#PLStories – Will 1995 history repeat itself for clash between Liverpool and Manchester United in 18th round ?? #LFC #MUFC

Liverpool host Manchester United in the Premier League this weekend but how will the clash unfold? If history is to point to this exact fixture in premier league, let’s go to 1995/1996 season – Dec/17/1995 specifically and look at the 18th round clash at Anfield. Yes 18th round , same as 2020/2021 season.

Manchester United’s Premiership hopes suffered a serious setback as they fell to a red-hot Liverpool in a thrilling top-of-the-table clash. In those times, it was rare for a United team to be so comprehensively outfought, out-run and outplayed by their most bitter rivals.

Playing on the home front, Liverpool played exceptionally well to beat their arch rivals from Old Trafford 2-0. It was a real team effort. Rob Jones switched to left back and did well. Jason McAteer was outstanding on the right, breaking forward at every opportunity. Steve Harkness once again looked comfortable In that new central role and In midfield John Barnes pushed on more and looked more of a threat for this slight tactical change. Michael Thomas, making a rare appearance, was possibly man of the match for the way he got stuck In and worked Robbie Fowler hard. Up front, Stan Collymore could have had four or five goals with more clinical finishing. Manchester United looked very immature for a side with alleged title ambitions. Liverpool took the game to them and were excellent value for their victory.

Robbie Fowler got his revenge and put Eric Cantona in the shade. And his deadly double fired Liverpool’s season back on track while plunging United into a title crisis. A tally of just three points from the last 12 leaves Alex Ferguson’s men seven points adrift of leaders Newcastle. And their desperate display at Anfield gave their followers little hope they could claw back the deficit. It was sweet revenge for Fowler as his two goals at Old Trafford in October were virtually ignored because of the hype surrounding Cantona’s comeback. Fowler stole the Frenchman’s thunder as he reached his half-century of Premiership goals. And Cantona’s humiliation was completed when he was taunted by a streaker with No 7 on his back.