Barclays Premier League

Published on Saturday 24 October 2009 19:51

Liverpool Vs Man Utd Today, kick-off 2pm. Live on Sky Sports 1.

FITNESS REPORT

Liverpool look like they will have Fernando Torres, below, fit again – with eight Premiership goals to his name this season, they need him desperately – but Steven Gerrard will almost certainly miss out. Wayne Rooney has missed United's last two games due to a groin injury and is struggling to play any part at Anfield. Darren Fletcher is doubtful with a groin problem.

UNITED ON A ROLL

Sir Alex Ferguson's side are on an 11-match unbeaten streak in all competitions. Since getting turned over by Burnley in mid August they have won ten and drawn one, Sunderland getting a point at Old Trafford. United are the only team not to concede a goal from a set-piece in the Premier League this season. But, defensively, they are not as solid as they were last season, with only one clean sheet in their last six Premiership games. That said, Liverpool have had only one shut-out in their last seven in league and cup.

LIVERPOOL IN CRISIS

Liverpool have lost four successive matches in all competitions – their worst run for more than 22 years. It is 56 years since they last lost five consecutive matches and the natives are getting restless. In August and September 1953 they were beaten by Bolton Wanderers, Newcastle United, Preston North End, Wolves and Tottenham Hotspur in the top flight. They finished bottom of the division that season and were relegated. Defeat would mean they have lost half of their opening ten league games for the first time since 1993. Rafa Benitez, below left, is a man under significant pressure, although he still commands the support of the Kop. Another loss today, though, and the game's most loyal fans might have to rethink their support for the manager.

NO FEAR FOR UNITED

United have won five and drawn one on their last seven visits to Anfield in the league – the only defeat coming last year – and have the best Premier League record of any club against Liverpool, with 18 wins and 61 points. Their last victory there was in December 2007 and Carlos Tevez got the only goal.

GOALS GUARANTEED

Liverpool have scored 15 goals in their four league matches at Anfield this season – only Arsenal have scored more at home in the division prior to this weekend. If Liverpool can bang them in at home, then United have had no problem scoring them away from home. In six Premiership and Champions League matches they've struck 12 times, with eight different players getting on the mark. Even Dimitar Berbatov, the 30m Bulgarian striker who hasn't exactly set Manchester alight, above right, has scored a couple on the road for United.

HEAD TO HEAD

Liverpool beat Manchester United home and away in the league last season for the first time in seven years, the 4-1 scoreline at Old Trafford United's heaviest home defeat since New Year's Day 1992. But Manchester United's record at Anfield is one to make even the Kop fearful.