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Substitute Xherdan Shaqiri scored two goals from deflected shots to help Liverpool beat fierce rivals Manchester United 3-1 and lift his team back atop the Premier League on Sunday.
Days after keeping Liverpool in the Champions League with a stunning late save against Napoli, Brazil goalkeeper Alisson Becker made a dreadful mistake that gifted United an equalizer through Jesse Lingard in the 33rd minute at Anfield.
Liverpool vs Manchester United: Player ratings
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But Shaqiri spared Alisson from some of his embarrassment by putting Liverpool back in front in the 73rd — within three minutes of coming on as a substitute — with a low strike that deflected off United defender Ashley Young and went in off the crossbar.
Shaqiri's second goal clinched Liverpool victory and again came via a ricochet, this time off Eric Bailly, to deceive United goalkeeper David De Gea in the 80th.
Sadio Mane had given Liverpool the lead in the 24th.
United has been beaten 3-1 by both of its biggest rivals in recent weeks — it also lost by that score at Manchester City last month — and was outplayed on both occasions.
Liverpool is a point ahead of second-placed City — and 19 points ahead of sixth-placed United — after 17 games.
AP
PREVIEW
What time does it start?
Liverpool vs Manchester United kicks off at 4:00pm (GMT) on Sunday 16th December.
Where can I watch it?
Liverpool vs Manchester United will be shown live on Sky Sports’ Main Event and Premier League channels from 3:30pm (GMT).
Sky subscribers can stream the match online via the Sky Go app.
Highlights will be shown at 10:15pm on BBC Two.
Salah scored a hat-trick against Bournemouth last weekend (AFP/Getty) (AFP/Getty Images)
Player to watch…
Mohamed Salah: The Egyptian is back to his very best form, and his individual effort in midweek against Napoli secured the Reds’ qualification into the knockout stages of the Champions League. Last week, Salah scored a brilliant hat-trick away at Bournemouth and the 26-year-old is now the joint top-scorer in the Premier League on 10 goals, alongside Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. However, he drew a blank against United last season, and Liverpool haven’t scored at home against United in the league since March 2015.
Nathaniel Clyne starts for Liverpool at right back, who have had a bit of a crisis in recent times. How his stock has fallen in the last couple of seasons.
It looks like a five defensively for Manchester United again. Will they be able to cope with Liverpool's attacking triumvirate?
Liverpool flying and looking to go back to the top of the Premier League table; Manchester United eight points behind the rest of the 'Big Six' but possessing serious quality in their side.
It is always a huge game, and today is no different. Kick off is imminent...
Three-at-the-back from Manchester United. Victor Lindelof left, Matteo Darmian right, Eric Bailly betwixt his centre backing cohorts. Diogo Dalot and Ashley Young providing the width.
Liverpool's 4-3-3 looks more like a 4-4-2 initially. Sadio Mane and Naby Keita on the wings with Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino further ahead.
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