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In-form Manchester United travel to Anfield to face a struggling Liverpool side in one of England's fiercest rivaries.
Over the past few seasons at least, Liverpool vs Manchester United at Anfield has had a familiar theme. United looking helpless, struggling to defend, and Liverpool just picking them apart.
The Red Devils have failed to defeat Liverpool at Anfield since 2016 when Wayne Rooney and Marouane Fellaini combined for the only goal of the game. Simpler times.
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In fact, with two wins against Jurgen Klopp's men in their last 10 meetings, this has not been a kind fixture to United fans in recent years.
I should probably add that Liverpool won by a combined 9 goals over both installments of this fixture last season, including a humbling 5-0 drubbing at Old Trafford in a game that featured a Mohamed Salah hat-trick and four goals before halftime.
United won the game at Old Trafford earlier in the season but they have not won a single game at Anfield in 7 years.
It begs the question, why all the optimism?
Ten Hag's effect on Man Utd
Erik ten Hag has galvanized a squad that looked bereft of ideas upon his arrival and already has a trophy to show for it.
He has improved players who looked completely out of it and turned them into world-beaters. Players who had the ability but lacked application have now started to produce consistently.
Some may say it is easier when you can throw money at your problems and to some extent, this may be true.
Not every club can afford to let an £89m signing in Paul Pogba leave on a free transfer or even write off a global superstar such as Cristiano Ronaldo and continue to spend lavishly.
Brazilian winger Antony was signed for £82m to fix a problem position that was supposed to be filled by £72m signing, Jadon Sancho a year earlier.
Most clubs can certainly not afford to keep an £80m acquisition in Harry Maguire on the bench with zero scrutiny.
Casemiro has been the biggest addition in terms of impact and ability. Arriving from Real Madrid as a 30-year-old Brazilian midfielder who had won everything and for £60m, many fans and football pundits questioned the sense behind this deal.
Ten Hag had clearly prioritized the signing of Frenkie de Jong from Barcelona but that was a no-go. Amid fan protests, it seemed like this was a last-minute deal made to appease the supporters. It has worked magnificently.
Casemiro has become the heart and soul of this United side, exceptional in so many ways and a huge reason why the club won a first trophy since 2017.
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Man United no longer underdogs at Anfield
United’s resurgence goes beyond their financial capabilities as they have spent money consistently in past seasons without achieving similar results.
They now have a manager capable of getting the best out of players. Motivating and actually coaching at the highest level.
Ten Hag is as tactically sound as any manager you can find, constantly adapting to situations in real time and making game-changing adjustments.
United go into this game 10 points above their arch-rivals and in much better shape than they have been since Sir Alex left the club in 2013.
There is a shifting of guard brewing and for the first time in recent years, the Red Devils do not go to Anfield as underdogs.
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