Preview:
Date, time and coverage: Sunday 1 September (kick-off: 13:30 BST). The match is live in the UK on Sky Sports and you can follow it via ManUtd.com’s live blog and MUTV Online’s radio commentary.
Form guide: United head to Merseyside on the back of Monday’s goalless draw with title rivals Chelsea, the first Old Trafford match of the David Moyes era. That stalemate was preceded by a 4-1 victory over Swansea City and the champions would love to replicate that impressive away performance at Anfield. Although it won’t be easy against a Liverpool team that has claimed maximum points thus far from matches with Stoke City and Aston Villa, making them one of just two teams to hold a perfect record in the Barclays Premier League.
Ins and outs: Wayne Rooney should retain his starting place after impressing on Monday, while Ashley Young could also get the nod following his encouraging cameo. Rafael and Javier Hernandez are still unavailable through injury, while Nani is also likely to miss out. Martin Skrtel will return for Liverpool, though Brendan Rodgers is probably without Kolo Toure, Joe Allen and Aly Cissokho after all three suffered injuries during Tuesday’s Capital One Cup win over Notts County.
Betting: Official partners bwin have United priced as narrow outsiders at odds of 2.75, with Liverpool at 2.50 and the draw at 3.50. There is plenty of value in the half-time/full-time market, especially if you fancy an epic Reds comeback. You can back the Liverpool/United31.00.
Last meeting: In what was billed as a battle of the strikers between Robin van Persie and Luis Suarez, the Dutchman came out on top to help United triumph at Old Trafford. Van Persie fired the opener before supplying the cross from which Nemanja Vidic doubled after the break. Daniel Sturridge halved the advantage, though United were comfortable 2-1 winners.
Manager: Brendan Rodgers is confident his senior players will not be affected by Tuesday’s 120-minute cup clash when United visit Anfield on Sunday. “We've got plenty of recovery time now for the players,” he told Liverpool’s official website. “That was the idea - that I could put some of the senior guys in knowing there was enough recuperation period after the game, and obviously to give our young players good experience playing in a competitive game. They'll all be fine, they'll recover well and we'll be excited now looking forward to that game on Sunday.”
Star man: After joining from Chelsea last January, Daniel Sturridge established himself as one of Liverpool’s primary attacking weapons by scoring 12 goals by last season’s end. Maintaining that momentum, the Manchester City academy graduate has picked up where he left of, netting four goals in just three games this term. United’s defenders must monitor this predatory striker.
Sub-plot: As a former Everton manager of 11 years, David Moyes knows all about local derbies with Liverpool and the Scot will undoubtedly draw on that experience this Sunday.
Did you know? Although clashes between the two sides are often tight, only one of the last 50 encounters has ended in a 0-0 draw. Meanwhile, each of the last four fixtures has ended with a scoreline of 2-1.
Quote/unquote: “I can’t wait for the game. Ever since I’ve been at the club, coming through the under-9s to 15s, 16s, youth team and reserves; no matter what the situation is, it’s massive. Obviously we’ll want to go there and win but it’s going to be another intense game and I think the whole club is really looking forward to it.” – Danny Welbeck
Whistle-blower: Andre Marriner will be in the man in the middle at Anfield. United fans last saw him during last March’s 2-1 win over Reading in the FA Cup. Interestingly, in the Premier League, he awarded five red cards in his last five outings last term.
Rivals watch: Manchester City host Hull City Tigers in the midday kick-off on Saturday before Arsenal face North London neighbours Tottenham on Sunday. Chelsea aren’t in action due to their participation in Friday’s European Super Cup.
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