Liverpool City Council have explained why the decision was taken to not postpone the Premier League clash between Liverpool and Manchester United. The Reds are scheduled to host their bitter rivals at Anfield on Sunday afternoon (4.30pm) as they look to extend their lead at the top of the league table.

Arne Slot's side have a five-point lead over second-placed Arsenal who were held to a draw with Brighton on Saturday evening. Victory for Liverpool over Man United would see that advantage extend to eight points with a game in hand.

Wintery weather has struck the UK this weekend which has caused significant disruption up and down the country. The Met Office issued amber and yellow warnings for snow and ice across the nation on Saturday and Sunday, with the adverse weather potentially affecting the football being played.

READ MORE: Liverpool and Man United release four statements amid snow chaos as postponement decision made

READ MORE: Nine Anfield snow photos show why Liverpool vs Manchester United postponement decision was made

The Safety Advisory Group for Liverpool's City Council held two meetings at Anfield on Sunday morning to decide whether the game should go ahead or be postponed. The decision was taken for the fixture to go ahead as planned, with the 4.30pm kick-off time expected to remain unchanged.

Despite the heavy snowfall across Merseyside, the Ground Safety Advisory Group with the council determined that Anfield and the surrounding area was safe for the fixture to be played.

"The Ground Safety Advisory Group looked at traffic conditions and weather forecast and deemed it to be safe," Liverpool City Council told the Manchester Evening News.

"All LFC staff also arrived at the stadium to ensure a match could be held."

Liverpool issued their own statement shortly before 12pm, confirming that the fixture could go ahead as originally scheduled. Images and videos circulating across social media showed the Anfield pitch covered in snow before club officials cleared the playing surface in preparation for kick-off.

"Today’s fixture against Manchester United will go ahead as planned," the statement from Liverpool read on Sunday morning. "Two safety meetings were held earlier to assess the weather and travel conditions.

"We thank everyone involved in helping us to get this game on today. If you’re travelling to Anfield then please take extra care. We look forward to seeing you there."