Perhaps no loss is more difficult for supporters of Liverpool than one against fierce rivals Manchester United.
And on March 17, that was especially true in the last seconds of extra time during an FA Cup quarterfinal that the Reds had led with four minutes of the remaining ninety minutes.
However, once the disappointment of the trip to Old Trafford last month had subsided, supporters could at least easily observe the various mitigating variables at play and get some perspective.
Since United was playing in their sixth game in 30 days, it was understandable that the visitors were lethargic in the latter half of the match.
Without a doubt, Erik Ten Hag’s team’s two consecutive victories in the week leading up to the game undoubtedly contributed to the game’s eventual outcome.
Even though there was talk of Liverpool’s quadruple hopes being dashed, I doubt many supporters thought that was a realistic goal.
Of the three trophies the Reds were vying for at the moment, the FA Cup was unquestionably the least important.
Although all these elements helped Liverpool fans forget about their team’s most recent visit to Old Trafford rather quickly, things could not be quite so simple if the same thing happens this week.
Undoubtedly, more than any other award, Klopp’s final Premier League championship added to the Champions Wall is what Kopites want to see him do.
Furthermore, any result other than three points from this weekend’s match seriously raises doubts about that given the presence of Manchester City and Arsenal.
Thankfully, the Reds are in far better form than they were three weeks ago as they make their way to Old Trafford.
First off, there shouldn’t be a definite edge in terms of legs because both sides have played the same number of games (two) since the season’s final international break.
Meanwhile, Ryan Gravenberch and Curtis Jones’ recent injury returns have increased Liverpool’s alternatives.
Most importantly, though, is that they are no longer in a situation where they have to manage their minutes by pulling out either Dominik Szoboszlai or Mohamed Salah early.
Manchester United won’t be playing the best possible Liverpool team because Trent Alexander-Arnold, Diogo Jota, and Alisson are still out, but they should still be a strong enough team to win.
The truth is that Ten Hag’s club has managed to win and draw their two Premier League games so far this season, despite the fact that there are currently 22 points and five places separating these two teams.
Liverpool needs to make amends on Sunday if they want to continue to enjoy the incredible conclusion to this season and, in fact, Klopp’s reign.
If they don’t succeed, Klopp and his team will have much less justifications to work with this time.
