Liverpool title charge faces tough test at wounded Man United

LONDON : Premier League leaders Liverpool face one of their toughest remaining fixtures on Sunday as they travel to face a wounded Manchester United side who will be desperate to stop their bitter rivals' title bandwagon at Old Trafford.

Liverpool's somewhat nervy 3-1 victory over bottom club Sheffield United on Thursday means they remain masters of their own destiny with eight games to play.

They have 70 points, two more than Arsenal and three more than reigning champions Manchester City who will be keeping a very watchful eye on events at Old Trafford.

Before that Arsenal have the chance to return the summit when they travel to Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday after City take on Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

Sixth-placed United's incredible 4-3 defeat at Chelsea on Thursday, when they led until the 10th minute of stoppage time only to concede twice, put a massive dent in their hopes of securing Champions League football next season.

Defeat by Liverpool would likely extinguish that possibility altogether so Sunday's clash is arguably almost as important for United boss Erik ten Hag as it is for Liverpool's Juergen Klopp.

United have struggled this season and Ten Hag's future is uncertain but they have been a thorn in Liverpool's side - drawing away in the league and claiming a 4-3 win in an unforgettable FA Cup quarter-final to end the Anfield side's hopes of an unprecedented quadruple.

The tension is also likely to be ramped up on Liverpool assuming Arsenal and City both win on Saturday, although pressure appears to be something Klopp's side's thrive on.

"I am happy we play on Sunday, we cannot change that," he said. "I don't see the problem. The game we played tonight was nothing to do with yesterday, and Sunday will be