Old Trafford
Sunday, December 14, 2014
Kick-off: 7 pm
David Moyes’s branding of Liverpool as favourites against Manchester United at Old Trafford for last season’s edition of this fixture hardly enamored the Scot to fans. In Louis van Gaal they now have a manager to believe in and he “welcomes” Brendan Rodgers’ side seeking a six consecutive win. The Liverpool manager is feeling serious heat due to average domestic form and being knocked out of the Champions League and a victory over the old enemy would be a fair fillip.
United were poor in victory at St Mary's on Monday night and lost in both Premier League encounters against Liverpool last season, but at present it is United who have the upper hand on their bitter rivals.
Brendan Rodgers' men are seven points behind United in ninth place after losing six games this season, but will know anything can happen in what is still one of the fiercest rivalries in the Premier League.
Brendan Rodgers' men are seven points behind United in ninth place after losing six games this season, but will know anything can happen in what is still one of the fiercest rivalries in the Premier League.
Midfielder Angel di Maria will miss Manchester United's game against Liverpool on Sunday because of a hamstring injury.
Defenders Phil Jones (shin) and Rafael (groin) return after two months on the sidelines.
Left-back Luke Shaw (ankle), midfielder Daley Blind (knee) and defender Chris Smalling (groin) are out though.
Striker Mario Balotelli is back in training and could return to the squad for Sunday's trip to Manchester United.
The Italy forward has been sidelined since November 8 because of a groin problem sustained on international duty.
Midfielder Adam Lallana will be in the squad despite breaking two ribs just over a week ago while centre-back Kolo Toure is expected to have recovered from a groin injury which kept him out of the midweek Champions League draw against Basel.
Only Everton v Liverpool (20) has seen more red cards than Liverpool v Manchester United of all fixtures in Premier League history (15).
Steven Gerrard has scored more goals as an away player at Old Trafford than any other player in Premier League history (5).
Mario Balotelli’s only previous appearance in the league at Old Trafford saw him score twice in Man City’s 6-1 demolition of the Red Devils in October 2011.
Liverpool’s haul of 21 points is their fourth lowest in Premier League history at this stage of the season. They had 19 points in 1992-93, 2010-11 and 2012-13.
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