By Andrew Fraser BBC Sport Online

Manchester United and Liverpool supporters look forward to the games between their sides almost as much as their own city derbies.

But the anticipation for Sunday's trip to Anfield will be laced with a large dose of trepidation for United fans in light of the stranglehold Liverpool have gained in recent times.

Since the 1-1 draw at Old Trafford in March 2000, Sir Alex Ferguson's side have lost all four of their Premiership games against Liverpool - plus last year's Community Shield.

But it has not always been this way.

United were unbeaten for five years against their arch-rivals before the balance of power shifted, and had suffered just two defeats since the start of the Premiership in 1992.

With the overall League record between the sides finely balanced at 48 wins apiece, BBC Sport Online looks back at five of their best Premiership showdowns.

4 Nov 2001: Liverpool 3-1 Man Utd
Houllier's side maintained their supremacy over United with a comfortable victory at Anfield.

Michael Owen beat Fabien Barthez on the half hour to put Liverpool ahead and a scorching free-kick from John Arne Riise doubled their lead before the break.

United's stand-in skipper David Beckham pulled one back but Barthez made a mess of a cross to allow Owen to wrap up the win.

11 Sep 1999: Liverpool 2-3 Man Utd
The foundations for United's last victory over Liverpool were laid by a pair of own goals from defender Jamie Carragher.

Carragher diverted in a Ryan Giggs cross after just three minutes and Andy Cole doubled the lead before Sami Hyypia's header gave Liverpool hope.

Patrik Berger pulled one back after Carragher's second own goal, but United hung on to take the points despite having Cole sent off.

19 Apr 1997: Liverpool 1-3 Man Utd
A rare victory for United at Anfield was made sweeter for Ferguson's side because it all but wrapped up the title.

Liverpool were United's closest challengers but their hopes faded as Gary Pallister struck twice with headers either side of a John Barnes goal.

A mistake by keeper David James handed Cole a third goal on a plate - and the Premiership crown was United's.

1 Oct 1995: Man Utd 2-2 Liverpool
Eric Cantona stole the show at Old Trafford on his return from a lengthy ban for his kung-fu attack on a Crystal Palace fan.

Cantona helped set up an early opener for Nicky Butt before Robbie Fowler hit back twice for Liverpool.

But Cantona's moment arrived when United were awarded a penalty with 15 minutes to go and the Frenchman coolly beat David James from the spot to rescue a point.

4 Jan 1994: Liverpool 3-3 Man Utd
Liverpool were way off the pace in the league and looked on their way to a hiding after going three goals down inside 30 minutes.

Steve Bruce, Denis Irwin and Giggs gave United a commanding lead but midfielder Nigel Clough was an unlikely Anfield hero with two goals to set up a thrilling second half.

And with the clock ticking down Neil Ruddock scored with a bullet header to complete a thrilling Liverpool comeback.