You Bet | Manchester United make the most of European break, but still face tough task against Liverpool
The Red Devils re-emerge as contenders for a high finish with blistering run of form as clubs enjoy chance to focus solely on domestic competition
This current period of domestic-only action has produced some new twists near the top of the English Premier League and Manchester United, one of the teams who have thrived in recent weeks, host the big game of the weekend when they face Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday night.
Victory for United would confirm their re-emergence as serious contenders for a high finish, rather than mere also-rans, after a blistering run of form.
Three more points tomorrow would put them only two points behind Liverpool, a scenario that looked most unlikely a few weeks ago.
It is no coincidence that United’s resurgence has come during their break from European competition.
Chelsea and Liverpool, the current top two, have benefited all season from their absence from the strain of midweek games in the Champions League or Europa League, whereas the other title contenders were left to cope with relentless pressure on all fronts.
The top teams were all put on an equal footing fixture-wise in early December when the European competitions started a two-month break and United have taken full advantage.