1093 W 677 D 239 L 177

2. Arsenal – Pts 2035
P 1094 W 586 D 277 L 231

3. Chelsea – Pts 2023
P 1093 W 585 D 268 L 240

4. Liverpool – Pts 1981
P 1093 W 570 D 271 L 252

5. Tottenham – Pts 1684
P 1093 W 470 D 274 L 349

6. Everton – Pts 1508
P 1093 W 400 D 308 L 385

7. Manchester City – Pts 1482
P 902 W 426 D 204 L 272

8. Newcastle United – Pts 1335
P 975 W 362 D 249 L 364

9. Aston Villa – Pts 1284
P 977 W 333 D 285 L 359

10. West Ham United – Pts 1163
P 937 W 307 D 242 L 388

11. Southampton – Pts 1009
P 827 W 261 D 226 L 340

12. Blackburn – Pts 970
P 696 W 262 D 184 L 250

13. Leeds United – Pts 715
P 485 W 196 D 127 L 162

14. Leicester City – Pts 701
P 553 W 185 D 146 L 222

15. Middlesbrough – Pts 661
P 574 W 165 D 169 L 240

16. Fulham – Pts 624
P 548 W 159 D 147 L 242

17. Sunderland – Pts 618
P 608 W 153 D 159 L 296

18. Bolton – Pts 575
P 494 W149 D 128 L 217

19. Crystal Palace – Pts 495
P 444 W 128 D 111 L 205

20. West Brom – Pts 472
P 473 W 113 D 133 L 227

Information from StatBunker, correct as of 12am on Saturday, January 16

They are well off the pace set by United’s stunning showings under Ferguson and even after their recent successes are 289 point off their great inter-city rivals, who head the list.

At least Klopp’s side are well clear in the top four – Tottenham are the closest to them but still sit 297 behind, which only looks set to increase at this moment in time.

United, though, thanks to their two decades of dominance, are also well ahead of the two sides sitting directly behind them.

Arsenal second since 1992, gaining 2035 points, while Chelsea are a close third with 2023, but they are still more than 200 behind the Red Devils.

Solskjaer has turned things around for United in recent weeks
Solskjaer has turned things around for United in recent weeks

Liverpool could catch them soon if the London duo aren’t careful too – they’re 42 points behind the Blues and 54 off the Gunners.

But first off, they should be more worried about seeing off United in the here and now, and retaining their Premier League crown.