Premier League preview – Liverpool v Manchester United

PLAYERS TO WATCH Wayne Rooney (Manchester United)

Wayne Rooney is doubtful for the match, according to recent reports

There have been some doubts over the fitness of Rooney having sustained an accidental head injury in training and may even miss the big game, but if he does feature then he is surely the man to watch out for. The England striker was linked with a move to Chelsea all summer, but on Monday night he started, he impressed and won over all the United fans with his performance. He was by far the best player on the pitch. There is no doubt the former Evertonian is one of the best English players of his generation and on Sunday lunchtime he would love to continue his good form and will be the major threat for the hosts.

Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool)Gerrard is always a threat whenever you face Liverpool, and in the absence of Suarez, Sturridge will be the man to watch out for. After joining from Chelsea last January, the English striker has established himself as one of Liverpool’s primary attacking weapons by scoring 12 goals last season. Maintaining that momentum, the Manchester City academy graduate has picked up where he left of, netting four goals in just three games this season. He posses a huge threat and the United defenders will have to keep an eye on this predatory striker.MANAGER QUOTESBrendan Rodgers, Liverpool

“There’s an intense rivalry there. It’s not just the football clubs – it’s the cities that you’re representing. It’s a game that, last year, we were unfortunate not to get something from. We lost the game but we’re very confident going into this game. It’s a game which should be very close. We’re at home and we’ll look to take the initiative.

“If you look at our numbers since we last played Manchester United in January, that’s the improvement where we’ve really kicked on. The big thing for us was consistency. From when we played them in January, we’ve played 18 Premier League games each – they have won 11 and we have won 10, we have drawn six games and they have drawn five, and we have both lost two games. So over the course of that period from January they have made two points more than us and obviously they became champions.

“For us, it’s a case of continuing with that consistency. If we can do that, I think we can compete with anyone. We know it’s a really difficult challenge but we’ve shown enough in the last number of months, the second half of last season and the beginning of this season, that we can sustain a challenge. That’s something we’re very determined to do.”

David Moyes, Manchester United

“Anfield has always been a difficult place to go. It’s a great stadium and I’m looking forward to going back there. [In some ways it's] no different to any other game as you can only get three points for a win but it’d be a big win if we can do that. Liverpool are one of the strong teams this season so if we can do that it can be a good start.

“I don’t know [if it will be different going there with United] as I’ve not been involved in it yet. Everyone tells me it’s a big rivalry, Liverpool and United, and it was like that with Everton as well. I’m looking forward to the game and part of coming to Manchester United is to be involved in these type of games.

“Liverpool have started the season strongly (they’re one of only two teams to boast a 100 per cent record) and have signed a number of players this summer, including Iago Aspas, Simon Mignolet, Kolo Toure and Aly Cissokho. I think Brendan Rodgers is building his team and changing things around to the way he wants it to be. Liverpool have always been a great football club, challenging for trophies.”

MANAGER STATSRodgers v Manchester United

Games - 4Won - 0Draw - 0Lost - 4

Moyes v Liverpool

Games - 25Won - 4Draw - 8Lost - 13

Rodgers v Moyes

Games - 4Rodgers Wins - 0Draw - 2Moyes Wins - 2