England’s biggest rivalry fires up again on Saturday, with Manchester United hosting Liverpool in an early-season clash between the two northwest sides. Neither has been spectacular at any point so far this season, but they’ve shown enough flashes of excellent play to suggest that one of them should finish in Champions League places by the end of the season.
Manchester United vs. Liverpool 2015 live stream: Game time, TV schedule and how to watch online
Liverpool can announce themselves as real top four contenders with a win over Manchester United on Saturday.
Both teams played very poorly heading into the international break, though, and will have seen it as a welcome chance to reset. Liverpool turned in their worst performance of the season by far, losing 3-0 at home to West Ham in a game where Coutinho was sent off. United took an early lead against Swansea and looked to be coasting to a one-goal victory, but their defense fell apart in the second half as the Swans won 2-1.
Unlike their big rivals in the Premier League, both of these teams were fortunate enough to get through the international break without picking up any new injuries. They should have close to first-choice sides available to pick from -- if it weren’t for that Coutinho suspension.
Key player - Wayne Rooney
Anthony Martial is the most expensive teenager ever, but he’s still a teenager. He was the only forward signing United made in the final weeks of the window, so they’re still putting all of their eggs in the Rooney basket. He looked good for England over the break and had a hat trick in Champions League qualifying, but he’s been downright awful in the league so far. He did pick up a knock in training, but is expected to play.
What are the stakes?
In September, there’s no such thing as a must-win game, but this certainly comes close for both teams. They’re coming off losses and looking pretty poor in general. A win over a rival -- both historical and for top four -- would be massive for either side.
Manchester United team injuries and suspensions
Out: Phil Jones (blood clot). In doubt: Wayne Rooney (hamstring).
Liverpool team injuries and suspensions
Out: Philippe Coutinho (suspended), Joe Allen (hamstring), Jon Flanagan (knee), Daniel Sturridge (hip/fitness).
Match Date/Time: Saturday, 12:30 p.m. ET, 5:30 p.m. local
Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester, England
TV: NBC (U.S. - English), Telemundo (U.S. - Spanish), Sky Sports 1 (U.K.), Sportsnet One (Canada)
Online: NBC Sports Live Extra (U.S. - English), NBC Deportes En Vivo Extra (U.S. - Spanish), Sky Go Extra (U.K.), Sportsnet World Now (Canada)
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