Manceshter United travel to Anfield on what must be an emotional encounter as both sets of players have announced that they will pay tribute to those who have lost their lives in the Hillsborough tragedy. Already one of the biggest games in any season, this match will be more than just 3 points for the Anfield faithful.
Manchester United go into this match against Liverpool in a relatively decent form. They have managed to keep two clean sheets in a row and four straight wins and Sir Alex Ferguson’s side is starting to gel up together. News signings Van Persie, Kagawa and Alexander Buttner have all shown their worth. With no fresh injuries after the midweek victory over Galatasaray, Ferguson will have a strong squad travelling to Anfield.
Liverpool on the other hand have once again made a horrible start to the campaign and with just two points in the four league games they have played, the Reds lie on 18th place just above QPR and Reading. Going into the match, Brendan Rodgers does not have any new injury casualties and the manager is likely to start with the same team that played Sunderland a week ago with the expectation of left back Jose Enrique, who is back to fitness. Skipper Steven Gerrard, Luis Suárez, Glen Johnson, Martin Skrtel, Daniel Agger, Joe Allen were all rested for Thursday night’s 5-3 Europa League win over Young Boys and is expected to return to the starting line-up as Liverpool go looking for their first Premier League victory of the season.
Both Liverpool and United have asked their fans to end the sick chantsProbable Line – ups:
Liverpool (Possible, 4-3-3): Reina; Enrique, Skrtel, Agger, Johnson; Shelvey, Gerrard, Allen; Borini, Suárez, Sterling.
Out: Cole (hamstring), Lucas (thigh).
Subs: Doni ,Downing, Sahin, Carragher, Henderson, Coates
Manchester United (Possible, 4-4-2): Lindegaard; Rafael, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra; Nani, Scholes, Carrick, Kagawa; Van Persie, Welbeck.
Out: Jones, Keane, Young (all knee), Rooney (thigh), Smalling (toe)
Subs: De Gea, Buttner, Valencia, Hernandez, Giggs, Cleverly.
Match Facts
- Nemanja Vidic has been sent off in his last two appearances at Anfield. Three of his four red cards in the Premier League have been against Liverpool.
- Liverpool have won 4 and lost none of their last 5 games in all competitions at home to Manchester United.
- Chicharito has scored in each of his last two Premier League appearances at Anfield.
- Robin van Persie scored both goals as Arsenal beat Liverpool 2-1 at Anfield last season and has scored 4 in his last 5 games against the Merseysiders.
- Only Liverpool v Everton (20) has seen more red cards than Liverpool v United(13) in Premier League history.
- Liverpool have won just two of their 11 Premier League games at Anfield in 2012 (W2 D4 L5).
- Liverpool have the worst shooting accuracy of any team in the Premier League, hitting the target with just 27% of attempts.
- United have had seven different scorers in the Premier League this season, more than any other team (Van Persie, Kagawa, Rafael, Scholes, Hernandez, Buttner, Powell)
Prediction: