Next year in UCL, now for pride and honour

Compared to the previous season, one rival seriously dropped, the other rose like a phoenix, and now, they are almost at the same level - at least that's what the Premier League table suggests.

Manchester United and Liverpool hold the third and fourth positions, respectively, as the Red Devils have a three-point advantage.

BETTING GUIDE: Manchester United vs Liverpool, match preview, team news and prediction

Thanks to Chelsea's recent meltdown, the Champions League race in England's top flight is practically over, with United, Liverpool, and Aston Villa having UCL tickets almost booked.

Hence, the crew from the Theatre of Dreams will return to the elite European competition after a two-year absence, while the Reds will be a part of it for the third consecutive season.

So, what's at stake today? Not much. Just pride and honour.

On the one hand, United could ensure they finish above Liverpool in the Premier League for the first time since the 2022/2023 season, while the visitors' victory could enhance Arne Slot's position in the eyes of the board and fans, as his potential sacking is a long-standing rumour.

In the two rivals' first clash in the EPL this season last October, the Red Devils conquered Anfield (2-1) thanks to Bryan Mbeumo and Harry Maguire's goals, despite being underdogs. Now, it could be said they are the favourites, especially considering Liverpool's major injury issues.

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Can they cope with this role after so much time? Is Michael Carrick capable of handling the pressure in his maiden derby against the Reds as a coach? And is the clash at the Theatre of Dreams able to cast a shadow on the wild title race between Manchester City and Arsenal for at least a day?

Many questions, indeed, with all the answers gathered in one place - the Old Trafford grass.

PREMIER LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 35

Friday

Leeds United - Burnley 3-1 (1-0)

/Stach 8, Okafor 52, Calvert-Lewin 56 - Tchaouna 71/

Saturday

Brentford - West Ham 3-0 (1-0)

/Mavropanos 12 og, Thiago 54 pen, Daamsgard 82/

Newcastle - Brighton 3-1 (2-0)

/Osula 12, Burn 24, Barnes 90+5 - Hinshelwood 61/

Wolves - Sunderland 1-1 (0-1)

/Bueno 54 - Mukiele 17/

Arsenal - Fulham 3-0 (3-0)

/Gyokeres 9, 45+4 Saka 40/

Sunday

16.00: (1.63) Bournemouth (4.20) Crystal Palace (5.00)

17.30: (2.40) Man.Utd. (3.90) Liverpool (2.80)

21.00: (2.15) Aston Villa (3.60) Tottenham (3.60)

Monday

17.00: (1.75) Chelsea (4.20) Nott.Forest (4.60)

22.00: (6.50) Everton (4.80) Man.City (1.50)

***odds are subject to change***