Hello and welcome to Sports Mole's live coverage of the Premier League showdown between Liverpool and Manchester United. The build-up to the clash at Anfield has probably felt prolonged for a game on matchday eight but make no mistake about it - this is arguably the biggest fixture in English football. We won't hang about with the team news - who have Jurgen Klopp and Jose Mourinho selected for today's encounter?

LIVERPOOL XI: Mignolet; Gomez, Matip, Lovren, Moreno; Henderson, Can, Wijnaldum; Salah, Coutinho, Firmino

LIVERPOOL SUBSTITUTES: Karius, Alexander-Arnold, Klavan, Milner, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Sturridge, Solanke

MANCHESTER UNITED XI: De Gea; Valencia, Jones, Smalling, Darmian; Herrera, Matic; Young, Mkhitaryan, Martial; Lukaku

MANCHESTER UNITED SUBSTITUTES: Romero, Blind, Lindelof, Tuanzebe, Lingard, Mata, Rashford

Right then, let's start with the home side as Klopp decides to make two changes to the team which could only draw with Newcastle United at St James' Park. Coming into the team are Emre Can and Roberto Firmino, who act as replacements for the injured Sadio Mane and Daniel Sturridge, who drops down to the substitutes' bench.

Trent Alexander-Arnold had been an option to come in at right-back, but Klopp has instead decided to keep faith in Joe Gomez, who is having his first real run in the side since recovering from a serious knee injury last season. Joel Matip and Dejan Lovren are retained in the middle - despite the manner of Newcastle's goal two weeks ago - while Alberto Moreno remains on the left with James Milner still having to make do with a spot on the sidelines.

Can was missed on Tyneside and the former Bayer Leverkusen man was always going to be included for a game of this magnitude. He takes his place alongside Jordan Henderson in the middle, despite Klopp showing his anger towards England boss Gareth Southgate for his inclusion in the meaningless World Cup qualifier with Lithuania. Georginio Wijnaldum is tasked with linking up the midfield and attack.

Further forward, Mohamed Salah, Philippe Coutinho and Firmino all feature, despite long trips back from international duty. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain had been an option on either flank had Klopp opted for a more defensive lineup, but it is not a surprise to see the trio he has picked line up together. Sturridge will be desperate to make an impact if he is introduced in the second half.

As for United, Mourinho has made three alterations and there is a noticeable change in strategy with Ashley Young being used further forward, rather than at right-back or left-back. Matteo Darmian is the main beneficiary as he comes in for just his second Premier League start of the season.

In midfield, Ander Herrera is the natural replacement for the injured Marouane Fellaini. Mourinho would have preferred to have the Belgian at his disposal, but Herrera is made for these type of fixtures and there will be a strong desire to impress after playing just 131 minutes of top-flight action this season. The Spaniard lines up alongside Nemanja Matic.

The third change sees Anthony Martial come in for Marcus Rashford. Both players have been in scintillating form this season, but one of them was always going to miss out. It is difficult to argue against Martial's inclusion, however. The Frenchman has three goals and two assists from just 140 minutes of Premier League action.

On the bench, the likes of Daley Blind and Juan Mata have to make do with potentially being used in the second half, depending on the state of the game. With Fellaini and Paul Pogba both missing, do not be surprised to see Blind used in central midfield if United hold a slender advantage.

This match is regarded as the biggest fixture in English football - well, by Liverpool and Manchester United supporters anyway - so our build-up to this clash has been extensive. It means that you have plenty of pre-match quotes and features at your disposal, so take advantage of having 40 minutes before kickoff and take a look by clicking here.

In the build-up to this game, Emre Can has spoken about the excitement of playing at Anfield and that could be due to Liverpool having only played four times at home this season. Their last home fixture came all the way back on September 16, when the Reds were held to a 1-1 draw by Burnley. Can and co will be hoping for better luck this afternoon.

Liverpool possess a record of two wins and two draws from their matches at their famous home. The 4-0 demolition of Arsenal is naturally the highlight, and it acts as the only highlight. The 1-0 win over Crystal Palace was a struggle, while Liverpool dropped points against Sevilla in the Champions League, despite having the majority of possession and chances.

During the opening weeks of the campaign, Liverpool were in free-scoring form but Klopp's men have not really kicked on from thrashing Arsenal. Since that game, just eight goals have been scored in six matches - the same total which was netted in the space of five days against Hoffenheim and the Gunners.

That return could have been much worse had it not been for Coutinho. The Brazilian has netted in each of Liverpool's last three games, while the playmaker also chipped in with an assist in the 3-2 victory over Leicester City. With Adam Lallana and Mane out of the picture, Coutinho's contribution is going to be key this afternoon.

With this match being the first of the weekend, it is difficult to assess where Liverpool could end matchday eight, but we can at least look at the possible permutations. Victory today will take Liverpool up to third place - for the time being at least - but defeat could lead to the Merseyside giants beginning the next match in the bottom half of the table.

That's the direct consequence of still being in the opening quarter of the season but if we are to look at things from a wider perspective, it shows how Klopp's tenure at the club could be viewed in a different light. Klopp is now six days into his third year at Anfield - with 55 wins and 23 defeats being recorded in 111 games - but the German will be judged on trophies and top-four finishes and defeat today - while taking into account there are still 30 games left after today - could potentially leave Liverpool four points off the pace of what is regarded as the club's minimum target.

That said, Klopp insists that he is the right man to be in charge of Liverpool. Based on the club's attacking play, you would have to agree with the former Borussia Dortmund man, but you may judge differently when looking at Liverpool's defensive record. No clean sheet has been recorded in seven games, while Liverpool possess the joint third-worst backline in the top flight.

Let's turn our attention to today's visitors, who arrive on Merseyside in all-conquering form. Aside from conceding a couple of sloppy goals at Stoke City, United have been near-perfect with 19 points coming from seven matches in the Premier League. The blot on their copybook will annoy Mourinho, but the Portuguese knows that can be put right this afternoon.

The one guarantee ahead of today's game could be United scoring a goal. We have already alluded to Liverpool's poor form in defence, but United have also scored in each of their 11 games in all competitions this season. Remarkably, United have also netted four goals on six occasions, including twice on the road. The opposition has not been the greatest, but that is some record for the opening two months of a season.

The man of the moment is Lukaku, who has scored 11 goals in his first 10 matches for United. The 24-year-old has been sensational but his record could have been even better. The Belgian has failed to score in just one match for club and country this season - against Leicester City. However, in that contest, he had a penalty saved by Kasper Schmeichel!

Such as been Lukaku's form that we decided to see how Lukaku has performed against Liverpool in the past. Given his Everton connections, the frontman has spent several years viewing Liverpool as the enemy, but has that led to goals galore? Find out by clicking here.

While Lukaku has bagged the goals, it has been Henrikh Mkhitaryan who has been providing the assists. The Armenian maestro has already set up five goals in the Premier League this season, and the 28-year-old will be ready to try to come back to haunt former boss Klopp. However, he speaks fondly of their time together at Dortmund.

You would think that United's dominance over the years would have included eight straight wins at the start of a Premier League campaign, but you would be wrong. If United can earn success this afternoon, they will achieve a club record of 22 points from eight games at the beginning of a Premier League season.

The chances of that record being broken are increased when you consider that United have already kept 17 clean sheets in the Premier League during 2017- three more than any other club. Shutouts have also been registered in eight of their last nine outings in the top flight. Good luck, Liverpool...

PREDICTION! Matches between Liverpool and Manchester United are usually tight, but we have got a hunch that won't be the case this afternoon. Liverpool are struggling at the back and are without their most influential player in Mane and with United firing on all cylinders, we have to back a win for Mourinho's men. Lukaku to score in a 3-1 win.

HEAD TO HEAD! Today's meeting represents the 227th time in which these two teams have faced each other in a competitive fixture, with United claiming 87 wins in comparison to 75 victories for Liverpool. However, despite a period of dominance for United between December 2014 and January 2016 where four successive wins were recorded, they have failed to win in each of the last four contests.

That stat does not tell the whole story, however. The last three games have ended in stalemate, with two 1-1s and a goalless draw at Anfield this time last year. The only time that either team has scored two goals or more in the most recent five encounters came when Liverpool ran out 2-0 winners in the Europa League in March 2016.

However, Liverpool have failed to defeat United in the last half-a-dozen league matches, while United have won three of the last five games at Anfield. Can Liverpool turn those stats more in their favour? We are about to find out. The two teams are heading out onto the pitch.

Before the teams headed out, there was a presentation for Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish. His former club have renamed one of their stands after the Scot. He probably deserves it after 169 goals in 502 appearances for the Merseyside giants!

A reminder of the team news. Can and Firmino have been recalled by Klopp. Mourinho is missing Bailly, but includes Martial over Rashford.

LIVERPOOL XI: Mignolet; Gomez, Matip, Lovren, Moreno; Henderson, Can, Wijnaldum; Salah, Coutinho, Firmino

MANCHESTER UNITED XI: De Gea; Valencia, Jones, Smalling, Darmian; Herrera, Matic; Young, Mkhitaryan, Martial; Lukaku

KICKOFF! Liverpool get us underway at a rocking Anfield.

Already, we can see that the midfield is heavily contested. It was pinball in the centre of the pitch during the opening seconds, but United were able to break down the right and earn an early corner...

A poor delivery from Mkhitaryan is rewarded by an even worse clearance by Wijnaldum as United gain another corner. However, nothing comes from the second set piece.

Liverpool finally have a chance to get a foot on the ball but many of their passes are going backwards. Lukaku isn't the biggest worker but he does enough to force the ball back to Mignolet.

Mourinho has never had any issue with gifting opposition teams possession of the ball in non-threatening areas and that is how it is right now. Liverpool are eventually forced to take the direct approach and United win the ball back.

CHANCE! A Liverpool move starts and finishes with Wijnaldum but after getting on the end of Coutinho's pass, the Dutchman's shot is scuffed into the hands of De Gea.

The game is starting to be played at a ferocious pace. Liverpool are the instigators but it could play into the hands of United. They are hardly lacking in pace on the break.

Young versus Moreno is turning into an important battle on the right flank. It's one which is being won by Young with the versatile wideman frequently being played in behind the Spaniard. Opportunities are going to come from that area.

SHOT! Matip has just been allowed to advance towards 30 yards out from goal but United probably realise that he poses no threat with a shot. This effort goes miles over De Gea's crossbar.

Liverpool have probably had about 70% of the possession but for the most part, they are doing little with it. Their one chance came courtesy of a bright move but United are already beginning to frustrate their hosts.

More of the same from Liverpool, who are playing plenty of side-way passes without much reward. Again, United are remaining patient.

SHOT! Wijanldum decides to take matters into his own hands on the edge of the box, despite the box being on his left foot. His curling attempt is decent, but it's never beating De Gea.

I'm not convinced that Lukaku has actually touched the ball. United are not seeing much of the ball and when they do, it is out wide. Matip and Lovren are doing what they need to, but they haven't really been tasked with dealing with the Belgian.

Young has just been involved in two off-the-ball incidents with Moreno and Can. Nothing particularly dirty on both occasions, the Liverpool duo appeared to be the guilty party. Free kick to Liverpool...

This is sublime from Salah. The Egyptian glides past three players being setting up Coutinho for the cross. However, his teammate is tackled by Valencia and the opportunity is lost.

It has been a while but United have a sustained spell of possession, but that is only because Liverpool fancy a breather. It's understandable. The home side have been relentless both with and without the ball.

United win a free kick on the left-hand side of the penalty area and it's down to Young or Mkhitaryan. Young decides to try to find a teammate in the box but the delivery doesn't beat the first man.

Lukaku has just had about 10 more touches in the space of a few seconds - he has had one during the opening quarter of the match. The forward powered past Lovren but his cross - with his weaker right foot - was over-hit and it went out for a throw-in.

The game remains scrappy but with the odds moments of brilliance. It's playing into the hands of United, but Liverpool have had the better of this game so far.

There's been a definite lull in the action. I'm convinced Liverpool want a breather - especially with their attacking trio having made long flights back to England in recent days. It's probably a wise decision.

SHOT! It has taken 30 minutes for United to threaten with a shot on goal, and it almost leads to the visitors going ahead. The ball fell invitingly to Matic, who directed a volley inches wide of the top corner. Mignolet had no chance.

Still more of the same from both sides but still, very little end product. Liverpool need to do more to get Coutinho into this game. He's getting no joy out of Valencia.

SAVE! What a save from De Gea. Firmino finds Matip all on his own in the middle but the Spanish stopper makes a stunning block from eight yards out. The rebound was picked up by Salah, who curled the ball wide of the far post. He should have scored.

Lukaku has had nothing his own way in the match and it's led to a frustrated challenge on Gomez, who is sent into the air. However, the referee - for some reason - does not give out a yellow card.

Those opportunities and tackle from Lukaku has only increased the decibel level inside Anfield. It had gone a little quiet. Liverpool have the momentum but they have not capitalised.

One player who has impressed for United is Young, with the right-sided midfielder winning another corner for his side. Moreno just hasn't been in their one-on-one battle. Nothing came from the set piece.

SHOT! Firmino and Salah temporarily switch positions and it leads to the Egyptian being able to get a volley away on the edge of the box. However, his effort is tame and straight at De Gea.

Coutinho tries to engineer a chance outside of the box, before dribbling his way towards the byline. The playmaker does all he can but his low cut-back is deflected into the hands of De Gea.

CHANCE! United should be ahead. Martial does superbly to set up Lukaku, who has the chance to score from 14 yards on his favoured left foot. However, his effort is too close to Mignolet, who saves well to his left.

Lukaku has just caught Lovren in the face with his boot. Difficult to say whether it was intentional or not, but it didn't look great.

There will be one minute of added-on time.

The half-time whistle goes at Anfield and we remain goalless. It hasn't been the greatest game in the world, but there is enough about both sides to suggest that a goal isn't too far away. Matip and Lukaku have had the best chances for their respective teams, but De Gea and Mignolet made excellent interventions.

Despite Liverpool having the better of the chances, Mourinho is likely to be the happier of the two managers. For the large part, United have frustrated their hosts, who are putting together nice patterns of play but only sporadically. United look a constant threat on the break, although they have failed to create many openings.

Liverpool's best player has been Salah but like in previous matches, the winger doesn't always look like he can be clinical in front of goal. His pace is an asset, but sometimes his feet get muddled up and chances are lost. He should have already got on the scoresheet this afternoon.

Mourinho caused a surprise by including Young on the right flank - rather than at left-back - but the England international has arguably been his side's best player. His effectiveness is coincided with Moreno being all over the place but if United are to score, don't be surprised to see Young involved.

I can't see either manager making an alteration at this stage. United have the better options and the introduction of Marcus Rashford is inevitable but for now, both Klopp and Mourinho will probably sit tight.

Both teams have made their way back out at Anfield. As expected, no changes for either side.

KICKOFF! United get us back underway.

United have started this second half a lot higher up the pitch. It's a risky strategy, but Mourinho has seemingly ordered his team to try to take more control of this contest.

As for Liverpool, Coutinho appears to have been told to go looking for the ball, rather than waiting for it to end up at his feet on the left. The Brazilian is playing much more centrally.

Young concedes a free kick out on the right but the set piece is delivered all the way to the far side of the penalty area, where Liverpool are unable to fashion a chance through Firmino.

We have slipped back into the pattern of play where Liverpool are controlling the pace of the play and United are prepared to sit back. It hasn't taken long for Mourinho to be discouraged from playing a high line.

The crowd have gone quieter and so has the action. Maybe this is the lull before the substitutions. They are likely to be needed sooner rather than later after the international efforts.

SHOT! Coutinho hasn't had many chances to shoot today and on this occasion, Jones is able to make a partial block, with Wijnaldum then volleying well over from 14 yards.

CHANCE! How has Can missed this?! Gomez plays a dream ball into the centre where Can is running onto the ball but he flicks his effort high over the bar from no more than eight yards out.

Mourinho has seen enough. Jesse Lingard is being readied. Not sure who he will replace. Maybe Martial, but that would see Mourinho going defensive.

Mourinho will probably hold off the change because United are finally starting to push Liverpool back. A couple of poor clearances only invite the pressure but Lovren is able to make an important header once the ball returned into the box.

Every pass or tackle from Liverpool is being cheered by their supporters. They are desperate to win this game. More space is starting to emerge in the centre of the pitch. I can't see either set of players settling for a draw.

SUBSTITUTION! Here comes the change, with Jesse Lingard replacing the ineffective Mkhitaryan.

Liverpool win another corner on the right but it barely beats the first man. Groans come from the home crowd. It can't be long before we see Sturridge, but Klopp has a major call to make regarding who he replaces.

SUBSTITUTION! A second switch in quick succession for United. Rashford is on for Martial.

SHOT! It's not often that Salah ends up in central positions but when he does, he is create havoc. On this occasion, though, his curling effort was sent over the bar. Not by much, but enough.

Like in the first half, Lukaku has barely touched the ball. At least half of his touches came in one burst forward. The Belgian won't be replaced but his teammates need to do more to get him involved.

We are into the final 20 minutes and we are still struggling for a goal. Will it be two goalless draws between these sides at Anfield in a row? Firmino almost just found Salah, but his lobbed cross had too much pace on it.

We are still awaiting that first Liverpool change at a time when United are looking stronger at the back. United will take a point at Anfield. There's no doubting that.

BOOKING! We finally have a booking. It goes to Smalling for stopping Coutinho from turning him on the halfway line.

SHOT! Liverpool are running out of ideas. Salah has just tried to score from at least 30 yards. You are not beating De Gea from 30 yards. The shot goes about 20 yards wide.

SUBSTITUTIONS! That wayward shot was enough to see Klopp switch Salah with Daniel Sturridge, while Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has also been introduced for Coutinho.

I had high hopes for this game but with 10 minutes remaining, we have never looked further away from a goal. Liverpool are already showing a greater urgency but United look comfortable.

Darmian catches a Liverpool player with a high boot - I think it was Can - but he has only done damage to himself with his lack of appearances presumably contributing to the cramp he has just suffered.

Liverpool win a free kick around 40 yards from goal. It's in a central position so it's not ideal. The set piece finds Sturridge, but the striker gets under the ball and heads tamely wide.

Where has this been all match? Can surges forward with the ball and he must run about 40 yards before firing the ball across goal. However, De Gea is equal to it to prevent a tap-in at the back post.

United had the ball around 30 yards from goal and within seconds, Matic found himself playing the ball back to De Gea. United are more than happy with a draw here. Liverpool are chasing but they can't regain possession.

BOOKING! Young goes into the book for a late challenge on Moreno when trying to charge down a clearance. Looks harsh.

SUBSTITUTION! Before play resumes, Solanke comes on for the tiring Firmino.

I said in the build-up that United were practically guaranteed to score a goal. They have only come close on two occasions. This has been desperately poor from Mourinho's side, yet they may still earn a point.

There will be three minutes of added-on time.

CHANCE! It's only half a chance but Lovren heads over the crossbar from a corner. The delivery was just too high for him.

SUBSTITUTION! We are going to see Victor Lindelof in the Premier League for the first time. The Swede replaces Young.

The full-time whistle goes at Anfield and somewhat inevitably, we have ended goalless. The closing 30 minutes threw up very little in the way of action and both teams have to settle for a point apiece. However, the result enables United to move to the top of the table, with Liverpool now sitting in sixth spot.

That will be all from Sports Mole for this game. Thank you for joining us this afternoon and we hope that you can stick around for the rest of the action from today's Premier League games.

You can read our on-the-whistle match report by clicking here. Goodbye for now.