Drama expected at theatre of dreams

With wins over West Brom in EPL and Monaco in the Champions League Liverpool are on roll. But now comes their biggest test as they face Manc...

With wins over West Brom in EPL and Monaco in the Champions League Liverpool are on roll. But now comes their biggest test as they face Manchester United away. Man United too have a point to prove. Lying 13th in the table and having drawn their last four games, Sir Alex Ferguson’s side is on the backfoot. A tense battle is on cards and the following are the few factors which will decide the outcomes.

MANCHESTER UNITED

Return of Rio Ferdinand

The defender hasn’t played since being handed an eight-month ban for missing a drugs test almost a year ago, but Sir Alex Ferguson will recall the England international at Old Trafford. Mikael Silvestre or Wes Brown will make way for Ferdinand.

Wayne Rooney on bench

Summer signing Wayne Rooney has made good progress following a foot injury sustained during Euro 2004 and could find himself on the bench for this crucial match.

Howard for Carroll

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Manchester United goalkeeper Tim Howard could lose his first-team place to Roy Carroll following another blunder in Wednesday’s Champions League opener against Lyon.

MAN TO WATCH: Ruud Van Nistelrooy showed against Lyon that all was well after his injury break. In all probability he will find the net.

LIVERPOOL

RAFA’S TOUGHEST TEST

For Liverpool’s new coach Rafa Benitez this is the toughest test. But recent impressive displays and a faltering start from United has given the new coach a lot of confidence at the Theater of Dreams.

RECORD ON THEIR SIDE

Three of Liverpool’s last four trips to Old Trafford have resulted in a 1-0 win for the visitors each time thanks to a Danny Murphy goal. But things have changed since Murhy has moved on.

NO INJURY PROBLEM

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Liverpool coach Benitez has no new injury concerns ahead of the trip to Lancashire and the Spaniard could well stick with the same side that beat Monaco 2-0 in the Champions League in midweek.

MAN TO WATCH: Milan Baros is expected get the nod ahead of Luis Garcia in the first XI following his superb goal against Monaco.