Liverpool travel to Old Trafford to face Manchester United on Sunday looking to continue their charge towards the Premier League title.
The pressure is mounting on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who will be desperate to upset the odds on home soil.
Ahead of the meeting, we’ve simulated the match on FIFA 20 to see how the video game predicts the actual match will pan out.
Here’s what happened:
THE TEAMS
Man United starting XI: De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Maguire, Shaw; Pogba, McTomniay, Pereira, Mata, James; Rashford.
Liverpool starting XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Fabinho, Henderson, Wijnaldum; Salah, Firmino, Mane.
FIRST HALF
Liverpool did not have to wait long to take the lead at Old Trafford. Sadio Mane set off on a weaving run from the left and cut through the United midfield with ease. He found Roberto Firmino with a well-timed pass and the Brazilian struck the ball home from the edge of the area, beating David De Gea at his near post.
United reacted strongly and looked to get on the front foot. They enjoyed a lot of space attacking down their left, finding space in behind Trent Alexander-Arnold.
As the hosts grew into the game, Juan Mata had a chance to score from a tight angle on the right, but Alisson came out in a hurry to close off any danger.
SECOND HALF
Liverpool were far more composed during the second half, nullifying any of the growing threat that Man United posed. Jurgen Klopp called upon Naby Keita and Xherdan Shaqiri to on come from the bench in an attempt to liven things up for the Reds.
However, there was late drama as United launched a counter-attack with just over 10 minutes to play. Paul Pogba found himself in acres of space before sending a pass out wide to Pereira, who sent a curling cross towards the back post where an unmarked Mata would head home to make 1-1.
United weren’t done there either, they went in search of a winner and Luke Shaw of all people squandered a fantastic chance to make it 2-1, with Alisson saving well down to his right late on.
FINAL SCORE
The game finished 1-1, despite a late flurry from United. Liverpool enjoyed plenty of possession (61%), but couldn’t come away with all three points.
If this result were to happen on Sunday it would certainly come as a surprise.
With Liverpool winning eight from eight so far, even a draw at Old Trafford would be considered as a shock result when you consider the current state that United find themselves in.
Klopp will be hoping for a better result as he looks to extend his side’s lead at the top of the Premier League.
