Manchester, Jan 12: Many consider this fixture as the biggest in English football due to the events on and off the pitch.

EPL: Manchester United vs Liverpool match facts

It may not have any significance looking at the league table but this fixture certainly has more to offer. Excitement, thrill, rivalry, controversies and history all come together when the biggest clubs in English football clash heads.

Rivalry is fierce, unmatched by any other Premier League fixture. But times have changed over the decades and Manchester United are enjoying dominance since the introduction of the league. Back in the 70s and 80s, Liverpool were the team to beat but those glory days are fading away.

Also known as the North-West derby, two old foes meet for the 160th time in the league. Last time out, United beat 10-men Liverpool at Anfield, thanks to a Robin van Persie goal. Tensions sparked off not only between players but fans threw sick chants at one another. And the controversies carried on for weeks.

However, United, currently on top of the table, have the upper hand against Liverpool. The Red Devils have won seven of the last eight league meetings at Old Trafford and are unbeaten at home in seven league games.

Placed eighth in the league, Liverpool are steadily climbing upwards but still suffer shocking results the one against Aston Villa. A trip to Old Trafford comes after back-to-back wins, thanks to their instrumental striker Luis Suarez. But Brendan Rodgers' side have never beaten a team above them this season.

Meanwhile, United welcome back Anderson and Nani after being sidelined for months with hamstring injuries. But Wayne Rooney is still out with a knee injury which has ruled him out for around four weeks now.

Liverpool will miss left-back Jose Enrique for the Old Trafford clash meaning Glen Johnson will take place on the left while Andre Wisdom will start on the right.

Daniel Sturridge could make his league debut for Liverpool after scoring against Mansfield on Sunday. Rodgers may opt for an attacking line-up with Luis Suarez, Raheem Sterling and Sturridge upfront.

Trivia:

*There have been 14 red cards in this fixture. Nemanja Vidic has been sent-off thrice against Liverpool, more than any other player in any fixture in the Premier League.

*Steven Gerrard has scored five goals in his last seven league matches against Manchester United.

Probable Lineups:

Manchester United (4-2-3-1): De Gea-Rafael, Ferdinand, Evans, Evra-Valencia, Carrick, Cleverley-Kagawa-Hernandez, Van Persie.

Liverpool (4-3-3): Reina-Wisdom, Skrtel, Agger, Johnson-Lucas, Gerrard, Downing-Sterling, Suarez, Sturridge.

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