Manchester United and Liverpool have learnt who the referee will be for this weekend's crunch Premier League fixture and it could be bad news for Jurgen Klopp.
United travel to Anfield knowing that victory could put them six points clear of the defending champions after this evening's game in hand against Burnley.
Liverpool have shown signs of a dip this season after their relentless pursuit of the title last term and Klopp has started to show cracks in his friendly persona.
The German has sparked a war of words with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in recent weeks after complaints over United's penalty record, which may be perceived an attempt to influence the officials.
This weekend's referee will be Paul Tierney and recent history shows the Lancashire-based official is not afraid to snap back at Klopp.
Back in July, the Liverpool boss angrily challenged Tierney after he did not award a free-kick in the clash with Aston Villa and was furious that a foul was not given.
Tierney's response, as initially reported by the Liverpool Echo, was short and sharp, as the referee told Klopp: "I missed it Jurgen. I’m like players, I’m going to make mistakes. I missed it. Get over it."
With the stands empty due to the restrictions in place amid the coronavirus pandemic, Tierney's words could be heard clearly.
Klopp was silenced by the response from the match official and his side went on to win the tie 2-0.
