Man Utd vs Liverpool Preview, Team News, Likely Line-Ups, Key Man & Predicted Score

Manchester United welcome Liverpool to Old Trafford tonight in the third round of the Capital One Cup and all eyes will be on Luis Suarez who is set to return to action after completing his 10-game ban.

The Uruguayan has served his lengthy suspension for biting Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanovic last season and is set to be thrust straight back into the spotlight against the Merseysiders fierce rivals.

Suarez will face a United side that are still reeling following Sunday’s 4-1 loss to Manchester City and David Moyes will be hoping for an instant response from his players tonight.

They may well have revenge in mind as well after Liverpool beat them 1-0 at Anfield in the league last month thanks to a goal from Daniel Sturridge.

Brendan Rodgers tasted defeat for the first time this season on Saturday as his side were beaten 1-0 at home by Southampton, so the Reds boss will be determined to get back on track this evening against the champions.

Team News

David Moyes has confirmed that star striker Robin van Persie will sit this one out after picking up a groin injury in training last week.

Wayne Rooney was the only United player to come out of the game against City with any credit and with important games coming up in the league and Champions League, and RVP’s fitness in doubt, Rooney is unlikely to be risked from the start tonight.

This will open the door for out-of-favour striker Javier Hernandez to come in and make a rare start up front. The Mexican could be joined by Shinji Kagawa in attack while the likes of Nani and Wilfred Zaha are also pushing for starts.

Rafael looks to be short of fitness so Fabio could start at right back while Jonny Evans is expected to start at the heart of defence. Both Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic could be rested after playing 3 games in 8 days.

Marouane Fellaini is cup-tied but Tom Cleverley and Anderson are in contention, while Anders Lindegaard and Ben Amos will compete for a place in goal with David De Gea likely to be rested.

Liverpool don’t have any European commitments to worry about this season so Brendan Rodger can afford to name a strong side for the game tonight.

Luis Suarez is expected to be recalled to the starting eleven and could play off Daniel Sturridge up front with Philippe Coutinho ruled out with a shoulder injury.

Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel were both withdrawn at the weekend and are unlikely to be risked, therefore Kolo Toure may partner Mamadou Sahko in the centre of defence. Glen Johnson remains out so Andre Wisdom should start on the right.

Otherwise, Rodgers could name a similar side to the one that faced Southampton with Lucas Leiva, Steven Gerrard, Victor Moses and Jordan Henderson all retaining their places.

Likely Line-Ups

Key Man

Luis Suarez: Who else could we choose? All the attention will be on the controversial hitman tonight and if he’s match sharp, he will no doubt cause United a whole host of problems.

Predicted Score

Man Utd 2-1 Liverpool: While the return of Luis Suarez may grab the headlines, we’re backing a depleted United side to bounce back and edge this one.

What would be your starting line-up for the game and what’s your score prediction? Share your views below.