Old rivals Manchester United and Liverpool meet again at Old Trafford in a game that could be key for both team's differing ambitions this season.
Manchester United vs. Liverpool: Preview and TV schedule
Liverpool needs a win to keep up in the title race. United needs a win to keep their hopes of finishing in the top four alive. Basically, it’s a big game.
Alex Livesey
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United are closing in on fifth place Tottenham, but they remain well behind a coveted fourth-place spot and a place in next season’s Champions League. David Moyes knows his team will need help to pull off a miraculous recovery, but they must keep winning to give themselves any hope. A comfortable win over West Brom last weekend helped boost the team’s confidence, but they now face a stiff challenge from Liverpool.
The Reds are right in the middle of the title mix and look good for at least a Champions League return next season. There’s no doubt that Liverpool have the quality to defeat United -- they’ve already done it once this season -- but doing it at Old Trafford is another matter. Liverpool have yet to lose in the league in 2014 and would love nothing more than to continue that run of form at United’s expense.
Liverpool won the first league match between the two sides early in the season, while United won their Capitol One Cup 3rd round match in late September.
Manchester United injuries and suspensions
In Doubt: Jonny Evans (calf), Javier Hernández (knee), Nani (hamstring), Rafael (foot)
Liverpool injuries and suspensions
Out: Jose Enrique (knee). In Doubt: Lucas Leiva (knee).
Several United players are dealing with lingering injury issues but all could be available -- or at least on the bench -- on Sunday. For Liverpool, Jose Enrique continues his comeback from knee surgery, while Leiva is back training and could make the bench.
Projected lineups
Manchester United: David de Gea, Rafael, Chris Smalling, Phil Jones, Patrice Evra, Marouane Fellaini, Michael Carrick, Adnan Januzaj, Wayne Rooney, Juan Mata, Robin Van Persie.
Liverpool: Simon Mignolet, Joe Flanagan, Martin Skrtel, Daniel Agger, Glen Johnson, Jordan Henderson, Steven Gerrard, Joe Allen, Raheem Sterling, Daniel Sturridge, Luis Suárez.
Match Date/Time: 1:30 p.m. local, 9:30 a.m. ET
Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester, England
TV: NBC Sports Network (U.S.), Sky Sports 1 (U.K.), TSN2 (Canada)
Online: NBC Live Extra (U.S.)
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