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Part Two of the biggest derby in England shifts to Old Trafford on Saturday as Manchester United welcome Liverpool in the early kick-off. Liverpool won the FA Cup clash two weeks back as Dirk Kuyt scored a dramatic late winner in a close game at Anfield. The Red Devils will no doubt be out for revenge against their bitter rivals and their confidence will be backed by a great home record that has seen them lose only one of their last seven meetings against Liverpool at Old Trafford.

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While both sides come into the game on the back of draws, they were achieved in vastly contrasting fashions. United came from three goals down to draw 3-3 at Chelsea in an incredible game at Stamford Bridge on Sunday while Liverpool were held 0-0 at home by Tottenham Hotspur in a drab encounter best remembered for a feline pitch intruder. An already explosive fixture will be further ignited by the Luis Suarez-Patrice Evra sideshow as the duo are set to face each other for the first time since the game in October. These fixtures are generally low scoring contests, but the odd goal is guaranteed as the last goalless draw between the two occurred back in 2005!

Manchester United

'Old habits die hard' is a phrase that could so aptly describe United's result at Chelsea last weekend as there was a sense of inevitability about the eventual draw. The moment they got a goal back to make it 3-1 you could sense Chelsea faltering and United gaining. The draw meant that Man City had retained their lead at the top, but it was down to just two points now. The manner of the comeback would have dented City's hopes and more importantly given the Red Devils renewed confidence in the title race.

While the game showcased the defending Champions' attacking threat, it once again highlighted their defensive weakness. Patrice Evra was at fault for the first while Rio Ferdinand's decline was exposed for the 3rd goal. The manner in which they conceded two goals within five minutes of the 2nd half was an antithesis to solid Man United teams of the past. A constantly shuffling backline is by no means the right recipe for a title chasing team and the fact that they haven't kept a clean sheet in any of the big games over the past month highlights that defect. Even though United have lost only once in the series of games against Man City, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea, all four of them have breached the United wall.

The return of Wayne Rooney is undoubtedly a huge boost for the side and his presence was the difference between a draw and a loss at Chelsea. His absence from the FA Cup tie at Liverpool was vital as United controlled vast portions of the game without putting the Reds to the sword. They missed that link between midfield and attack and even though Park Ji-Sung filled that role with great acclaim, he is by no means a Wayne Rooney.

Liverpool

The Merseyside outfit continued to suffer at home as they were held to their 8th stalemate of the season by Tottenham on Monday night. Liverpool were in fact fortunate to get a draw as Gareth Bale squandered a glorious opportunity late on for Spurs. The race for the final Champions League spot has been heating up for a while now and with only four points separating Chelsea in 4th and Liverpool in 7th, a hard fought battle can be expected.

The return of Luis Suarez will no doubt be a huge fillip for Kenny Dalglish as the Uruguayan is the one player in Liverpool's attack who can carve out something out of nothing. The Reds have looked pedestrian when the attacking duties have been handed to the likes of Andy Carroll and Dirk Kuyt, players who lack the change in pace required to outfox defenders. The Carroll enigma continues to dog Dalglish as Liverpool struggle to get the best of him. They lack an old-fashioned winger who can cross the ball into the box, someone who could be a lifeline for a tall striker. Stewart Downing has been a huge disappointment so far while both their full-backs prefer to play low crosses into the box. That being said, Carroll's positioning doesn't do him any favours either.

The success of the Suarez-Gerrard partnership will decide Liverpool's fate this season. The spate of home draws has indicated a lack of cutting edge in attack, a flaw that can be rectified by getting Suarez to gel with Gerrard, much like Fernando Torres in his heyday. They already have one Wembley date booked, but the Carling Cup will be a minor distraction compared to the ultimate goal of securing a Champions League berth.

Head-to-Head:

28th Jan, 2012: Liverpool 2-1 Man United (FA Cup)
15th Oct, 2011: Liverpool 1-1 Man United

Form Guide:

Man United: DWLWW

5th Feb, 2012: Chelsea 3-3 Man United
31st Jan, 2012: Man United 2-0 Stoke
28th Jan, 2012: Liverpool 1-2 Man United (FA Cup)
22nd Jan, 2012: Arsenal 1-2 Man United
14th Jan, 2012: Man United 3-0 Bolton

Liverpool: DWWDL

6th Feb, 2012: Liverpool 0-0 Tottenham
31st Jan, 2012: Wolves 0-3 Liverpool
28th Jan, 2012: Liverpool 2-1 Man United (FA Cup)
25th Jan, 2012: Liverpool 2-2 Man City (Carling Cup)
21st Jan, 2012: Bolton 3-1 Liverpool

Probable Line-Ups:

Man United (4-4-1-1): De Gea (Gk), Rafael, Ferdinand, Evans, Evra, Valencia, Carrick, Scholes, Young, Rooney, Welbeck

Sir Alex has till Friday to decide on a few players, mainly Chris Smalling and Nani. The duo missed the Chelsea game but should train this week ahead of Saturday's game. Rafael da Silva has been impressive at right-back recently and Evra is a certain starter on the left while Ferdinand and Evans look likely to continue in the centre. Paul Scholes should start in central midfield as the veteran will slot in next to Michael Carrick. Tom Cleverly has recovered from his injury and could also play some part. Antonio Valencia had a subdued game at Stamford Bridge but he is the favourite to start on the right, especially with Nani out with a foot injury. Rooney will of course play as the spare man, behind either Danny Welbeck or Javier Hernandez.

Liverpool (4-5-1): Reina (Gk), Kelly/Enrique, Skrtel, Agger, Johnson, Adam, Gerrard, Spearing, Bellamy, Suarez, Downing

Dalglish has kept pundits guessing with his ever changing formations, especially in the big games. The Scotsman set his team out in a very defensive manner for the FA Cup game before being forced to break the chains. Jose Enrique's recovery from a hamstring injury will dictate their defensive shape. Glen Johnson might continue at left-back if the Spaniard fails to recover in time while Martin Kelly, Martin Skrtel and Daniel Agger should complete the rest of the defence. Charlie Adam and Steven Gerrard are certain starters in midfield, with the 3rd spot going to either Jay Spearing or Jordan Henderson. Downing and Bellamy will be the wide players if Dalglish decides to go for it, else Kuyt could get a start. Up front, Suarez should feature as the lone striker.

Prediction: Man United have been in fine fettle since the turn of the year and they will fancy their chances against any opposition at Old Trafford. They will once again look to their wide men for inspiration while Sir Alex will hope that his side translate possession into goals. Liverpool will pose a threat, especially through Suarez, who has ability to pull defenders out of position.

Predicted Score: Man United 2-1 Liverpool

Also Read: Everton vs Chelsea Preview / Sunderland vs Arsenal Preview / Tottenham vs Newcastle Preview / Aston Villa vs Man City Preview

Photograph Copyright: Ryu Voelkel