Liverpool against Manchester United

Full-time!

Henderson crosses into the box towards Suarez but it's headed clear.

Ferguson pointing at his wrist watch (big surprise..............)

Downing with a good run, crosses into the box superbly for Henderson to fire just over!

Henderson close again!

3 mins of extra-time given, 2 remaining.

Skrtel goes so close!!! United fail to clear the ball before the defender volleys over. That could have been the winner!

Corner sent in and De Gea punches it out. Superb so far from the keeper.

Henderson goes very close! Superb save from De Gea after a dangerous volley from the midfielder. Corner...

Welbeck defends superbly with Gerrard trying to cross. Goal-kick to United, De Gea to take.

Another free-kick to Liverpool. Gerrard wastes.

Good run by Giggs, finding some space before over hitting a pass to Evra that runs out for a goal-kick. Reina to take.

Downing suddenly shoots - surprisingly - with a decent effort but it's too wide to concern De Gea.

Liverpool passing the ball around in midfield and looking for an opener.

Cross from Enrique blocked by Smalling. Liverpool throw-in.

Throw-in to United.

Suarez offside! Very close indeed after sloppy work from Evans. He'll be relieved.

Smalling clears for a throw-in. After a largely disappointed game, this is producing a superb finish.

Now United attacking. Welbeck in possession before Downing clears.

And again! A scramble in United's penalty box. Liverpool close again.

So close! A great cross from Downing finds Kuyt who produces a quality save from De Gea.

Rooney seems to be in centre midfield, Liverpool could have the advantage going forward.

Hernandez - again - right place, right time. What a finisher.

Hernandez equalises with a header after being free following a flick on from Welbeck. 1-1.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Goal! 1-1!

Giggs corner headed by Smalling but deflected off for another corner, this time on the opposite side.

Well defended by Gerrard as Smalling attacks. Corner to United.

Throw-in taken by Evra.

Hernandez and Nani get in eachother's way. Goal-kick to Liverpool.

Free-kick to United after a foul on Evra by Kuyt.

Stat: Last 10 mins possession - 28& Liverpool, 72% United.

Rooney, Welbeck, Hernandez and Nani all on together. Crucially, that could create another chance for Liverpool to score.

Seems United will go to 4-3-3

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Jones off, Hernandez on.

Nani finds some space after a pass from Giggs, but he fires high and wide.

Liverpool's midfield now flatter than before, content to hold their shape and the one goal lead?

Stat: Today would be United's fourth successive defeat at Anfield, if the scores remains the same.

Many managers, surely, would be tempted to take Suarez off so that Carroll could play and hold the ball up, but Suarez constantly applies pressure on a defence and drags it out of position. Great performance by him so far, and one that deserves a goal.

Kelly with the throw in. Suarez now in possession, ever the livewire.

De Gea with the goal-kick, then.

Welbeck continues to show great industry and energy by pressuring Liverpool's defence but United need more than that.

Reina collects Jones's cross. Kicks the ball towards Kuyt but it's lost for a United throw in.

Now will Liverpool go for another, or look to double their lead?

Ferguson, unsurprisingly, to go in search of an equaliser.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Rooney and Nani on for Park and Young.

Giggs will be very disappointed with that. Not De Gea's fault at all.

1-0 to Liverpool! Gerrard finds a hole in the free-kick - very poor cover from Giggs, and De Gea can't see it before the ball goes in.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Gerrard bends the free-kick in!

Initially a good run, but a dive from Adam. Ferdinand on a yellow so could have been even worse. Free-kick on the edge of the box. Downing, Adam and Gerrard standing over it.

Controversy! Ferdinand foul on Adam, was it a dive?

Nani also ready to come on...

Rooney warming up...

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Evra booked after an exchange with Kuyt. The ref had warned him...

Gerrard takes the corner which De Gea punches clear. It seems he's learning about that 'authority' Ferguson mentioned.

Handbags between Evra and Suarez the reason...

Ref orders a re-take.

Suarez wins the ball, finds some shotting space but his effort is deflected off of Smalling for a corner. Gerrard to take.

United looking for too many passes - someone (Rooney? Hernandez?) needs to take responsibility for shooting like Suarez is for Liverpool. Good passes wasted by looking for the next instead of shooting when possible.

Stat: Liverpool 56% possession to United's 44%.

Nani pictures warming up...Rooney remains seated.

Suarez fires over with a speculative effort.

Gerrard now playing deeper since Henderson's arrival.

Enrique proving a good outlet for Liverpool - many of their attacks are built from him.

Now Liverpool's free-kick. Gerrard takes it short.

Not a corner. A free-kick. De Gea to take.

Evra receiving treatment for the challenge.

Corner for Liverpool after a brief tussle between Suarez and Evra. Even when the striker isn't scoring he constantly pursues the ball and pressures opposing defences. Andy Carroll, take note.

Clear intent from Liverpool. Henderson certainly a more attacking influence than Lucas.

No surprise there, Lucas on a yellow and seemingly awaiting more trouble until he was brought off.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Henderson on for Lucas.

Enrique's long ball towards Suarez results in a corner.

Gerrard crosses but De Gea collects.

Liverpool again spreading play through Adam, Downing and Enrique.

Suarez fires at De Gea. A decent effort, not amazing. Tidily collected by the keeper.

Lucas caught in possession after dithering. Poor play.

The game's certainly more open so far in the second half. Dalglish appears to have told Liverpool to go for the win.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Ferdinand booked for a foul on Suarez. Unsurprisingly, he's the subject of a lot of attention from United.

Young attacking down the left but it comes to nothing as Reina collects.

Now corner to United, headed over by Welbeck and out for a goal-kick.

Controversy! A Kuyt headed hits Jonny Evans's arm after Gerrard's corner. United lucky.

Gerrard's free-kick headed by Fletcher before Suarez superbly turns Smalling to win a corner. Impressive individual skill.

Free-kick to Liverpool in United's half. Not shooting range, though.

Kuyt showing why he's valued at Liverpool with some stellar defensive work there.

Stat: Young's free-kick was United's first effort on target (it's been that sort of game...).

Downing threatens with a good run down the left, testing Smalling before taking a heavy touch which runs out of play.

Free-kick to United - Suarez offside.

Young curls in a free-kick, Reina spills but recollects. Enrique now in possession.

Lucas fouls again. Possible dive, but free-kick to United and he really HAS to be careful...

Young finds some space before firing wide. Had to come inside to do so - Kelly's defended well, so far.

Neither manager has made any personnel changes.

Second-half underway...

Players out for the second half, and Phil Jones is fit...

Even if it's just how many "literallys" Jamie Redknapp will use before the end of the day...

Any predictions for the second half? Send them to @ESPNsoccernet or @decwarrington

If he does come off, it could mean Ferguson has to change his side around substantially. Jones playing a very specific role in the United midfield so far.

Looks like he may have hurt himself, so it wouldn't be a great surprise to see him subbed off. But, as Ray Wilkins was keen to point out, "he's a Northern lad..." so he may be fine.

Will try and provide any injury news about Phil Jones as and when it becomes clear.

During Rafa Benitez's time in charge of Liverpool, they occasionally dominated United for long periods of play before conceding a late winner.

Ferguson likely to be the happier of the two men, given the game is at Anfield and his team selection suggests he's happy to avoid defeat. Both he - and United - don't forget, are more than capable of 'smash and grab' victories.

What are your thoughts? Send them to Twitter @ESPNsoccernet or @decwarrington.

United so far have little of note going forward beyond Young and Welbeck. However - Giggs is always capable of threatening - and Hernandez, Rooney and Nani are all on the bench. Whether Ferguson will use them so early, however, is unclear.

United currently set-up more defensively than Liverpool and, as usual, Suarez is full of energy, but every time he comes deep or wide to collect the ball, Liverpool have no-one to aim at. Moreover, when he is in the centre, Smalling, Ferdinand and Evans are superior in the air and there's little threat.

Little of note, despite a high tempo from both sides. Both teams cancelling each other out - will Ferguson or Dalglish take the risk and try to win the game?

Half-time.

Downing - who, let's be honest, was probably bought to supply Carroll - again with little to aim for down the left. Ball given away.

2 minutes of extra-time added. Jones getting treatment on the sidelines so United temporarily down to ten men.

Looks likely to go into half-time at 0-0.

Play stopped as Jones and Lucas accidentally have a clash of heads.

United in possession but panicking...

Adam's free-kick headed towards De Gea but he punches clear...

Adam to take the free-kick...

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Young booked for a fould on Suarez. Free-kick to Liverpool.

Lucas with a questionable challenge - lucky not to give away a free-kick. Needs to be careful he doesn't get another yellow card.

Parks wins the ball from Enrique, makes good ground with a run before firing well wide.

Kuyt in possession in midfield.

Skrtel goes on a mazy run but Ferdinand defends well and the ball's out for a goal-kick. Good defending.

Adam trying to release Suarez but again, United's defence intervenes.

Suarez was suddenly played in by Kuyt but the ref blows up for a hand-ball. De Gea to take the subsequent free-kick.

Liverpool passing the ball around, looking for some space.

Fletcher fires wide from a decent shooting range. Until that effort, United's front men look reluctant to shoot.

A Downing run provides a crossing opportunity for Gerrard, but - again - it's not met by anyone in a Liverpool shirt. Little threat.

Dalglish shows his pain...

A big test for the Spaniard, Suarez was in a very dangerous position and should have scored.

Kelly intercepts an Evra pass, Adam collects, puts Suarez cleanly through but De Gea produces a great save!

Carroll pictured warming up. Despite his form, perhaps Dalglish recognises he could have a role to play with Liverpool inclined to send the ball long.

Giggs appeals for a foul by Carragher, but doesn't get it. Throw in to Liverpool.

Gerrard slips when sending a cross in and the result is a United goal-kick. A wasted chance.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Lucas booked for a challenge and he'll miss Liverpool's next game against Norwich.

United clear but Liverpool again in possession. Carragher hits it long but Evans meets it with a header.

Dangerous looking corner from Gerrard headed out by United.

Good chance for Liverpool, then...

Downing in possession down the left. Running with plenty of purpose but with little to aim out. Suarez now out wide and wins a corner after briefly mesmerising Ferdinand.

Long ball into Liverpool box headed clear by Carragher.

Both United and Liverpool seem lacking in the final third - neither has a suitable focal point with just a solitary striker and neither particularly authoritative in the air.

Cross into the box, not completely cleared by United. Another goes in byt again headed clear. Could have been a big game for Carroll.

Good work from Gerrard gives Liverpool the chance to attack, but Downing's delivery not good enough. Throw-in.

Suarez very, very optmistic. Shoots harmlessly wide from a big distance. Anfield misses Xabi Alonso even more.

Goal-kick to United.

Skrtel - strangely - looking composed so far today. Good tackle to give Liverpool possession before Suarez is fouled by Smalling. Quick free-kick taken by Enrique before Smalling then wins the ball from Sowning.

Good tackle from Suarez, gives Liverpool possession and chance to build an attack...

Ferdinand's turn to hit it long and out for a throw - United try to box Liverpool in but ball is sent long towards Kuyt.

Dangerous inswinging cross from Gerrard! Bends just beyond the far post, no-one there to meet it. A wasted chance.

Adam releases Downing down the left. The ball's crossed towards Suarez but headed out again. Not the sort of service Suarez enjoys. Encouragingly, though, Enrique and Downing linking up well and proving a good threat. Where's Andy Carroll when you need him?

Reina clears again, and again it's out for a throw-in.

Good pressure from Adam. Presses Ferdinand until the ball goes out for a throw in.

Fletcher tries to find Young will a long ball but Carragher wins the header.

Suarez again getting crowded by United's defence. Seems they don't want to give him the freedom he was afforded last season.

Now United's turn to pass the ball around midfield until Smalling gives the ball away.

United defending well so far, Suarez looks isolated at the moment.

Suarez tackled, ball out for a throw-in.

Closest yet! Evra finds some space down the left and picks out Jones with an excellent cross but the young defender/midfielder heads tamely wide.

Reina passes out to Carragher, Liverpool seemingly happy to keep possession until giving the ball away - again, something both sides have already done several times today.

Ball cleared as far as Evra who then clears for a throw in. Ball now back with Enrique.

Young crosses it in but no real danger, Reina collects.

Young and Giggs standing over the ball...

United win a free-kick on edge of Liverpool box after foul from Kelly.

Downing caught diving after a challenge from Patrice Evra. United throw in.

Liverool waste a free-kick and the bal is back in defence, with Skrtel forced to risk a dangerous pass across the penalty box to clear.

Which, of course, means the midfield could get both aggressive and congested, with 10 players in there.

Looks as though Gerrard's playing a deeper role than anticipated. Appears to be playing alongside Adam and Lucas, not necessarily in the hole behind Suarez.

Smalling slips, Enrique gets the cross in but no-one's there to meet it.

Downing and Enrique now linking up to attack down the left

Giggs and Gerrard both giving the ball away within a matter of seconds.

Smalling gives ball away but Liverpool, after threatening, waste a good chance through Kuyt.

Aimless cross into the United box from the right wing, De Gea collects.

Early signs show Ashley Young will be Welbeck's chief support and look to come in from wide and play just behind him.

A terrible effort. Looking for Enrique but really overhit, throw in to United.

Goal-kick now to Liverpool.

Evra successfully defends from Gerrard and the ball's out for a goal-kick.

Adam passes back to Reina, before getting the ball back and picking out Gerrard with a good pass.

Downing leads a Liverpool attack before losing possession to be cleared by De Gea.

A big Jonny Evans header finds its way to Pepe Reina, who's rolled the ball out to his defence.

Dodgy kick there from De Gea - early nerves?

Typically high tempo start. Liverpool press high and early but the ball goes out for a throw in.

Here we go then, United kick off...

Putting bragging rights to one side, momentarily, this is a big fixture in the landscape of this season's Premier League. Liverpool are one of the few sides who genuinely believe they can conquer United, and a win for them could make the title race far more open, but a win for United could see them develop a strong early season lead over the other challengers and it could stay that way until next May.

Players are in the tunnel, and walking out...

Stat: Jamie Carragher has played in Liverpool's last 12 victories over Manchester United.

And so to sendings off... Will there be another red card today? Javier Mascherano really lost it in this fixture a few years ago. Rodwell was off in the Merseyside derby, undeservedly, but it's that sort of fixture.

Less than 10 minutes until kick-off, then...

Today could also be interesting for David de Gea. Jerzy Dudek memorably suffered in this fixture several years ago. De Gea's settled down after a tough start - and is unquestionably talented - but a mistake today could be a huge set-back.

Would also be a surprise if Bellamy and/or Carroll don't make an appearance for Liverpool.

Lindegaard, Anderson, Rooney, Hernandez, Carrick, Nani, Valencia... What a bench for Ferguson to choose from, especially if United go behind.

Martin Kelly could also come under close scrutiny today. The selection of Young and Giggs means he's likely to be kept busy, and how he deals with them will give a good insight to Fabio Capello and those calling for his involvement in the England squad. He certainly seems to have the potential to be a sounder option than Glen Johnson.

Dalglish appears confident and admits he's "delighted" to have Gerrard back.

Gary Neville makes an interesting point. He speaks of Phil Jones's ability to go forward - which he certainly can do - but will he leave United's defence exposed if he does so? Ferguson won't want a repeat of the Basel Champions League match.

Elsewhere on the pitch, Charlie Adam proved a big threat to United when at Blackpool last season. Can he have the same impact today?

Ferguson also confirms how disappointed Wayne Rooney is for his international suspension. Shame for him - he's had a superb start to the season and was threatening to possibly have his finest yet - his momentum could well be interrupted.

Ferguson confirms Phil Jones will be playing in midfield. Interesting call. It seems Jones's energy is there to try and negate the threat posed by Gerrard and Suarez.

United, meanwhile, have both Rooney and Hernandez on the bench. Great game changers - and shows a lot of faith in Welbeck - but will United have enough going forward to seriously test what's been an unsteady Liverpool defence this season.

It speaks volumes for the impact Andy Carroll has had at Liverpool this season and the faith Dalglish currently has him - after scoring against Everton, there was a chance for him to build some confidence and to develop some form but it appears he's not to be trusted in such a big game.

Interesting team news from both sides - big calls from Sir Alex Ferguson and Kenny Dalglish.

<b>Manchester Unite team:</b> De Gea, Evra, Jones, Ferdinand, Evans, Giggs, Smalling, Park, Young, Welbeck, Fletcher. Subs: Lindegaard, Anderson, Rooney, Hernandez, Carrick, Nani, Valencia.

<b>Liverpool team:</b> Reina, Kelly, Enrique, Carragher, Skrtel, Lucas, Adam, Gerrard, Downing, Kuyt, Suarez. Subs: Doni, Bellamy, Carroll, Henderson, Spearing, Robinson, Agger.

<i>ESPNsoccernet</i> will bring you live commentary of this colloquial clash at Anfield from 1215 BST. Kick-off is at 1230 BST, while team news will appear here as soon as it reaches us.

Throw-in to United.

Suarez offside! Very close indeed after sloppy work from Evans. He'll be relieved.

Smalling clears for a throw-in. After a largely disappointed game, this is producing a superb finish.

Now United attacking. Welbeck in possession before Downing clears.

And again! A scramble in United's penalty box. Liverpool close again.

So close! A great cross from Downing finds Kuyt who produces a quality save from De Gea.

Rooney seems to be in centre midfield, Liverpool could have the advantage going forward.

Hernandez - again - right place, right time. What a finisher.

Hernandez equalises with a header after being free following a flick on from Welbeck. 1-1.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Goal! 1-1!

Giggs corner headed by Smalling but deflected off for another corner, this time on the opposite side.

Well defended by Gerrard as Smalling attacks. Corner to United.

Throw-in taken by Evra.

Hernandez and Nani get in eachother's way. Goal-kick to Liverpool.

Free-kick to United after a foul on Evra by Kuyt.

Stat: Last 10 mins possession - 28& Liverpool, 72% United.

Rooney, Welbeck, Hernandez and Nani all on together. Crucially, that could create another chance for Liverpool to score.

Seems United will go to 4-3-3

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Jones off, Hernandez on.

Nani finds some space after a pass from Giggs, but he fires high and wide.

Liverpool's midfield now flatter than before, content to hold their shape and the one goal lead?

Stat: Today would be United's fourth successive defeat at Anfield, if the scores remains the same.

Many managers, surely, would be tempted to take Suarez off so that Carroll could play and hold the ball up, but Suarez constantly applies pressure on a defence and drags it out of position. Great performance by him so far, and one that deserves a goal.

Kelly with the throw in. Suarez now in possession, ever the livewire.

De Gea with the goal-kick, then.

Welbeck continues to show great industry and energy by pressuring Liverpool's defence but United need more than that.

Reina collects Jones's cross. Kicks the ball towards Kuyt but it's lost for a United throw in.

Now will Liverpool go for another, or look to double their lead?

Ferguson, unsurprisingly, to go in search of an equaliser.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Rooney and Nani on for Park and Young.

Giggs will be very disappointed with that. Not De Gea's fault at all.

1-0 to Liverpool! Gerrard finds a hole in the free-kick - very poor cover from Giggs, and De Gea can't see it before the ball goes in.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Gerrard bends the free-kick in!

Initially a good run, but a dive from Adam. Ferdinand on a yellow so could have been even worse. Free-kick on the edge of the box. Downing, Adam and Gerrard standing over it.

Controversy! Ferdinand foul on Adam, was it a dive?

Nani also ready to come on...

Rooney warming up...

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Evra booked after an exchange with Kuyt. The ref had warned him...

Gerrard takes the corner which De Gea punches clear. It seems he's learning about that 'authority' Ferguson mentioned.

Handbags between Evra and Suarez the reason...

Ref orders a re-take.

Suarez wins the ball, finds some shotting space but his effort is deflected off of Smalling for a corner. Gerrard to take.

United looking for too many passes - someone (Rooney? Hernandez?) needs to take responsibility for shooting like Suarez is for Liverpool. Good passes wasted by looking for the next instead of shooting when possible.

Stat: Liverpool 56% possession to United's 44%.

Nani pictures warming up...Rooney remains seated.

Suarez fires over with a speculative effort.

Gerrard now playing deeper since Henderson's arrival.

Enrique proving a good outlet for Liverpool - many of their attacks are built from him.

Now Liverpool's free-kick. Gerrard takes it short.

Not a corner. A free-kick. De Gea to take.

Evra receiving treatment for the challenge.

Corner for Liverpool after a brief tussle between Suarez and Evra. Even when the striker isn't scoring he constantly pursues the ball and pressures opposing defences. Andy Carroll, take note.

Clear intent from Liverpool. Henderson certainly a more attacking influence than Lucas.

No surprise there, Lucas on a yellow and seemingly awaiting more trouble until he was brought off.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Henderson on for Lucas.

Enrique's long ball towards Suarez results in a corner.

Gerrard crosses but De Gea collects.

Liverpool again spreading play through Adam, Downing and Enrique.

Suarez fires at De Gea. A decent effort, not amazing. Tidily collected by the keeper.

Lucas caught in possession after dithering. Poor play.

The game's certainly more open so far in the second half. Dalglish appears to have told Liverpool to go for the win.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Ferdinand booked for a foul on Suarez. Unsurprisingly, he's the subject of a lot of attention from United.

Young attacking down the left but it comes to nothing as Reina collects.

Now corner to United, headed over by Welbeck and out for a goal-kick.

Controversy! A Kuyt headed hits Jonny Evans's arm after Gerrard's corner. United lucky.

Gerrard's free-kick headed by Fletcher before Suarez superbly turns Smalling to win a corner. Impressive individual skill.

Free-kick to Liverpool in United's half. Not shooting range, though.

Kuyt showing why he's valued at Liverpool with some stellar defensive work there.

Stat: Young's free-kick was United's first effort on target (it's been that sort of game...).

Downing threatens with a good run down the left, testing Smalling before taking a heavy touch which runs out of play.

Free-kick to United - Suarez offside.

Young curls in a free-kick, Reina spills but recollects. Enrique now in possession.

Lucas fouls again. Possible dive, but free-kick to United and he really HAS to be careful...

Young finds some space before firing wide. Had to come inside to do so - Kelly's defended well, so far.

Neither manager has made any personnel changes.

Second-half underway...

Players out for the second half, and Phil Jones is fit...

Even if it's just how many "literallys" Jamie Redknapp will use before the end of the day...

Any predictions for the second half? Send them to @ESPNsoccernet or @decwarrington

If he does come off, it could mean Ferguson has to change his side around substantially. Jones playing a very specific role in the United midfield so far.

Looks like he may have hurt himself, so it wouldn't be a great surprise to see him subbed off. But, as Ray Wilkins was keen to point out, "he's a Northern lad..." so he may be fine.

Will try and provide any injury news about Phil Jones as and when it becomes clear.

During Rafa Benitez's time in charge of Liverpool, they occasionally dominated United for long periods of play before conceding a late winner.

Ferguson likely to be the happier of the two men, given the game is at Anfield and his team selection suggests he's happy to avoid defeat. Both he - and United - don't forget, are more than capable of 'smash and grab' victories.

What are your thoughts? Send them to Twitter @ESPNsoccernet or @decwarrington.

United so far have little of note going forward beyond Young and Welbeck. However - Giggs is always capable of threatening - and Hernandez, Rooney and Nani are all on the bench. Whether Ferguson will use them so early, however, is unclear.

United currently set-up more defensively than Liverpool and, as usual, Suarez is full of energy, but every time he comes deep or wide to collect the ball, Liverpool have no-one to aim at. Moreover, when he is in the centre, Smalling, Ferdinand and Evans are superior in the air and there's little threat.

Little of note, despite a high tempo from both sides. Both teams cancelling each other out - will Ferguson or Dalglish take the risk and try to win the game?

Half-time.

Downing - who, let's be honest, was probably bought to supply Carroll - again with little to aim for down the left. Ball given away.

2 minutes of extra-time added. Jones getting treatment on the sidelines so United temporarily down to ten men.

Looks likely to go into half-time at 0-0.

Play stopped as Jones and Lucas accidentally have a clash of heads.

United in possession but panicking...

Adam's free-kick headed towards De Gea but he punches clear...

Adam to take the free-kick...

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Young booked for a fould on Suarez. Free-kick to Liverpool.

Lucas with a questionable challenge - lucky not to give away a free-kick. Needs to be careful he doesn't get another yellow card.

Parks wins the ball from Enrique, makes good ground with a run before firing well wide.

Kuyt in possession in midfield.

Skrtel goes on a mazy run but Ferdinand defends well and the ball's out for a goal-kick. Good defending.

Adam trying to release Suarez but again, United's defence intervenes.

Suarez was suddenly played in by Kuyt but the ref blows up for a hand-ball. De Gea to take the subsequent free-kick.

Liverpool passing the ball around, looking for some space.

Fletcher fires wide from a decent shooting range. Until that effort, United's front men look reluctant to shoot.

A Downing run provides a crossing opportunity for Gerrard, but - again - it's not met by anyone in a Liverpool shirt. Little threat.

Dalglish shows his pain...

A big test for the Spaniard, Suarez was in a very dangerous position and should have scored.

Kelly intercepts an Evra pass, Adam collects, puts Suarez cleanly through but De Gea produces a great save!

Carroll pictured warming up. Despite his form, perhaps Dalglish recognises he could have a role to play with Liverpool inclined to send the ball long.

Giggs appeals for a foul by Carragher, but doesn't get it. Throw in to Liverpool.

Gerrard slips when sending a cross in and the result is a United goal-kick. A wasted chance.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Lucas booked for a challenge and he'll miss Liverpool's next game against Norwich.

United clear but Liverpool again in possession. Carragher hits it long but Evans meets it with a header.

Dangerous looking corner from Gerrard headed out by United.

Good chance for Liverpool, then...

Downing in possession down the left. Running with plenty of purpose but with little to aim out. Suarez now out wide and wins a corner after briefly mesmerising Ferdinand.

Long ball into Liverpool box headed clear by Carragher.

Both United and Liverpool seem lacking in the final third - neither has a suitable focal point with just a solitary striker and neither particularly authoritative in the air.

Cross into the box, not completely cleared by United. Another goes in byt again headed clear. Could have been a big game for Carroll.

Good work from Gerrard gives Liverpool the chance to attack, but Downing's delivery not good enough. Throw-in.

Suarez very, very optmistic. Shoots harmlessly wide from a big distance. Anfield misses Xabi Alonso even more.

Goal-kick to United.

Skrtel - strangely - looking composed so far today. Good tackle to give Liverpool possession before Suarez is fouled by Smalling. Quick free-kick taken by Enrique before Smalling then wins the ball from Sowning.

Good tackle from Suarez, gives Liverpool possession and chance to build an attack...

Ferdinand's turn to hit it long and out for a throw - United try to box Liverpool in but ball is sent long towards Kuyt.

Dangerous inswinging cross from Gerrard! Bends just beyond the far post, no-one there to meet it. A wasted chance.

Adam releases Downing down the left. The ball's crossed towards Suarez but headed out again. Not the sort of service Suarez enjoys. Encouragingly, though, Enrique and Downing linking up well and proving a good threat. Where's Andy Carroll when you need him?

Reina clears again, and again it's out for a throw-in.

Good pressure from Adam. Presses Ferdinand until the ball goes out for a throw in.

Fletcher tries to find Young will a long ball but Carragher wins the header.

Suarez again getting crowded by United's defence. Seems they don't want to give him the freedom he was afforded last season.

Now United's turn to pass the ball around midfield until Smalling gives the ball away.

United defending well so far, Suarez looks isolated at the moment.

Suarez tackled, ball out for a throw-in.

Closest yet! Evra finds some space down the left and picks out Jones with an excellent cross but the young defender/midfielder heads tamely wide.

Reina passes out to Carragher, Liverpool seemingly happy to keep possession until giving the ball away - again, something both sides have already done several times today.

Ball cleared as far as Evra who then clears for a throw in. Ball now back with Enrique.

Young crosses it in but no real danger, Reina collects.

Young and Giggs standing over the ball...

United win a free-kick on edge of Liverpool box after foul from Kelly.

Downing caught diving after a challenge from Patrice Evra. United throw in.

Liverool waste a free-kick and the bal is back in defence, with Skrtel forced to risk a dangerous pass across the penalty box to clear.

Which, of course, means the midfield could get both aggressive and congested, with 10 players in there.

Looks as though Gerrard's playing a deeper role than anticipated. Appears to be playing alongside Adam and Lucas, not necessarily in the hole behind Suarez.

Smalling slips, Enrique gets the cross in but no-one's there to meet it.

Downing and Enrique now linking up to attack down the left

Giggs and Gerrard both giving the ball away within a matter of seconds.

Smalling gives ball away but Liverpool, after threatening, waste a good chance through Kuyt.

Aimless cross into the United box from the right wing, De Gea collects.

Early signs show Ashley Young will be Welbeck's chief support and look to come in from wide and play just behind him.

A terrible effort. Looking for Enrique but really overhit, throw in to United.

Goal-kick now to Liverpool.

Evra successfully defends from Gerrard and the ball's out for a goal-kick.

Adam passes back to Reina, before getting the ball back and picking out Gerrard with a good pass.

Downing leads a Liverpool attack before losing possession to be cleared by De Gea.

A big Jonny Evans header finds its way to Pepe Reina, who's rolled the ball out to his defence.

Dodgy kick there from De Gea - early nerves?

Typically high tempo start. Liverpool press high and early but the ball goes out for a throw in.

Here we go then, United kick off...

Putting bragging rights to one side, momentarily, this is a big fixture in the landscape of this season's Premier League. Liverpool are one of the few sides who genuinely believe they can conquer United, and a win for them could make the title race far more open, but a win for United could see them develop a strong early season lead over the other challengers and it could stay that way until next May.

Players are in the tunnel, and walking out...

Stat: Jamie Carragher has played in Liverpool's last 12 victories over Manchester United.

And so to sendings off... Will there be another red card today? Javier Mascherano really lost it in this fixture a few years ago. Rodwell was off in the Merseyside derby, undeservedly, but it's that sort of fixture.

Less than 10 minutes until kick-off, then...

Today could also be interesting for David de Gea. Jerzy Dudek memorably suffered in this fixture several years ago. De Gea's settled down after a tough start - and is unquestionably talented - but a mistake today could be a huge set-back.

Would also be a surprise if Bellamy and/or Carroll don't make an appearance for Liverpool.

Lindegaard, Anderson, Rooney, Hernandez, Carrick, Nani, Valencia... What a bench for Ferguson to choose from, especially if United go behind.

Martin Kelly could also come under close scrutiny today. The selection of Young and Giggs means he's likely to be kept busy, and how he deals with them will give a good insight to Fabio Capello and those calling for his involvement in the England squad. He certainly seems to have the potential to be a sounder option than Glen Johnson.

Dalglish appears confident and admits he's "delighted" to have Gerrard back.

Gary Neville makes an interesting point. He speaks of Phil Jones's ability to go forward - which he certainly can do - but will he leave United's defence exposed if he does so? Ferguson won't want a repeat of the Basel Champions League match.

Elsewhere on the pitch, Charlie Adam proved a big threat to United when at Blackpool last season. Can he have the same impact today?

Ferguson also confirms how disappointed Wayne Rooney is for his international suspension. Shame for him - he's had a superb start to the season and was threatening to possibly have his finest yet - his momentum could well be interrupted.

Ferguson confirms Phil Jones will be playing in midfield. Interesting call. It seems Jones's energy is there to try and negate the threat posed by Gerrard and Suarez.

United, meanwhile, have both Rooney and Hernandez on the bench. Great game changers - and shows a lot of faith in Welbeck - but will United have enough going forward to seriously test what's been an unsteady Liverpool defence this season.

It speaks volumes for the impact Andy Carroll has had at Liverpool this season and the faith Dalglish currently has him - after scoring against Everton, there was a chance for him to build some confidence and to develop some form but it appears he's not to be trusted in such a big game.

Interesting team news from both sides - big calls from Sir Alex Ferguson and Kenny Dalglish.

<b>Manchester Unite team:</b> De Gea, Evra, Jones, Ferdinand, Evans, Giggs, Smalling, Park, Young, Welbeck, Fletcher. Subs: Lindegaard, Anderson, Rooney, Hernandez, Carrick, Nani, Valencia.

<b>Liverpool team:</b> Reina, Kelly, Enrique, Carragher, Skrtel, Lucas, Adam, Gerrard, Downing, Kuyt, Suarez. Subs: Doni, Bellamy, Carroll, Henderson, Spearing, Robinson, Agger.

<i>ESPNsoccernet</i> will bring you live commentary of this colloquial clash at Anfield from 1215 BST. Kick-off is at 1230 BST, while team news will appear here as soon as it reaches us.