It is still early days in the Premier League 2022-23 season. However, a lot seems to have already transpired. Heavyweights Manchester United are sitting right at the bottom of the table with two successive defeats against their name. Meanwhile, title contenders and runners up of previous season Liverpool are yet to register a win and have started with 2 points out of a potential six.

It is in the backdrop of this that the first North West derby of the season becomes all the more crucial. While a bruised United would desperately want to turn it around, nothing less than a win is the need of the hour for Liverpool who fear getting too far behind in the title race early on. 

However, protests against the Glazer family aren't going to help either team's cause. While a Manchester United supporters' group has confirmed that there will be protests against the Red Devils' owners at Old Trafford for this match, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has demanded that if the match is called off due to such a protest, they should be awarded 3 points.

Klopp also spoke about how playing an away game against United will not be easy.

"Of course, I would prefer to play them after they win 5-0 but it isn't dreamland, that's how it is. We drew twice too, so is it better to play us? I don't know," Klopp told reporters at a press conference.

"We have to deal with all the situations. The whole world will watch it, let's see how these heavyweights deal with the situation," he added.

"The last two results, I knew already wouldn't help this time. I couldn't be less interested in the results from last season... It helps United to be more motivated if that's possible," Klopp said about their recent dominance over United in League encounters."

"This is a completely different game in a completely different situation.  United can change nothing or everything, so it's tricky preparation-wise, but it's early and we don't have a lot of info. It's tough... United away will never be easy", Klopp said.

The two teams are scheduled to go head to head on Monday night (Tuesday, IST) at the Old Trafford.