Klopp unwilling to let Solskjaer claim 'underdog' role for Manchester United

DARK CLOUDS LIFTING: Manchester United have gone a long way since their last visit to Anfield, a 2-0 defeat to a Liverpool side running away with the Premier League. Twelve months on, a United victory would lift them six points of the champions. Picture: Michael Regan/Getty Images

If the two combatants prove as belligerent and creative, both offensively and in defence, as managers Jurgen Klopp and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer were yesterday, then one of the most eagerly-awaited league fixtures of recent months may well live up to its billing tomorrow.

Premier League leaders Manchester United visit defending champions Liverpool with the chance to move six points above the current second-placed club; a stark reminder that if a week is a long time in football, a calendar year might as well be measured in aeons.