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Wayne Rooney will likely face some derisive chants from the Anfield faithful when Manchester United travel to Liverpool to reignite their historic rivalry on Saturday.
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On Thursday, Rooney received a three-match suspension by UEFA for his pointless and vicious foul on Montenegro's Miodrag Dzudovic in last week's qualifying match. The ban means the famed forward will miss the England's group stage matches of Euro 2012.
Liverpool fans are known for their rowdy behavior, and have never been too fond of Manchester United, so Rooney will be a lightning rod for jeers probably every time he touches the ball. Rooney has had one of the best years of his career, so getting in the former Everton star's head might be a smart strategy regardless of his actions with England.
However, mind games may not be necessary for Liverpool, as the Reds have been playing at a higher level in the past few weeks. Since their 4-0 thumping against Tottenham at White Hart Lane on Sept. 18, Liverpool have won their last two Premier League matches, and their Carling Cup match.
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The tandem of Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll has proven to be a success, and judging by the lack of success of Fernando Torres at Chelsea, Liverpool appear to be making the right personnel changes.
Manager Kenny Dalglish appears to have his club headed in the right direction. Liverpool is currently just three points behind Chelsea for third place on the Premier League table.
Dalglish has a very healthy side, though he left open some comedic pessimism.
"Everybody's fine. The three boys who came back from South America are all fine. It's only myself that's ill. I can't even get a game in a five-a-side," said Dalglish, to the Liverpool Web site. "But it's only Thursday - we might get a couple (of injuries) tomorrow."
Glen Johnson, Martin Kelly, Daniel Agger and Fabio Aurelio were all questionable at one point, but now are hopeful of playing against United. Captain Steven Gerrard has yet to start a match this season, and Liverpool are taking a cautious approach to the midfielder, who is still expected to be in the starting 11 against the Red Devils.
While Dalglish no longer has serious injury woes, Sir Alex Ferguson has also received positive news this week. Centre back Nemanja Vidic and midfielder Tom Cleverley might be match-fit for Saturday. The possible return of Vidic would be quite welcomed as the Red Devils have had bad luck with Rio Ferdinand not being at 100 percent for stretches of the season.
First-place Manchester United have won six of their seven Premier League matches, and their one blemish was a draw at Stoke. United is currently tied for first place with local rival Manchester City, and the two clubs meet on Oct. 23.
There is no chance that Ferguson will be look past Liverpool to the City match. Overcoming Liverpool at Anfield is always a challenge, even for Red Devils squad that has been particularly strong this season.
One of the reasons United has come as far as they have has been due to the play of Danny Welbeck. Though he has only three goals, Welbeck has given opposing defenses fits this season. Like Ashley Young and Phil Jones, Welbeck has made a very smooth transition to being a regular for United.
The last time Manchester United faced Liverpool at Anfield was on Mar. 6, 2011. Dirk Kuyt ran all over United in the Reds' 3-1 victory. If not for the Javier Hernandez goal in the 90th minute, Manchester United would have been shut out for the first time in about two months. Even with United's potent offense, Liverpool has the ability to contain players like Rooney, Ryan Giggs, and Nani.
Liverpool have won the last three games against United at Anfield and four of the last six.
Ferguson's squad certainly know they have a tough challenge awaiting them on Saturday.
PROBABLE LINEUPS:
LIVERPOOL
G: Reina
D: Johnson, Carragher, Skrtel, Enrique
M: Kuyt, Lucas, Gerrard, Downing
F: Suarez, Carroll
MANCHESTER UNITED
G: De Gea
D: Jones, Vidic, Ferdinand, Evra
M: Nani, Carrick, Anderson, Young
F: Rooney, Welbeck
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