Liverpool have to turn around their losing run against a Manchester United team under huge pressure.
It is not the most ideal scenario for the Reds to return from the international break and go straight into a game that is steeped in history and intense rivalry.
Arne Slot, though, has to navigate this game at Anfield to boost the confidence of his team and fans following their form, which has seen defeats to Crystal Palace, Chelsea, and Galatasaray.
This game has become a more difficult one to predict, given the circumstances of both teams.
Ruben Amorim’s United side is struggling with form, as pressure mounts on the Portuguese manager.
A loss for both teams is clearly detrimental to their season; however, it seems that a defeat for Slot’s side will be a bigger blow in the eyes of some.
Jamie O’Hara says Arne Slot is under pressure to deliver a result vs Manchester United
Trying to reverse this run of form is important, but the difference is that Liverpool losing to this United team will be an awful look for the side that have made £400 million worth of signings and won the Premier League last year.
In the view of Jamie O’Hara, it has become a very different prospect from what it was just two months ago when the league restarted.
Speaking to Sky Sports, the former footballer turned broadcaster explained that this fixture means much more to Liverpool now, and it could be a more even game than expected.
He said: “If you asked me this a month ago I would say Liverpool are going to win this 4-0. All of a sudden this game has become a little bit more evenly balanced because of how Liverpool have been playing.
“I think it is bigger for Slot, I do. Because we are seeing Arsenal now obviously the way they have been playing they have been firing. But Liverpool have been poor recently, three on the bounce, lost to Chelsea, all of a sudden Arsenal have caught up with them, they are looking shaky at the back, all over the place in midfield, question marks over the signings, Isak not being fit.
“There is a lot going on at Liverpool with Arne Slot who has got to figure it out he has got to gel this team.”
While on paper, it may not be an easy Liverpool win, the Reds have the advantage of returning to Anfield, which will make it a much different prospect, given they have not played there since Southampton in the League Cup.
Jamie O’Hara delivers verdict on Liverpool’s current issues
The issues at the heart of the current situation have been explained many times over, with the defence and squad balance being the two main problems with this team.
While signings have strengthened the attacking areas, those who have been brought in to shore up the backline have struggled to hit the ground running just yet.
These are the problems that O’Hara has pointed to when asked about the sudden change in opinion on this squad.
In his view, there has not been a real change from what we have seen this season; it is just the results that have ‘exposed’ the apparent flaws.
He said: “I do not think much has changed. I think they were just winning. When you are winning, it can kind of just paint over the cracks a little bit… There were question marks over Liverpool conceding goals but they are winning.
“Then all of a sudden, that result against Crystal Palace changed. Right, they have lost, they are beatable, there are cracks in this team. And then I feel like they have been exposed a little bit.
“Now you look at it, and you go, is Frimpong the right player there? They are having to play Szoboszlai? Is Kerkez settled in right? Bring back Robertson there? Isak and Ekitike, how are they fitting into the team?
“There are question marks, and before everyone was just going, what a team they have put together, they are going to win everything. But you are looking at the defensive side of Liverpool right now. Konate has not been playing well. You can expose them.”
This game has always been a big fixture, but it feels more important given the context, and it is hoped that Liverpool can rise to the occasion.
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