Line-ups confirmed

The teams are in for today's match, which will go ahead as planned at 4.30.

Ibrahima Konate is back for Liverpool, returning from injury to replace Joe Gomez.

Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte are straight back in for the visitors after serving their suspensions, but Marcus Rashford isn't involved after illness concerns during the week.

Liverpool: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Jones; Salah, Diaz, Gakpo

Man Utd: Onana; De Ligt, Maguire, Martinez; Mazraoui, Ugarte, Mainoo, Dalot; Fernandes, Amad; Hojlund

Shearer backing a comfortable Liverpool win

Former England striker Alan Shearer is going with the flow and tipping Liverpool for victory this afternoon.

"If United are as poor as they were in the opening half an hour against Newcastle, then you would be really worried for this one as a fan," he told Betfair, backinf "a few goals" for the hosts.

"They would have to improve massively, with the number of chances Liverpool create you would really fear for Man United in this one."

Can Littler inspire United?

While United are on a tough run, their famous fan Luke Littler has shown them how to win on the biggest stage.

Ruben Amorim is said to be hoping his players can take inspiration from the world darts champion's determination in his win over Michael van Gerwen at Ally Pally.

Not sure we'll see a repeat of the 7-3 scoreline from tat game, though.

Ground staff hard at work

The staff at Anfield have been clearing snow from the pitch in an effort to get the game going ahead, and their work has been rewarded.

We've got a little over two hours until kick-off, and team news will arrive roughly one hour from now.

Neville and Carragher showing their loyalties

It wouldn't be a Liverpool vs Manchester United build-up without some gentle banter from the teams' former stars.

Sky have put out footage of Jamie Carragher shovelling snow off the Anfield pitch, as Gary Neville attempts to get it back on.

We wonder if either will have egg on their face come full-time.

Please never change, @GNev2 & @Carra23 pic.twitter.com/TpwN4an07v

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 5, 2025

Still snowy underfoot

Fans have started arriving in the area with kick-off less than three hours away, and you can see there's still plenty of snow on the ground.

The snow hasn't entirely cleared up, as you can see, so we'd urge some care if you're on your way to the game.

Former United and Liverpool stars in early action

Today's early kick-off involves Fulham and Ipswich, and some United and Liverpool players from years past will be involved.

Ex-Liverpool winger Harry Wilson starts for the London side, with one-time Manchester United man Andreas Pereira on the bench.

Pereira, who was a regular for Marco Silva's side last term, has been linked with a January move away from Craven Cottage.

Garnacho deletes social media account

Some of the Liverpool and United players might have found themselves scrolling X (formerly Twitter) while waiting for updates, but not Alejandro Garnacho.

The United and Argentina star appears to have deleted his account on the social media platform.

Fans appear pleased with the news, calling on the 20-year-old to focus on his playing above all else.

Alejandro Garnacho has deactivated his X account ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/ZiGxq5l8K2

— UtdDistrict (@UtdDistrict) January 5, 2025

Pitch perfect

An idea of the work that has gone in to clear the pitch at Anfield today, as well as the surrounding areas.

Liverpool statement

The Reds have confirmed the match will go ahead, stating two safety meetings adjudged conditions to be fit.

"Today’s fixture against Manchester United will go ahead as planned," the club said. "Two safety meetings were held earlier to assess the weather and travel conditions.

"We thank everyone involved in helping us to get this game on today. If you’re travelling to Anfield then please take extra care. We look forward to seeing you there."

GAME ON!

The match will take place at 4.30pm as scheduled!

Staff put the work in

Liverpool staff hard at work

The Stanley Park snowman

What we calling this little fella then?

Snow Salah?

Anfield in the snow

Whatever happens, on or off, football grounds look great in the snow don't they?

The scenes at Anfield

Club staff have been hard at work clearing the paths around Anfield. You get the sense Liverpool REALLY want to play this game.

No problems with the pitch

Get the orange ball out!

Manchester United back up Liverpool's statement

Nice to see them working together isn't it?

Runway news!

Long term followers of this blog will be aware of the runway at Liverpool Airport closing this morning, but it's back baby.

Signs of hope wherever you look now. *Does the Gerrard in Istanbul arms*

Liverpool planning on match taking place

Liverpool have tweeted the following, as a further meeting will take place at 12pm.

Decision delayed until midday

Latest from Chris McKenna:

The decision on the match going ahead has been delayed until midday.

The Safety Authority Group will reconvene at midday due to expected changes in weather conditions.

Fleetwood vs Wimbledon off

Another of today's League Two games has fallen by the wayside, with Fleetwood Town vs Wimbledon biting the bullet due to the snow.

UK snow causes sporting chaos as emergency meeting held over Liverpool vs Man Utd clash

Parts of the United Kingdom were blanketed by snow in the early hours of Sunday and many sporting fixtures will fall victim to the weather.

The snow has impacted travel across the country, with Leeds Bradford, Manchester, Liverpool John Lennon and Birmingham Airports all closing their runways. The UK's roads and train network has also been affected, with a severe weather warning issued by the Met Office after 25cm of snow fell in some areas.

It is a nightmare situation for those hoping to attend sporting events, or play in grassroots fixtures. Travelling fans face potential late postponements, with pitch inspections taking place this morning before a decision is taken by officials.

More here.

Business as usual?

Liverpool are still preparing for the game to go ahead, judging by this.

Snow at Anfield

Taggy's Bar lies in the shadow of Anfield and they've provided an update on conditions this morning. And it's not good news.

On their Instagram account they write: "Snow is about 2inches some places. It rains a little, but very cold rain so won't take snow away most likely. My money is on postponement. Meeting at 9 I've been told.

Chesterfield vs Gillingham called off

There's just over 100 miles between Liverpool and Chesterfield as the crow flies, but any crows heading in that direction won't be seeing any football today.

The League Two meeting between the Spireites and Gillingham has been called off.

Snow update

The snow has eased off in this particular corner of south Liverpool, and things are looking a fair bit brighter out there.

It will just be a case of how safe the authorities think fans will be heading to and from the match, as the freezing temperatures mean the snow and ice on the ground might not go away for a while.

Predictions for the game

*Should* the match go ahead then table-topping Liverpool are of course huge favourites, but how do our writers think the game will go?

Check out what they think here.

Liverpool airport runway closed

Anyone flying in for the game could face issues, as Liverpool Airport say their runway is temporarily closed this morning.

Urgent safety meeting to be called

Liverpool City Council’s Safety Advisory Group will hold a meeting to determine whether Sunday afternoon’s clash between Liverpool and Manchester United can go ahead.

Heavy snow has fallen in the Liverpool area throughout Saturday night into Sunday morning, with amber weather warnings for snow and freezing rain in place for both Liverpool and Manchester.

Amber warnings are more serious than yellow warnings but not as serious as red. They indicate a possible risk to life as well as significant travel disruption.

Read more here.