Manchester United vs Liverpool
League Cup, Third Round – Wednesday 25th September, 2013 (19:45 KO BST) – Old Trafford, Manchester
The Teams
United
David Moyes on the balance between squad rotation and fielding the strongest possible side: “In many ways the Capital One Cup has been a route to give as many young players an opportunity as we can. I think the draw sometimes in the Capital One Cup is the reason sometimes you can do that. Obviously this is a really big tie that has come out of the hat first.”
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Robin van Persie will once again miss out with a groin niggle.
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The Dutchman could return for the home match against West Brom on Saturday. “He has an outside chance,” said Moyes.
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Rafael remains a doubt with a hamstring injury.
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Phil Jones could return from an ankle injury to play some part.
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After woeful performances at the weekend, Ashley Young, Antonio Valencia, Chris Smalling and Patrice Evra will likely sit this one out.
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With such changes expected, the likes of Nani, Jonny Evans, Javier Hernandez, Shinji Kagawa and Alex Buttner should all feature.
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Youngsters Adnan Januzaj and Wilfried Zaha will hope to be involved in some capacity.
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“I want to play as many games as I can and become the best player I can possibly be,” Januzaj revealed ahead of the game.
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Considering the opposition, and likely still smarting from Sunday’s defeat, Wayne Rooney should retain his place in the side.
Predicted line-up: De Gea, Fabio, Evans, Vidic, Buttner, Carrick, Cleverley, Nani, Kagawa, Rooney, Hernandez
Home record vs Liverpool: P88 W45 D27 L16 F148 A81
League Cup record vs Liverpool: P4 W1 D0 L3 F5 A7
Liverpool
Manager Brendan Rodgers ahead of the game: “It’s a game that no matter what competition it’s in, Liverpool v Manchester United is always a massive game. It’s certainly one that we’re going there looking to get through into the next round. After the disappointment of the weekend, it’s great to get back on the field again.”
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Luis Suarez will likely feature following the completion of his 10-match ban for the attempted cannibalism of a fellow professional.
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Glen Johnson (ankle), Sebastian Coates (knee), Aly Cissokho (ankle) and Phillippe Coutinho (shoulder) are all ruled out.
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Daniel Agger (rib) and Joe Allen (hamstring) are doubts.
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Travel to Old Trafford on the back of a 1-0 home defeat to Southampton, their first loss of the season.
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Needed extra-time to see off League One side Notts County to reach this stage of the competition.
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With no European distractions this season, a strong side should be expected.
Predicted line-up: Mignolet, Toure, Skrtel, Sakho, Enrique, Gerrard, Lucas, Henderson, Moses, Sturridge, Suarez
Recent meetings at Old Trafford
United 2-1 Liverpool (13-01-13) PL
United 2-1 Liverpool (11-02-12) PL
United 1-0 Liverpool (09-01-11) FA
United 3-2 Liverpool (19-09-10) PL
United 2-1 Liverpool (21-03-10) PL
Officials
Referee: Mark Clattenburg.
The 38-year-old official has overseen 4 Premier League matches this season, brandishing 14 yellow cards and awarding 1 penalty. Was last seen by United fans during the Community Shield win over Wigan Athletic. Awarded United a penalty on his last visit to Old Trafford, which Ryan Giggs converted in last season’s 4-1 FA Cup victory over Fulham.
Assistants: Simon Beck, Steve Child.
Fourth official: Lee Probert.
Notes
The two clubs last met in the competition in the 2003 League Cup final, with Liverpool triumphing 2-0.
Federico Macheda (9) has made more League Cup appearances than Patrice Evra (8).
Liverpool are unbeaten in their last 6 away matches in all competitions, winning 4 and drawing 2.
United have lost just 1 of their last 10 League Cup games at Old Trafford, winning the other nine.
Wayne Rooney has netted 3 times in his last 3 home games against Liverpool in all competitions.
Liverpool have won each of their last 6 League Cup games away from Anfield, conceding just 4 goals in the process.
United have won the last 5 meetings between the sides at Old Trafford, all by the odd goal.
Score prediction: United 2-1 Liverpool
One reply on “CUP PREVIEW: Manchester United vs Liverpool”
Lets united not lieve with their pass glory. And play nomal game.