United desperate for Liverpool to fail

Gab Marcotti and Natalie Sawyer are joined by Oli Kay, Bill Edgar and George Caulkin ahead of a huge weekend of football.

Liverpool travel to Old Trafford to face bitter rivals Manchester United who are seeking to dent their title bid. But should Liverpool be worried about their fabled front three looking a bit off colour?

Manchester City then look to retain the Carabao Cup against Chelsea and under-pressure Maurizio Sarri. Is a mid-season change of manager likely at Stamford Bridge? Or do Chelsea lack strong enough personalities in the dressing room to affect change?

And while we want to like VAR, City’s game at Schalke in the Champions League made it difficult.

Also George lifts the lid on Newcastle’s Spanish training camp and whether Almiron has lifted the mood amongst the Magpies.

Charlie Scott and Paddy von Behr provide advice ahead of the fantasy football weekend. For free Fantasy Premier League tips from The Sweeper, visit thetimes.co.uk/fantasyfootball