ExplainedWhy this week is a rare treat in Liverpool history

When the schedule for the next campaign is released every summer, eyes are quickly drawn to when the Reds will be playing their historic rivals.

The proximity of the clashes with the Blues and the Red Devils is usually at the whim of the fixture computer but Jürgen Klopp’s side’s ongoing progress across four competitions in 2021-22 has thrown up a rare treat.

Following Tuesday night’s 4-0 home success versus United – a game that was delayed due to Liverpool’s advancement in the Emirates FA Cup – the Reds will next host Everton in the Merseyside derby this Sunday afternoon.

Only once before in the club’s history have Liverpool faced United and then Everton in consecutive encounters in the league at Anfield.

That happened in September 1925, when a 5-0 victory over United was followed by a 5-1 win against our neighbours, with Dick Forshaw bagging a hat-trick in both games.

Klopp’s men are halfway towards emulating their predecessors of almost a century ago and will hope to complete a satisfying double when the Blues cross Stanley Park for a 4.30pm BST kick-off.