In one of the biggest rivalries in English soccer, Liverpool host Manchester United at Anfield on Sunday as they attempt to usurp the Red Devils from the final Champions League spot.

The Reds are in magnificent form having avoided defeat in the league since losing to United in December when they were blown away 3-0 at Old Trafford. Since then, they have picked up 10 wins and three draws from 13 matches and are the league’s form side.

Brendan Rodgers’ side are only two points behind Sunday’s opponents and and a win today will see them enter the top four at the right time with just eight games to play.

Manchester United on the other hand have blown hot and cold this season but they recovered well from that FA Cup loss to Arsenal by beating Tottenham Hotspur convincingly in their last match. The win coupled with the manner in which the team played has raised the confidence of the Old Trafford faithful coming into this match.

Louis van Gaal’s men are now beginning to resemble the side many were expecting when the Dutchman took over last summer and although it’s taken eight months, a double over Liverpool and an eventual top four finish will definitely satisfy the supporters for this season.

Team News

The big news for Liverpool is the return of captain Steven Gerrard and Brendan Rodgers must decide on whether to start him ahead of Joe Allen. Players missing in action for the Reds include Bradley Jones, Lucas Leiva, Jordan Ibe and Jon Flanagan while Mario Balotelli is a doubt after suffering an illness against Swansea.

For United, Johnny Evans is still suspended and will miss this one while striker Robin Van Persie is also unavailable through injury. Marcos Rojo and James Wilson are both doubts but it is expected that Van Gaal will name an unchanged side from the win over Spurs.

Predicted Lineups

Liverpool (3-4-2-1): Mignolet, Sakho, Skrtel, Can; Moreno, Henderson, Allen, Markovic; Coutinho, Lallana; Sterling.

Manchester United (4-3-3): De Gea, Blind, Smalling, Jones, Valencia; Carrick, Herrera, Fellaini; Young, Mata, Rooney.