Match Preview - Liverpool v Manchester United

Competition: Premier League
Kick-Off & Date: 12:45pm, Saturday, 15th October 2011
Venue: Anfield, Liverpool (Away)
Live TV Coverage: Sky Sports 2 (HD), 12pm - 3:15pm 

Referee: Andre Marriner (Birmingham, England)
Assistants: Scott Ledger & Mick McDonough
Fourth Official: Phil Dowd


Form: Liverpool have recovered from their humiliating 4-0 defeat away to Tottenham Hotspur less than a month ago, after beating Wolverhampton Wanderers and Everton in the Premier League, and Brighton And Hove Albion in the Carling Cup. Before the Spurs loss, The Scousers also suffered a poor result against Stoke City: 1-0 in favour of their opponents. But Anfield has been steadied, and Liverpool currently sit in a reasonable position: 5th. 

United are in much better form, but still have 3 draws in their last 6 games. Before the two-week International break, The Reds beat Norwich City 2-0 at Old Trafford following a frustrating 1-1 draw away to Stoke City. In the Champions League, two draws out of two matches has spoiled hopes of an early lead in Group C, but the competition that really matters this time of the year - the Barclays Premier League - sees United top of the pile. 


The Injury Front: Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard is a possibility to start for the Merseyside club, after suffering from a groin problem since March. The midfielder has made three substitute appearances for Liverpool recently, and manager Kenny Dalglish has failed to rule out a place in the Starting XI for Gerrard. Glen Johnson, Martin Kelly, Daniel Agger and Fabio Aurelio are now all fit, leaving The Scousers with no excuses in terms of available players. 

Squad: Reina, Kelly, Carragher, Skrtel, Enrique, Adam, Lucas, Kuyt, Gerrard, Downing, Suarez, Doni, Agger, Johnson, Coates, Robinson, Spearing, Henderson, Rodriguez, Carroll, Bellamy.


United captain Nemanja Vidic could play his first club game in two months, after recovering from a calf strain to play for Serbia midweek. Although he also announced his International retirement, Sir Alex Ferguson admitted it's down to how the defender feels on Saturday whether or not he features. The Kop tie comes too soon for Tom Cleverley, out with a foot injury, but Rafael Da Silva is back in training. Everyone else is fit to play despite doubts last week.
 
Squad: De Gea, Lindegaard, Amos, Smalling, Jones, Evans, Vidic, Ferdinand, Evra, Fabio, Rafael, Valencia, Nani, Anderson, Carrick, Fletcher, Park, Giggs, Young, Rooney, Hernandez, Welbeck, Berbatov, Owen.

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The Gaffer: Kenny Dalglish has brought an air of stability to Liverpool since his takeover at the start of the year. His first game was a 1-0 loss to none other than Manchester United, but will be looking to guide The Scousers to their 5th successive win over The Red Devils at Anfield. It promises to be an intriguing clash...

Most-Feared: Luis Suarez has started the season in blistering form for Liverpool, scoring 5 goals in 9 games, with 3 assists. The 24-year-old Uruguayan striker lies 7th in the the Premier League tops scorer list, 5 goals behind lead goalscorer Wayne Rooney. Suarez taunted United last time at The Kop !

The Ref: Andre Marriner gives a headache to Devils fans - the FA official has an awful history of Liverpool-United, but the 40-year-old referee isn't the worst about. Marriner, born in Birmingham, averages 3 yellows cards per game and always below 10 red cards per season. Whoever loses, they are likely to be winging about the ref though !

United Latest's Prediction: Liverpool 0-2 United
- Wayne Rooney & Chicharito ?