When Manchester United take on Liverpool on Sunday morning, a new chapter will begin in one of sport's greatest rivalries.
Both clubs are aiming to top the league come the new season but the general expectation was that if manager Arne Slott's first season went well, Liverpool would be the real favourites, while Manchester United would struggle to finish in the top four.
The betting markets back this up, with Liverpool overwhelmingly favourites for the away game on Sunday morning.
Liverpool vs Manchester United predictions
(Sunday 8:30am)
Slott's first two games in charge of Liverpool couldn't have gone better, beating Ipswich Town 2-0 on the opening day before repeating the result at home to Brentford.
Liverpool never looked under much pressure in either game and their expected goal difference of +6.3 speaks to their dominance in both matches.
The most notable statistic from Liverpool's first 180 minutes under Slott was the expected goals conceded, at just 0.8.
Manchester United's start to the season has been, as expected, a bit rocky, with the Red Devils beating Fulham 1-0 in their opening match before conceding a late winner at Brighton last weekend, losing 2-1.
Learn more about the best US sports betting sites and apps
They may have been a little unlucky to lose like that, but the truth is Brighton were the better team throughout the game.
On merit, it would be fair to say that Liverpool are the favourites to win this match, with the Reds coming into the season with higher expectations than the Red Devils and they have lived up to them through two games.
What makes things a bit confusing here is that Liverpool have made a very weak start to this season, Ipswich Town were favourites for relegation, while Brentford finished the 2023-24 season in 16th place and were without star striker Ivan Toney.
Liverpool have passed those tests but now they will be looking to step up a notch against a flawed but dangerous Manchester United, the team that has caused them problems.
Manager Erik ten Hag has had a turbulent tenure at Old Trafford but he is at his best when his team can sit back and counter against a side that likes to be on the offensive, such as Liverpool.
These two teams faced off against each other three times last season, with United winning one and drawing two to beat Liverpool.
Liverpool are the better team but this price is attractive for them, especially away from home.
Bet: Manchester United (+280, Fanatics)
