Luis Suarez remains suspended for Liverpool, but Daniel Sturridge and Coutinho have had no problem picking up the slack thus far. New signing Iago Aspas appears to be adjusting to his new team and league quickly as well, so United won't exactly have it easy despite the absence of Liverpool's best attacker.
It will be a pulsating clash on Merseyside as the two arch rivals lock horns for the first time this season with both protecting unbeaten records after two PL games. Manchester United manager David Moyes knows only too well about the passion and heritage surrounding Liverpool Football Club. For the last 11 years Moyes managed Liverpool’s city rivals Everton, just a stones throw away across Stanley Park. Now the 50-year-old Scotsman must take his new side into the fiery Anfield cauldron as the Red Devils cap off a massive week of action.
On Monday night Moyes’s men huffed and puffed but were shutout by Chelsea in the 0-0 draw at Old Trafford. Now Moyes has a chance to pick up his first real marquee win as United manager.
As for the hosts, Liverpool have yet to concede and after two-straight 1-0 wins to open the campaign, plenty of people are wondering if Rodgers’ side can sneak into the top four this season. The return of Luis Suárez is coming up but Daniel Sturridge has performed admirably in the Uruguayan’s absence, scoring both game-winners in the victories over Stoke City and Aston Villa.
But going into this game Liverpool have a huge headache defensively. Only Daniel Agger is fully-fit as Martin Skrtel is returning from injury and the so far impressive Kolo Toure was stretched off during the League Cup win over Notts County in midweek. Liverpool’s other center back, Sebastián Coates, is out for the season and Rodgers has a real issue as to who will lineup in defense. Skrtel is likely to get the nod but is nowhere near 100 percent fit.
United will look to take advantage of Liverpool’s defensive woes as an in-form Wayne Rooney is set to start in his hometown. Rooney, 27, dazzled against Chelsea on Monday night as José Mourinho and Chelsea were reminded exactly why they’re pursuing the England international. But it seems as though Rooney will be staying at United as Chelsea have all but conceded defeat in the race for the strikers signature.
As mentioned Toure will be missing for Liverpool and so will midfielder Joe Allen and new signing Aly Cissokho who were all injured in Liverpool’s draining 4-2 win over Notts County. Moyes has no real injury concerns as Phil Jones recovered from a slight back injury against Chelsea. Expect plenty of passion, meaty tackles and drama as two English heavyweights collide in one of the greatest derbies in world soccer.
Moyes will once again face a dilemma about who to play in his attack. Wayne Rooney appears to have won back a place in the first XI for the time being, but Shinji Kagawa is waiting on the United bench for his chance to make a big impact.
Liverpool injuries and suspensions
Out: Aly Cissokho (ankle), Sebastian Coates (knee), Luis Suarez (suspended). In doubt: Joe Allen (hamstring), Kolo Toure (groin).
Manchester United injuries and suspensions
Out: Rafael (hamstring), Darren Fletcher (illness), Javier Hernandez (hamstring), Nani (groin). In doubt: Wayne Rooney (head), Phil Jones (back).
The players whose fitness is in doubt for Manchester United seem much more likely to play than the players in the same boat for Liverpool. Wayne Rooney is not believed to have a concussion despite taking a knock to the head, while Phil Jones' back injury is not serious. Joe Allen and Kolo Toure were both injured in cup action mid-week and are not expected to play.
Match date/time: Sunday, 1:30 p.m. local, 8:30 p.m. ET
Venue: Anfield, Liverpool, England
