As one week cliché goes, a week is a long time in football. By that token, three months is an eternity.
That's more or less the timespan since Manchester United beat Liverpool 3-0 in a scoreline that did not reflect the balance of the match.
But things have certainly changed, particularly for Liverpool who have rediscovered their mojo and that makes them favourites before they welcome Man United to Anfield tomorrow as Louis van Gaal will have to decipher Brendan Rodgers (thus far) impregnable system.
So what must United look out for?
First let's work out where Liverpool's strengths lie when it comes to the 3-4-2-1 formation that has reaped rewards in recent weeks.
It is quite clear that the epicentre of creativity and volcanic threat has been emanating from the two players behind the striker, which will be from Raheem Sterling, Adam Lallana and Philippe Coutinho.
Because wide players Alberto Moreno and Lazar Markovic can occupy the flanks, it means Coutinho and co can roam inside and provide both a passing threat and shots on goal, as the young Brazilian has done recently.
Stopping the two behind the forwards is vital as Arsenal and Manchester City found to their cost this season, with Mathieu Flamini and Fernandinho left isolated and over-worked on both sides in their most recent matches against the Reds.
Coutinho and Sterling's zones of influence against Man City/ Squakwa.com
Michael Carrick is likely to be the deepest lying midfielder for United, but he will need a midfield partner willing to slot in beside him, or a third centre-back behind him to try and occupy the zone where Coutinho, Sterling and co will look to thrive.
Meanwhile, just one assist and 44 chances have been created between Moreno and Markovic, with the duo ranking sixth and seventh respectively among Liverpool's players.
But as mentioned, their movement up and down the flanks allows the attacking midfielders to dominate the opposition and Man United must find a way of disrupting the contribution they provide and force the likes of Coutinho and Sterling to cover ground out wide as often as possible.
This Squawka graphic shows the areas of influence for Liverpool's wing-backs versus Man City at the start of March
In that case, United's best bet may be to mirror Liverpool's formation in a way, but with more emphasis on the flanks further forward to force Liverpool's wing-backs to shuttle back as often as possible.
And that means Maroaune Fellaini's role as the link between midfield and Wayne Rooney will be even more vital in order give regular support and occupy an extra member of Liverpool's back three.
Whatever, happens though, its a must-win for both sides in a rat race for the Top Four.
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