Sir Alex vs King Kenny

Manchester United's form away from Old Trafford has been of concern to Sir Alex Ferguson all season, with their four wins on the road the fewest of any side in the top five.

United would almost have the title in the bag had they turned just a few of their eight draws, some of which came after letting in late goals, into victories. And after defeats in two of their last three matches away from home, to Wolverhampton Wanderers and Chelsea, another away game at arch-rivals Liverpool would not have been at the top of Sir Alex's wish-list.

But Liverpool themselves have suffered something of a lull after a successful run under interim manager Kenny Dalglish. After four consecutive wins without conceding a goal, the last of which came at Stamford Bridge, Liverpool have picked up just one point from six against two relegation battlers.
First, they were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Wigan Athletic before being beaten 3-1 by West Ham United at Upton Park.

Dalglish may publically insist that he is approaching this game only concerned with Liverpool's fortunes, with the Reds currently sixth - which will only be good enough for a Europa League spot should two of the top five make the FA Cup final. But he could be forgiven for also wanting to deliver a severe dent to United's title charge as they look to move clear of Liverpool onto 19 English league championships, especially giving the long-running rivalry between himself and Sir Alex which runs back to his first stint as Liverpool boss.

The two sides last met on January 9, just hours after Dalglish stepped into Roy Hodgson's shoes, with United advancing to the next round of the FA Cup courtesy of a Ryan Giggs goal while Steven Gerrard was sent off. In the league game at Old Trafford in September, United won 3-2 with Dimitar Berbatov scoring three goals and Gerrard two.

Liverpool could involve £35 million record signing Andrew Carroll for the first time since his move from Newcastle United after recovering from a thigh injury, with a place on the bench most likely. Defenders Daniel Agger and Fabio Aurelio are back in contention while Raul Meireles should be fit despite being withdrawn at West Ham with a knee injury. But Dalglish is without promising right-back Martin Kelly, which means Glen Johnson is likely to switch back to his natural position.

Man United have problems in central defence with Nemanja Vidic suspended and Rio Ferdinand still injured, so Chris Smalling will be joined at the back by Wes Brown who will make only his third Premier League start of the season.

Liverpool player to watch: Luis Suarez. After scoring on his debut against Stoke City - a goal which may yet be reclaimed by the Dubious Goals Panel - Suarez has been feeling his way into the English football, starved of further game time with his new team-mates by being ineligible for the club's Europa League campaign. He has looked lively in his two starts against Wigan and West Ham, and could fire himself into Anfield folklore by downing United.

Man United player to watch: Wes Brown. A face so seldom seen at Old Trafford this season few could be forgiven for thinking he was no longer there. But he announced his return to fitness by scoring the only goal of the game against Crawley Town in the FA Cup two weeks ago. But a top-level Premier League game is a different prospect for a player who will make his first Premier League start since November 11. United did not keep a clean sheet on his other two league starts, against Wolves and Aston Villa.

Key battle: Raul Meireles v Michael Carrick. Before being pulled off just after half-time against West Ham, Meireles had discovered the Midas touch in front of goal - scoring five goals in six games for Liverpool. With the shackles thrown off, Meireles has shown a penchant for breaking into the box as a goalscoring midfielder. Michael Carrick, who signed a new deal on Friday despite not having the best of seasons, will have to keep a watchful eye on Meireles' runs as he looks to ghost in.

Trivia: No player has moved directly between the two clubs for 46 years after since Phil Chisnall transferred from United to Liverpool for £25,000. Only nine players have ever made the direct switch: Tom Chorlton, Jackie Sheldon, Tom Miller, Fred Hopkin, Tommy Reid, Ted Savage, Allenby Chilton, Thomas McNulty and Chisnall. Only the final two of those nine moved in the last 73 years.

Stats: This weekend will be Sir Alex Ferguson's 50th league meeting with Liverpool. His record so far read W23 D12 L14. One for Liverpool, as no team with less than 42 points after 28 matches has ever finished in the Premier League top four. United have won 69% of the Premier League matches Michael Carrick has started since his arrival and 74% without him. Thanks to OptaJoe.

Odds: Liverpool (2.80), Man United (2.60) and the draw (3.20) are all on offer at bet365 with a 2-2 draw coming in at 15.00.

Prediction: United have faltered of late and may be just a point ahead of Arsenal by the time this grudge match kicks off. You feel that Kenny Dalglish will have his players fired up for this one, and they may well have improved enough to be worthy of a scoring draw.

From ESPN