Manchester United v. Liverpool - Match Preview

The scousers have dipped in form recently, and United supporters will be hoping they cant dent the aspirations of Europe harboured by the Merseyside outfit and further jeopardise Gerald Houllier's place in the hot seat at Anfield.

League title hopes have been dead for a long time, but the race for second spot between Chelsea and ourselves is very much alive. Claudio Ranieri's side who seem to be on the slippery slope at present, so the opportunity is certainly there for the Red Devils.

The game at Anfield in early November saw Welsh-wizard Ryan Giggs bag two goals in a 2-1 victory for the Red Devils. Australian Harry Kewell got the consolation.

"It doesn't matter how the teams are doing in the league it is always a massive game: Liverpool - Manchester United." said Giggs ahead of the game.

But in last term's corresponding fixture, United absolutely walked all over Liverpool and netted a marvelous 4 goals in a 4-0 win in a game that saw former captain Sami Hyypia getting sent off just 4 minutes into the clash. A repeat of that is priced at 33/1.

Paul Scholes in unfortunately suspended for the game but United welcome the return of South American duo Diego Forlan and Kleberson after missing games with injury.

Skipper Roy Keane returns to the starting XI and Eric Djemba-Djemba is likely to make way for the Irishman in midfield. Meanwhile, Tim Howard is set to keep his place in-between the sticks after a solid performance against Charlton.

Michael Owen could be partnered by either Milan Baros or Emille Heskey as Gerard Houllier has various attacking options. Danny Murphy, who has a habit of scoring against United, could feature.

United go into the game at 8/11 to claim all 3 points whereas 'Pool are placed at 3/1 to run away with a victory.

ManUtdWeb Prediction: Manchester United 1 - Liverpool 0