Liverpool v Manchester United | Sunday 13:00 | Sky Sports 1

BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE

Venue: Anfield Date: Sunday, 23 September

TEAM NEWS

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers will bring back all his big names for Sunday's visit of Manchester United.

He made 11 changes for Thursday's Europa League win at Young Boys, with Steven Gerrard, Luis Suarez and Joe Allen among those rested.

Manchester United are expected to make several changes from the side that beat Wigan, with Robin van Persie and Patrice Evra likely to be recalled.
Ashley Young has been ruled out for up to three weeks with bruised cartilage.

MATCH PREVIEW

There are many fixtures which could claim to be the biggest derby in English football, but only one game which, though not strictly a derby, can claim to be the biggest fixture.

Some say the rivalry dates from the building of the ship canal from Liverpool to Manchester; it certainly takes in most subjects from economics to music, but mostly it's about the football and when Manchester United and Liverpool meet, it's the English Classic.

It's not always a game to savour and it's not often an atmosphere to enjoy - but there is now hope for more tolerance between the fans. Those at the top of both clubs are urging supporters to stop the taunts and show some respect. Atmosphere, yes. Animosity, no.

The pre-match tributes to the Hillsborough dead demand it. Pre-match handshakes between all the players are a must.

And so to the game; Liverpool are clearly underdogs, but United have not won at Anfield since 2007. In fact they have lost four of their five matches in front of the Kop since a Carlos Tevez winner.

Another win over United could kick start Brendan Rodger's Liverpool career. On the flip side, a bad defeat could undermine the manager and add to the sense of unease after their difficult start.

United's own start has been solid if not exactly blistering. They have won the games you would expect them to win, but not perhaps as convincingly as expected. They have also missed three penalties in the last three games, so it would be interesting see who steps forward if they get a fourth.

It could well be Robin van Persie, who will certainly be looking forward to returning to Anfield, where his two brilliant goals secured Arsenal a win against the run of play last season.

MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head

This is the 186th meeting between the two most successful clubs in English league history. United lead Liverpool by 72 wins to 62, with 51 draws.

The two clubs first met in April 1894, when Liverpool won 2-0 in a promotion/relegation play-off to replace their vanquished opponents in the top flight.
Liverpool are unbeaten in their last five league and cup matches against Manchester United at Anfield (W4, D1).

The 1-1 Premier League draw last October ended a run of three straight away defeats for United in this fixture, which they last won in December 2007 when Carlos Tevez scored the only goal.

There have been four red cards in the last five Premier League meetings at Anfield - three for Manchester United, one for Liverpool.

Liverpool

Liverpool have failed to win any of their first four league matches in a season for the first time in 101 years. They were winless in their first five fixtures in the 1911-12 season, registering two draws and three defeats.

Their longest run without victory from the start of a season is nine matches, set in 1894-95 - their inaugural top-flight campaign.
The Reds have only won one of their last seven home matches in the Premier League, and earned just 10 points out of the last possible 33 at Anfield (W2, D4, L5).

Their tally of 20 points from 23 league matches in 2012 is the second worst in the top flight (Aston Villa had earned 19 points prior to this weekend).
Liverpool had registered an unsurpassed 75 shots in the Premier League this season prior to this weekend's fixtures.

Luis Suarez has seven goals in his last 11 Premier League games. He has had 13 shots off target this season, more than any other Premier League player.

Manchester United

Sir Alex Ferguson's side have suffered three 1-0 defeats in their last five league away matches dating back to April.
However, they have won 17 of their 23 league matches in 2012, earning an unrivalled 53 points.

United have been awarded a league-high 13 penalties since the start of last season.

The Red Devils have already recovered twice as many points from losing positions (six) than they did last season.
Robin van Persie has scored four goals in his last five league matches against Liverpool.

Nemanja Vidic has been sent off three times in this fixture - more than any other player in any Premier League fixture.
Michael Carrick is set to make his 350th Premier League appearance.