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Saturday 12 September 2015

Preview/Team News: Man Utd v Liverpool

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney will hope to mark the week of his 50th England goal by ending his Premier League drought on Saturday Night Football.

Louis van Gaal's men host fierce rivals Liverpool, against whom Rooney scored in a 3-0 win at Old Trafford last season, but the striker has now gone 10 top-flight matches without scoring - despite overtaking Sir Bobby Charlton's record for the national team on Tuesday night.

Since December's victory, United have added some big names to their ranks and kept others, after David de Gea committed to the club by signing a four-year deal, despite almost joining Real Madrid, and the goalkeeper could be set for his first start of the season.

Swansea came from behind to consign them to their first defeat of the season, and they now go into a big week as they take on Brendan Rodgers' side before returning to Champions League action after a season's absence.

United have struggled in front of goal so far this season, while Liverpool have scored just twice in four games themselves, drawing blanks in their last two outings.

Rodgers' men are also returning to action after being shocked by West Ham at home before the international break, with the Hammers running out 3-0 winners and ending the Reds' unbeaten start to the season.

Team news

Van Gaal believes De Gea is ready to return to action but wouldn't confirm if the Spaniard would start against Liverpool.

Michael Carrick (calf) is available again but Phil Jones (leg) remains out, while the United boss confirmed Andreas Pereira was the only player to return from international duty with an injury.

Liverpool playmaker Philippe Coutinho is suspended for the trip to Old Trafford, with Jordon Ibe or Danny Ings in contention to replace the Brazilian.

Midfielder Jordan Henderson (foot) and Adam Lallana (thigh) remain doubtful, while striker Daniel Sturridge has returned to full training this week but is unlikely to feature, having not played since April after a hip operation.

Opta stats

Manchester United have registered just one win in their last four top-flight games at Old Trafford (D2 L1), having won six in a row prior to that.

Liverpool have won just one of their last seven Premier League away games (D3 L3) after winning five of the previous six (D1).

Manchester United have won five of their last seven Premier League meetings with Liverpool (L2).

Christian Benteke has scored in his last two Premier League appearances against Manchester United (both for Aston Villa).

This will be the 47th Premier League meeting between these two sides. No two teams have met more often in the competition.

This Premier League fixture has produced 16 red cards. Only Everton v Liverpool (20) has seen more sending-offs.

Juan Mata netted three goals in his two Premier League games against Liverpool last season.

(Skysports)

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