Date, time, and coverage Saturday 11 February 2012, 12:45 GMT kick-off. Live on Sky Sports. Also follow live on ManUtd.com with text and radio commentary.
Form guide
United are unbeaten in the Barclays Premier League since the 3-0 defeat to Newcastle on 4 January but were knocked out of the FA Cup at Anfield last month. The amazing comeback at Chelsea should boost morale as the champions remain in touch with leaders Manchester City and can go above Roberto Mancini's men, perhaps temporarily, with three points from the early kick-off. Liverpool have won only two of their last eight league encounters but have progressed in both the Carling Cup and FA Cup at the expense of some high-profile scalps. The Merseysiders appear to have been finding things slightly easier on the road recently after drawing too many games at Anfield, including Monday's stalemate with Tottenham.
Ins and outs
Tom Cleverley could be in the squad again but the game looks likely to come too soon for Nani. Nemanja Vidic, Darren Fletcher and Michael Owen remain sidelined while Phil Jones and Chris Smalling could miss out again due to injury. Paul Pogba is poised for a place on the bench after sitting out the Reserves' defeat to Manchester City on Thursday. Full-back Jose Enrique is doubtful for the visitors but Fabio Aurelio has returned to fitness. Luis Suarez is pushing for a start after re-emerging from his ban with a substitute's appearance against Tottenham. The influential Brazilian midfielder Lucas is out for the remainder of the season.
Last meeting
A late winner by Dirk Kuyt ended United's interest in the FA Cup last month after Ji-sung Park cancelled out Daniel Agger's opener. The previous league meeting saw Steven Gerrard's free-kick edge Liverpool in front at Anfield on 15 October but Javier Hernandez came off the bench to salvage a point with a headed equaliser.
Opposition boss
Kenny Dalglish returned for his second spell in charge of the club after Roy Hodgson departed and has the unequivocal backing of the Anfield outfit's support. He will enjoy locking horns with fellow Scot Sir Alex again on the touchline and fully understands the huge rivalry between the two most successful clubs in the country. An exceptional striker in his playing days, he also guided Blackburn to the Premier League title after leaving Liverpool.
Star man
Steven Gerrard continues to pull the strings for Liverpool and he's enjoyed plenty of personal success against the Reds over the years. Quickly returning to something like his best form after being out from the end of October until Boxing Day, the dynamic midfielder now has 10 league games under his belt this term. Although he has only scored twice in the league, one came in the 1-1 draw with United at Anfield and he is not only a threat with his free-kicks but remains pretty deadly from the penalty spot. Still the heartbeat of Dalglish's team.
Quote/unquote
"Everyone involved, including the media, the supporters and both teams have a responsibility to ensure this weekend is remembered as a cracking game of football between two very good sides, rather than for anything else." - Kenny Dalglish, Liverpool manager.
Sub-plots
After Patrice Evra was jeered at Anfield, the expectation is that Suarez will face a barrage of boos at Old Trafford after the FA found the Uruguayan guilty of racially abusing United's skipper. There will certainly be intense focus on Suarez, who marked his comeback against Spurs with a yellow card for kicking Scott Parker in the chest. Avenging the undeserved FA Cup defeat must be in the Reds' minds but three points are all that really matters in terms of the bigger picture - pulling further clear of Liverpool in the overall pecking order with a 20th title success.
Whistle blower
Phil Dowd will be the coolest head in the white-hot atmosphere as he takes control of proceedings. The experienced official took charge of United's victories over Manchester City (Community Shield), Chelsea and Wigan Athletic this season and is used to handling big matches.
Rivals watch
Manchester City are not in action until Sunday at 4pm, when they travel to Aston Villa. On Saturday, Tottenham entertain Newcastle, Arsenal are at Sunderland and Chelsea travel to Everton.
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