Rusty Man U are desperate

London Oct. 5: Liverpool will be banking on the Anfield factor to propel them to victory against Manchester City this weekend as Jose Mourinho desperately tries to stop the rot at Manchester United.

Despite becoming a major force in recent years, City have a miserable record at Liverpool, where they have not won in the Premier League since 2003.

Chelsea, in third place, will attempt to stay on the coat-tails of the top two away at Southampton while fourth-placed Tottenham host Cardiff.

Mourinho is desperate for something to go his way as Manchester United’s season threatens to unravel but at least has the comfort of facing struggling Newcastle.

Guardiola battles Anfield factor

Liverpool v Manchester City on Sunday is the blockbuster fixture this weekend, pitching first against second, with both sides putting their unbeaten records on the line.

City lead Liverpool on goal difference but are without a Premier League win at fortress Anfield for 15 years and travel with the painful memory of three defeats against the Reds last season.

Jurgen Klopp’s men are stuttering for the first time this campaign — Wednesday’s last-gasp defeat to Napoli was their third match in succession without a victory.

Hazard’s hot streak.

Eden Hazard has scored six goals in his past five Premier League games but his form has papered over the cracks at Stamford Bridge, with Olivier Giroud looking toothless in front of goal and Alvaro Morata also enduring a goal drought until 1-0 Europa League win over Vidi. —