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CHRIS SUTTON runs through the form of Reds and Man Utd ahead of Anfield clash

  /  autty

Manchester United have returned to the top of the Premier League, the first time they have held first place at this stage since 2013, and the stakes could not be any higher ahead of the Red Devils' trip to Liverpool.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side have put together an impressive run of results to put themselves firmly in the title mix-up, with Jurgen Klopp's champions fluffing their lines in recent games.

Here, Sportsmail's CHRS SUTTON runs through the form of each predicted line-up ahead of Sunday's mammoth clash at Anfield.

LIVERPOOL (4-3-3)

Alisson

Liverpool may have had their problems this season but, more often than not, the Brazilian represents a reliable, solid and safe pair of hands. 8.

Trent Alexander-Arnold

Strangely out of sorts. A very creative full-back, so he is going to give the ball away sometimes, but he has to do better. 6.

Fabinho

The Brazilian has become an incredibly important player for Liverpool. Can do a job at the back but that means he's missed in midfield. 8.

Nat Phillips

Academy graduate who could be given an opportunity to come of age. The 23-year-old centre back is still learning. 5.

Andy Robertson

Robertson has put in 161 crosses this season. The next highest? Wolves' Pedro Neto on 108. Always carries an attacking threat. 7.

Jordan Henderson

Liverpool need their captain in midfield more than defence, where he has filled in occasionally. The type of player you want on your side. 7.

Thiago Alcantara

Hard to judge, given his lack of starts due to the injury he suffered against Everton, but good defensively and with the ball at his feet. 7.

Gini Wijnaldum

Not been at his best this season. A few more forward passes to help out Henderson wouldn't go amiss. 6.

Mo Salah

He's had dips but remains the Premier League's top scorer and Liverpool's most important player. Attack isn't the same without him. 8.

Roberto Firmino

We know his knack for linking play, but Liverpool have seemed out of sync lately. Needs to rise to the challenge. 7.

Sadio Mane

Went eight games without a Premier League goal before scoring at Crystal Palace last month. Could do with rekindling form. 7.

TOTAL - 76/110

MANCHESTER UNITED (3-4-1-2)

David De Gea

He has limited his mistakes this season and improved his form enough to ensure he remains United's No 1 ahead of the impressive Dean Henderson. 7.

Eric Bailly

Injuries have held him back this season but United look better with him in the team, adding some pace alongside Maguire in defence. 8.

Harry Maguire

That Greece episode seemed to impact his football at first. But now the 27-year-old is looking like an England centre back again. 7.

Luke Shaw

A good game against Burnley, even if he could have been red carded. Been a consistent performer for United this season. 7.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka

One on one, he's as good a defender you'll see, as Paris Saint-Germain discovered in the Champions League earlier this season. Could improve in other areas. 7.

Scott McTominay

Someone who clearly loves the club, having been with United since the age of five. The Scot is never short of effort. 7.

Fred

The 5ft 7in Brazilian is looking more reliable game-by-game as he establishes himself in midfield. No longer the £47m forgotten man. 7.

Alex Telles

He's primarily been a back-up to Shaw since his summer move to Old Trafford. Needs to do more and take his chances to get regular starts. 5.

Bruno Fernandes

Mr United. Would walk into any team, Liverpool included. Scores, assists, creates, wins. Player of the Year candidate. 9.

Paul Pogba

Inconsistent. But since his agent Mino Raiola told the world Pogba wants to leave, at least we've seen signs of a player worth £89million. 6.

Marcus Rashford

A lovely assist for Pogba against Burnley, the way he delayed and spotted the space. A winner, on and off the pitch. 7.

TOTAL = 77/110