Manchester United could go top of the table with a victory in Saturday's early kickoff this weekend, but to do so they will need to overcome their fiercest rival on enemy ground when they face Liverpool at Anfield.

The Red Devils have begun the 2017-18 campaign in blistering form with 19 points amassed from a possible 21, in addition to 21 goals scored at an average of three per game.

One of the chief reasons behind their newfound potency in front of goal is Romelu Lukaku, who has found the back of the net 11 times in 10 matches across all competitions since his summer switch from Everton.

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Another goal at Anfield would see the Belgian become the first player in Manchester United history to score eight times in his first eight Premier League games for the club, but how does he fare against Liverpool?

Chelsea: Two games, no goals

Lukaku's first league match against Liverpool came during his time at Chelsea in the 2011-12 season, when he came off the bench to replace future Red Daniel Sturridge with a little over 20 minutes remaining.

By that stage, though, Chelsea were already 4-1 down at Anfield and Lukaku failed to improve matters for the Blues during his cameo. The Belgian was also included in the starting lineup for the EFL Cup quarter-final at Stamford Bridge that year which Liverpool won 2-0.

West Bromwich Albion: Three games, two goals

Lukaku enjoyed a thoroughly successful loan season at West Bromwich Albion, and that success extended into two meetings with Liverpool during the 2012-13 Premier League campaign.

The Baggies won both matches - 3-0 at home and 2-0 at Anfield - with Lukaku scoring the final goal in each despite starting both games on the bench. However, he was on the losing side in the third round of the EFL Cup that season too.

Everton: Eight games, three goals

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Lukaku's own personal success against Liverpool continued briefly into his Everton career, with the Belgian scoring twice in his first league start against the Reds during a 3-3 draw at Goodison Park in November 2013.

However, Lukaku failed to win any of his eight Merseyside derbies against Liverpool during his time with the Toffees and scored just once more in his subsequent seven clashes with the Reds.

That goal came in a 1-1 draw at Goodison Park in October 2015, with Lukaku netting his maiden first-half goal against Liverpool to cancel out a Danny Ings opener.

Overall: 13 games, five goals

Things started well enough for Lukaku against Liverpool, with four goals in his first four league appearances against the Reds, but he has since found the back of the net just once in his last seven meetings.

The Premier League double with West Brom in 2012-13 provide his only previous wins against the Merseysiders, with four draws and seven defeats from his 13 meetings across all competitions.

Written by
Barney Corkhill