xG, big chances, touches and duels are ESPN's numbers; other sites' models can differ a little.
ESPN has no formation for this match, so here are the line-ups as a list.
United had their chances and forced Dudek into numerous saves, but an ultra-solid Liverpool performance never allowed them to create any attacking fluency
Conservative for the first half hour, the game went entirely to Houllier's plan - sneak the first goal and hit United on the counter
Giggs takes one last swipe - sliced horribly. The full-time whistle blows and Liverpool have put one over their greatest rivals to win the Worthington Cup
Deep into injury-time and Gerrard and Murphy hold the ball in the corner before Keane arrives to briefly interupt the party
There's unlikely to be a more raucous rendition of You'll Never Walk Alone this season... Ferdinand is heroic again, blocking Owen's shot after another Murphy raid. Biscan replaces Diouf, who's had perhaps his best game in a Liverpool shirt
Ferdinand clears off the line after Murphy waltzed past Neville to cross for Smicer at point-blank range. Extraordinary miss by the Czech -but it matters little now
An emphatic finish from the England striker that sends the Merseyside fans into ecstasy. The killer blow. Off goes Baros, replaced by Smicer
| # | Team | P | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 7 | +12 | 21 | |
| 2 |
Last 4 meetings
ESPN has no formation for this match, so here are the line-ups as a list.
xG, big chances, touches and duels are ESPN's numbers; other sites' models can differ a little.
United had their chances and forced Dudek into numerous saves, but an ultra-solid Liverpool performance never allowed them to create any attacking fluency
Hamann hoofs clear and Silvestre's sloppy chested ball towards Ferdinand is seized on by Owen, who surges into the box before rifling the second past Barthez. 2-0 Liverpool!
United press on. Again Carragher clears - this time from Solskjaer's cross
Carragher nods away after Beckham's cross from wide out
Hyypia comes up to the United box but Neville can bring it away
Liverpool work it to the right, where Diouf brings another foul from Silvestre
Baros holds it up nicely on the Liverpool left. Veron and Keane team up but the Irishman is over-eager. Freekick
Then panic in the Liverpool ranks as they fail to deal with a bouncing ball in the box. Van Nistelrooy seizes on it but Dudek gets down to palm away
Easily dealt with by Henchoz and Liverpool work their way up the left. Smicer waiting to come on, meanwhile, with O'Shea next up for United
Gerrard gets back to take the ball away from Van Nistelrooy. Throw to United though
Neville cuts inside to feed Scholes, who makes a blatant dive with his back to goal. Referee Durkin not fooled and Hamann is furious with the England midfielder
After Veron sprays the ball wide, Neville's first-time cross is diverted by Murphy back to Dudek
Beckham crosses from the left but Gerrard is there to tidy up as Scholes waits for the ball to drop
Silvestre gets across speedily to prevent Baros' long pass from reaching Diouf. United probe down the left where Carragher concedes a throw
Veron brings down Baros as Liverpool break after another headed clearance. Barthez called into (now rare) action as he rises to claim Gerrard's cross
Wes Brown is sacrificed as the Norwegian supersub arrives
Meanwhile Giggs skips past Carragher but ignores Beckham, free on the right, as he looks instead for Scholes, who can't reach his prodded pass anyway
Solskjaer ready to take the field...
United increasingly anxious as Van Nistelrooy gets a sight of goal but hurries it a little, hitting straight at Dudek
Now Henchoz misses Silvestre's cross but it's just beyond Beckham.
Liverpool counter - Murphy's strike blocked
Veron looking more dangerous, chasing his own chip ahead into the box but Riise gets a foot in
Two offsides - first against Beckham and then Van Nistelrooy
Keane heads over the top from the corner. Liverpool break and Baros' quick-footedness nearly fools Brown, but United clear
Veron arrives in support of Beckham. A ball inside for Scholes to hit first-time and Dudek just gets enough on it to prevent the equaliser
Head-in-hands time for Gerrard - that was a chance to kill the game. Barthez did well though, and is up to claim as Liverpool head the ensuing corner at goal
Gerrard robs Silvestre to feed Baros on a lightning counter. United back-pedalling as Gerrard gets the return ball, bringing a great near-post save from Barthez.
Van Nistelrooy leaps to win Barthez's clearance. United hold it but Henchoz is able to clear as Scholes probes
That was the first real danger of the half from United. Dudek did well after Van Nistelrooy had turned Gerrard inside-out. On comes Baros for the injured Heskey
United break and Neville's cross just evades Giggs and Van Nistelrooy. United press for the Dutchman to whack at goal - Dudek svaes well
Meanwhile Heskey limping with what looks like a hamstring problem. Riise fires in a freekick from the Liverpool right, but Veron heads away
A bit like watching England's demise against Brazil at the moment... Hyypia and co having little trouble in dealing with some pretty average United crossing. Beckham the latest guilty party
Veron spreads it wide to Keane, whose cross loops off a Liverpool head for Van Nistelrooy to control. But under pressure from Carragher he hits well wide
Ferdinand nods back to Barthez as Carragher goes over the top, looking for Owen to chase
Beckham's cross is half cleared but United press on. Neville wins a throw on the right, but the flick-on is headed harmlessly at Dudek by Van Nistelrooy.
Up to the other end, wheer Keane's strike is blocked behind for a corner.
Liverpool forcing the play now. Owen holds it up for Heskey but United have enough men back
Liverpool win two throws on the right. Murphy cuts inside for a one-two with Heskey, before hitting first-time. Straight at Barthez, but clever stuff
Henchoz stoops to head Neville's cross away. Scholes is onto it but a misunderstanding with Beckham sees his pass roll straight out of play for a goalkick
Gerrard looks long for Owen, but slightly overhit. Silvestre is back on but doesn't look entirely convincing
Looks like the striker got his boot caught as Keane came back to tackle. Now Silvestre is limping badly after Diouf takes him on again. O'Shea is at the ready but United have 10 men for now
Liverpool break trhough Riise, who holds it up for Murphy. A short ball to Heskey who tumbles as he twists to shoot. Cries for a penalty but referee Durkin waves play on
Diouf gets a foot in to prevent Scholes shooting from inside the box
Owen spreads immediate panic as he beats Brown too a volleyed clearance. But United get back in numbers to snuff out the chance
No changes on either side as United restart...
And that's it for the opening period. A cagey first half-hour before the game burst into life thanks to Gerrard's deflected strike. Liverpool lead 1-0
Into stoppage time and Keane is back to clear behind, denying Owen after Diouf had beaten Silvestre wide out. United clear the corner
Amazing escape for Liverpool. United press again, winning a freekick in Beckham range to the left of the 'D'. A tradmark curler, but easy for Dudek.
The game now exploding into life as Giggs breaks down the left, holds the ball up and then centres for Veron to strike. Dudek parries but Scholes follows up, only for - guess who - Henchoz to clear off the line with the keeper nowhere
United a little rattled as Keane goes in recklessly. United able to boot the freekick clear but Liverpool build again. Heskey so close to reaching Carragher's cross at the near post
The half panning out exactly as Gerard Houllier would have wanted... Now Carragher crosses dangerously, but beyond Heskey
Barthez stood no chance, but will be furious with the men in front of him
Neville and Beckham stand off as Liverpool probe the left. Gerrard takes aim and his 25-yarder loops off the England captain's outstretched boot into the top corner. 1-0 Liverpool!
Silvestre hares back to deny Diouf a shooting chance as Liverpool break at speed. Hammann arrives in support but Ferdinand blocks
Veron catches Owen with a high boot in the Liverpool half. Diouf's deflected cross drops for Murphy, who controls brilliantly to take it away from Keane before he sends a curling right-footer over the bar. Good effort
United recover to win a corner on the left, but Beckham's cross is underhit. Headed clear at the near post
Liverpool break after Veron fouls Murphy. Heskey feeds Owen, who skips past Ferdinand as though he weren't there, but Barthez is out bravely to block at the striker's feet. The best move of the game
Fergie prowling the touchline as United play it around their backline, Liverpool lying deep as ever. Henchoz hits long - but nowhere near Owen or Heskey
Henchoz steps up to cut out a Scholes pass as Van Nistelrooy hares towards the box. United build again, but this time Hyypia heads away
Diouf brings down Veron after a bit of aerial head-tennis in midfield
Similarly, Keane strikes right-footed from 25 yards. Weak and wide
Then Riise has a crack from distance, but no problem for Barthez, who has had very little to do so far
Van Nistelrooy pulls to the inside right, turning into space to send a low ball towards Scholes, whose dummy fools Giggs completely. Carragher picks up
Silvestre overruns Giggs as United probe the left side. Liverpool work it upfield and Barthez has to be sharp to clear after Gerrard's ball from the left
Now United's turn to press, forcing Riise to hit long for Heskey. Ferdinand and Neville tidy up before Barthez clears
Neville crosses as Beckham's freekick is half-cleared. Giggs and Van Nistelrooy in the middle but Henchoz is up first before Diouf hacks it away on the far side
Hamann removes Scoles' boot with a forceful tackle. Freekick to United as Liverpool were looking to break
Now Brown has to be alert to deny Owen. Scholes finds Giggs on the left. A first-time cross and Van Nistelrooy is there to touch it just beyond Dudek's left post. The first real opening and United so close
Riise looks for Heskey but Ferdinand is strong in the air, winning the ball and then cleverly taking it away from the lurking Owen. Heskey is shaken up after that aerial challenge but should be fit to continue
Beckham's chip ahead goes straight to Dudek. United aren't comfortable against this deep-lying Liverpool defence
Murphy involved again - lobbing over the top of Diouf on the right, but too much weight on it for the Senegal forward, who volleys his cross behind
Mix-up in the United midfield sets Murphy away. A quick ball through the middle for Heskey but Barthez is out quickly to clear from outside his area
Diouf forces a throw down the right flank - Liverpool work it back for Riise but Brown and Ferdinand are there
Liverpool half clear Beckham's freekick. But Scholes and Veron carve out the first shooting chance for Giggs. Right-footed but easy for Dudek
Henchoz crashes in from behind on Scholes as United look to break in midfield. Yellow card
Heskey chests down to Murphy and spins ahead for the return ball, which again is too well hit
Liverpool very content to sit back. United hitting long balls but coming to little...
Van Nistelrooy holds it up down the right but Beckham skies his cross badly. United regroup though. Scholes looks for Van Nistelrooy's return ball over the back of Riise, but it's too strong
Barthez does well to catch Murphy's freekick under pressure from Heskey. The Frenchman crashes to the floor and requires a little treatment before continuing
Again the Argentinian overhits as Liverpool sit deep. Dudek collects, Liverpool break and Owen is brought down on the left
As expected, Liverpool allowing United absolutely no time on the ball. Veron hits long, but way beyond van Nistelrooy. Goal kick
Liverpool win a throw down the right but Silvestre does well to rob Owen and clear
Merseyside glee as a fearsome Murhpy strike crashes into Gary Neville's face. The England rightback a little shaken
Veron prods it through to Van Nistelrooy, with his back to goal. In comes the Red shirts and the Dutchman is crowded out
Liverpool press. Keane is forced back before Heskey crashes in on Veron in the centre circle. Referee Paul Durkin gives the freekick
United win a throw down the right after Neville's deflected clearance. Gerrard tidies up for Riise to hit long - too long for Owen as Barthez gathers
Gerrard taps to Diouf and it's game on
United are relieved to have Giggs, Scholes and Brown fit, while Liverpool drop Traore after Thursday's horror show. Hamann starts
Enough of the politics... the national anthem is sung and the players fan out for kick-off
And with the world on the brink of war, what better than a blast of 'Two Tribes' as United, all in white, and Liverpool, in red, emerge. Not that many in Cardiff will be that worried about Saddam Hussein right now...
The Millennium Stadium's roof, closed today, likely to be raised as the teams prepare to take the field
Man Utd team: Barthez, G Neville, Silvestre, Brown, Ferdinand, Keane. Veron, Beckham, Scholes, Giggs, van Nistelrooy.
Liverpool team: Dudek, Henchoz, Hyppia, Riise, Carragher, Gerrard, Hamann, Murphy, Diouf, Heskey, Owen.
All the action from the Millennium Stadium on Sunday, kicking off at 14.00 GMT
| 7 |
| +6 |
| 18 |
| 3 | 7 | +18 | 16 |
| 4 | 7 | +4 | 13 |
| 5 | 7 | +1 | 12 |
| 6 | 7 | +5 | 10 |
| 7 | 7 | +3 | 10 |
| 8 | 7 | +1 | 10 |
| 9 | 7 | +1 | 9 |
| 10 | 7 | −4 | 9 |
| 11 | 7 | −4 | 8 |
| 12 | 7 | −4 | 8 |
| 13 | 7 | 0 | 7 |
| 14 | 7 | −8 | 7 |
| 15 | 7 | −4 | 6 |
| 16 | 7 | −4 | 6 |
| 17 | 7 | −8 | 6 |
| 18 | 7 | −3 | 5 |
| 19 | 7 | −4 | 5 |
| 20 | 7 | −8 | 4 |
Conservative for the first half hour, the game went entirely to Houllier's plan - sneak the first goal and hit United on the counter
Giggs takes one last swipe - sliced horribly. The full-time whistle blows and Liverpool have put one over their greatest rivals to win the Worthington Cup
Deep into injury-time and Gerrard and Murphy hold the ball in the corner before Keane arrives to briefly interupt the party
There's unlikely to be a more raucous rendition of You'll Never Walk Alone this season... Ferdinand is heroic again, blocking Owen's shot after another Murphy raid. Biscan replaces Diouf, who's had perhaps his best game in a Liverpool shirt
Ferdinand clears off the line after Murphy waltzed past Neville to cross for Smicer at point-blank range. Extraordinary miss by the Czech -but it matters little now
An emphatic finish from the England striker that sends the Merseyside fans into ecstasy. The killer blow. Off goes Baros, replaced by Smicer
Hamann hoofs clear and Silvestre's sloppy chested ball towards Ferdinand is seized on by Owen, who surges into the box before rifling the second past Barthez. 2-0 Liverpool!
United press on. Again Carragher clears - this time from Solskjaer's cross
Carragher nods away after Beckham's cross from wide out
Hyypia comes up to the United box but Neville can bring it away
Liverpool work it to the right, where Diouf brings another foul from Silvestre
Baros holds it up nicely on the Liverpool left. Veron and Keane team up but the Irishman is over-eager. Freekick
Then panic in the Liverpool ranks as they fail to deal with a bouncing ball in the box. Van Nistelrooy seizes on it but Dudek gets down to palm away
Easily dealt with by Henchoz and Liverpool work their way up the left. Smicer waiting to come on, meanwhile, with O'Shea next up for United
Gerrard gets back to take the ball away from Van Nistelrooy. Throw to United though
Neville cuts inside to feed Scholes, who makes a blatant dive with his back to goal. Referee Durkin not fooled and Hamann is furious with the England midfielder
After Veron sprays the ball wide, Neville's first-time cross is diverted by Murphy back to Dudek
Beckham crosses from the left but Gerrard is there to tidy up as Scholes waits for the ball to drop
Silvestre gets across speedily to prevent Baros' long pass from reaching Diouf. United probe down the left where Carragher concedes a throw
Veron brings down Baros as Liverpool break after another headed clearance. Barthez called into (now rare) action as he rises to claim Gerrard's cross
Wes Brown is sacrificed as the Norwegian supersub arrives
Meanwhile Giggs skips past Carragher but ignores Beckham, free on the right, as he looks instead for Scholes, who can't reach his prodded pass anyway
Solskjaer ready to take the field...
United increasingly anxious as Van Nistelrooy gets a sight of goal but hurries it a little, hitting straight at Dudek
Now Henchoz misses Silvestre's cross but it's just beyond Beckham.
Liverpool counter - Murphy's strike blocked
Veron looking more dangerous, chasing his own chip ahead into the box but Riise gets a foot in
Two offsides - first against Beckham and then Van Nistelrooy
Keane heads over the top from the corner. Liverpool break and Baros' quick-footedness nearly fools Brown, but United clear
Veron arrives in support of Beckham. A ball inside for Scholes to hit first-time and Dudek just gets enough on it to prevent the equaliser
Head-in-hands time for Gerrard - that was a chance to kill the game. Barthez did well though, and is up to claim as Liverpool head the ensuing corner at goal
Gerrard robs Silvestre to feed Baros on a lightning counter. United back-pedalling as Gerrard gets the return ball, bringing a great near-post save from Barthez.
Van Nistelrooy leaps to win Barthez's clearance. United hold it but Henchoz is able to clear as Scholes probes
That was the first real danger of the half from United. Dudek did well after Van Nistelrooy had turned Gerrard inside-out. On comes Baros for the injured Heskey
United break and Neville's cross just evades Giggs and Van Nistelrooy. United press for the Dutchman to whack at goal - Dudek svaes well
Meanwhile Heskey limping with what looks like a hamstring problem. Riise fires in a freekick from the Liverpool right, but Veron heads away
A bit like watching England's demise against Brazil at the moment... Hyypia and co having little trouble in dealing with some pretty average United crossing. Beckham the latest guilty party
Veron spreads it wide to Keane, whose cross loops off a Liverpool head for Van Nistelrooy to control. But under pressure from Carragher he hits well wide
Ferdinand nods back to Barthez as Carragher goes over the top, looking for Owen to chase
Beckham's cross is half cleared but United press on. Neville wins a throw on the right, but the flick-on is headed harmlessly at Dudek by Van Nistelrooy.
Up to the other end, wheer Keane's strike is blocked behind for a corner.
Liverpool forcing the play now. Owen holds it up for Heskey but United have enough men back
Liverpool win two throws on the right. Murphy cuts inside for a one-two with Heskey, before hitting first-time. Straight at Barthez, but clever stuff
Henchoz stoops to head Neville's cross away. Scholes is onto it but a misunderstanding with Beckham sees his pass roll straight out of play for a goalkick
Gerrard looks long for Owen, but slightly overhit. Silvestre is back on but doesn't look entirely convincing
Looks like the striker got his boot caught as Keane came back to tackle. Now Silvestre is limping badly after Diouf takes him on again. O'Shea is at the ready but United have 10 men for now
Liverpool break trhough Riise, who holds it up for Murphy. A short ball to Heskey who tumbles as he twists to shoot. Cries for a penalty but referee Durkin waves play on
Diouf gets a foot in to prevent Scholes shooting from inside the box
Owen spreads immediate panic as he beats Brown too a volleyed clearance. But United get back in numbers to snuff out the chance
No changes on either side as United restart...
And that's it for the opening period. A cagey first half-hour before the game burst into life thanks to Gerrard's deflected strike. Liverpool lead 1-0
Into stoppage time and Keane is back to clear behind, denying Owen after Diouf had beaten Silvestre wide out. United clear the corner
Amazing escape for Liverpool. United press again, winning a freekick in Beckham range to the left of the 'D'. A tradmark curler, but easy for Dudek.
The game now exploding into life as Giggs breaks down the left, holds the ball up and then centres for Veron to strike. Dudek parries but Scholes follows up, only for - guess who - Henchoz to clear off the line with the keeper nowhere
United a little rattled as Keane goes in recklessly. United able to boot the freekick clear but Liverpool build again. Heskey so close to reaching Carragher's cross at the near post
The half panning out exactly as Gerard Houllier would have wanted... Now Carragher crosses dangerously, but beyond Heskey
Barthez stood no chance, but will be furious with the men in front of him
Neville and Beckham stand off as Liverpool probe the left. Gerrard takes aim and his 25-yarder loops off the England captain's outstretched boot into the top corner. 1-0 Liverpool!
Silvestre hares back to deny Diouf a shooting chance as Liverpool break at speed. Hammann arrives in support but Ferdinand blocks
Veron catches Owen with a high boot in the Liverpool half. Diouf's deflected cross drops for Murphy, who controls brilliantly to take it away from Keane before he sends a curling right-footer over the bar. Good effort
United recover to win a corner on the left, but Beckham's cross is underhit. Headed clear at the near post
Liverpool break after Veron fouls Murphy. Heskey feeds Owen, who skips past Ferdinand as though he weren't there, but Barthez is out bravely to block at the striker's feet. The best move of the game
Fergie prowling the touchline as United play it around their backline, Liverpool lying deep as ever. Henchoz hits long - but nowhere near Owen or Heskey
Henchoz steps up to cut out a Scholes pass as Van Nistelrooy hares towards the box. United build again, but this time Hyypia heads away
Diouf brings down Veron after a bit of aerial head-tennis in midfield
Similarly, Keane strikes right-footed from 25 yards. Weak and wide
Then Riise has a crack from distance, but no problem for Barthez, who has had very little to do so far
Van Nistelrooy pulls to the inside right, turning into space to send a low ball towards Scholes, whose dummy fools Giggs completely. Carragher picks up
Silvestre overruns Giggs as United probe the left side. Liverpool work it upfield and Barthez has to be sharp to clear after Gerrard's ball from the left
Now United's turn to press, forcing Riise to hit long for Heskey. Ferdinand and Neville tidy up before Barthez clears
Neville crosses as Beckham's freekick is half-cleared. Giggs and Van Nistelrooy in the middle but Henchoz is up first before Diouf hacks it away on the far side
Hamann removes Scoles' boot with a forceful tackle. Freekick to United as Liverpool were looking to break
Now Brown has to be alert to deny Owen. Scholes finds Giggs on the left. A first-time cross and Van Nistelrooy is there to touch it just beyond Dudek's left post. The first real opening and United so close
Riise looks for Heskey but Ferdinand is strong in the air, winning the ball and then cleverly taking it away from the lurking Owen. Heskey is shaken up after that aerial challenge but should be fit to continue
Beckham's chip ahead goes straight to Dudek. United aren't comfortable against this deep-lying Liverpool defence
Murphy involved again - lobbing over the top of Diouf on the right, but too much weight on it for the Senegal forward, who volleys his cross behind
Mix-up in the United midfield sets Murphy away. A quick ball through the middle for Heskey but Barthez is out quickly to clear from outside his area
Diouf forces a throw down the right flank - Liverpool work it back for Riise but Brown and Ferdinand are there
Liverpool half clear Beckham's freekick. But Scholes and Veron carve out the first shooting chance for Giggs. Right-footed but easy for Dudek
Henchoz crashes in from behind on Scholes as United look to break in midfield. Yellow card
Heskey chests down to Murphy and spins ahead for the return ball, which again is too well hit
Liverpool very content to sit back. United hitting long balls but coming to little...
Van Nistelrooy holds it up down the right but Beckham skies his cross badly. United regroup though. Scholes looks for Van Nistelrooy's return ball over the back of Riise, but it's too strong
Barthez does well to catch Murphy's freekick under pressure from Heskey. The Frenchman crashes to the floor and requires a little treatment before continuing
Again the Argentinian overhits as Liverpool sit deep. Dudek collects, Liverpool break and Owen is brought down on the left
As expected, Liverpool allowing United absolutely no time on the ball. Veron hits long, but way beyond van Nistelrooy. Goal kick
Liverpool win a throw down the right but Silvestre does well to rob Owen and clear
Merseyside glee as a fearsome Murhpy strike crashes into Gary Neville's face. The England rightback a little shaken
Veron prods it through to Van Nistelrooy, with his back to goal. In comes the Red shirts and the Dutchman is crowded out
Liverpool press. Keane is forced back before Heskey crashes in on Veron in the centre circle. Referee Paul Durkin gives the freekick
United win a throw down the right after Neville's deflected clearance. Gerrard tidies up for Riise to hit long - too long for Owen as Barthez gathers
Gerrard taps to Diouf and it's game on
United are relieved to have Giggs, Scholes and Brown fit, while Liverpool drop Traore after Thursday's horror show. Hamann starts
Enough of the politics... the national anthem is sung and the players fan out for kick-off
And with the world on the brink of war, what better than a blast of 'Two Tribes' as United, all in white, and Liverpool, in red, emerge. Not that many in Cardiff will be that worried about Saddam Hussein right now...
The Millennium Stadium's roof, closed today, likely to be raised as the teams prepare to take the field
Man Utd team: Barthez, G Neville, Silvestre, Brown, Ferdinand, Keane. Veron, Beckham, Scholes, Giggs, van Nistelrooy.
Liverpool team: Dudek, Henchoz, Hyppia, Riise, Carragher, Gerrard, Hamann, Murphy, Diouf, Heskey, Owen.
All the action from the Millennium Stadium on Sunday, kicking off at 14.00 GMT
| 7 |
| +6 |
| 18 |
| 3 | 7 | +18 | 16 |
| 4 | 7 | +4 | 13 |
| 5 | 7 | +1 | 12 |
| 6 | 7 | +5 | 10 |
| 7 | 7 | +3 | 10 |
| 8 | 7 | +1 | 10 |
| 13 | 7 | 0 | 7 |