Liverpool – Manchester United

1. <i>ESPNsoccernet</i> will bring you live commentary of this colloquial clash at Anfield from 1215 BST. Kick-off is at 1230 BST, while team news will appear here as soon as it reaches us.

2. <b>Liverpool team:</b> Reina, Kelly, Enrique, Carragher, Skrtel, Lucas, Adam, Gerrard, Downing, Kuyt, Suarez. Subs: Doni, Bellamy, Carroll, Henderson, Spearing, Robinson, Agger.

3. <b>Manchester Unite team:</b> De Gea, Evra, Jones, Ferdinand, Evans, Giggs, Smalling, Park, Young, Welbeck, Fletcher. Subs: Lindegaard, Anderson, Rooney, Hernandez, Carrick, Nani, Valencia.

4. Interesting team news from both sides - big calls from Sir Alex Ferguson and Kenny Dalglish.

5. It speaks volumes for the impact Andy Carroll has had at Liverpool this season and the faith Dalglish currently has him - after scoring against Everton, there was a chance for him to build some confidence and to develop some form but it appears he's not to be trusted in such a big game.

6. United, meanwhile, have both Rooney and Hernandez on the bench. Great game changers - and shows a lot of faith in Welbeck - but will United have enough going forward to seriously test what's been an unsteady Liverpool defence this season.

7. Ferguson confirms Phil Jones will be playing in midfield. Interesting call. It seems Jones's energy is there to try and negate the threat posed by Gerrard and Suarez.

8. Ferguson also confirms how disappointed Wayne Rooney is for his international suspension. Shame for him - he's had a superb start to the season and was threatening to possibly have his finest yet - his momentum could well be interrupted.

9. Elsewhere on the pitch, Charlie Adam proved a big threat to United when at Blackpool last season. Can he have the same impact today?

10. Gary Neville makes an interesting point. He speaks of Phil Jones's ability to go forward - which he certainly can do - but will he leave United's defence exposed if he does so? Ferguson won't want a repeat of the Basel Champions League match.

11. Dalglish appears confident and admits he's "delighted" to have Gerrard back.

12. Martin Kelly could also come under close scrutiny today. The selection of Young and Giggs means he's likely to be kept busy, and how he deals with them will give a good insight to Fabio Capello and those calling for his involvement in the England squad. He certainly seems to have the potential to be a sounder option than Glen Johnson.

13. Lindegaard, Anderson, Rooney, Hernandez, Carrick, Nani, Valencia... What a bench for Ferguson to choose from, especially if United go behind.

14. Would also be a surprise if Bellamy and/or Carroll don't make an appearance for Liverpool.

15. Today could also be interesting for David de Gea. Jerzy Dudek memorably suffered in this fixture several years ago. De Gea's settled down after a tough start - and is unquestionably talented - but a mistake today could be a huge set-back.

16. Less than 10 minutes until kick-off, then...

17. And so to sendings off... Will there be another red card today? Javier Mascherano really lost it in this fixture a few years ago. Rodwell was off in the Merseyside derby, undeservedly, but it's that sort of fixture.

18. Stat: Jamie Carragher has played in Liverpool's last 12 victories over Manchester United.

19. Players are in the tunnel, and walking out...

20. Putting bragging rights to one side, momentarily, this is a big fixture in the landscape of this season's Premier League. Liverpool are one of the few sides who genuinely believe they can conquer United, and a win for them could make the title race far more open, but a win for United could see them develop a strong early season lead over the other challengers and it could stay that way until next May.

21. Here we go then, United kick off...

22. Typically high tempo start. Liverpool press high and early but the ball goes out for a throw in.

23. 1'

    Dodgy kick there from De Gea - early nerves?

24. 2'

    A big Jonny Evans header finds its way to Pepe Reina, who's rolled the ball out to his defence.

25. 2'

    Downing leads a Liverpool attack before losing possession to be cleared by De Gea.

26. 2'

    Adam passes back to Reina, before getting the ball back and picking out Gerrard with a good pass.

27. 3'

    Evra successfully defends from Gerrard and the ball's out for a goal-kick.

28. 3'

    Goal-kick now to Liverpool.

29. 4'

    A terrible effort. Looking for Enrique but really overhit, throw in to United.

30. 4'

    Early signs show Ashley Young will be Welbeck's chief support and look to come in from wide and play just behind him.

31. 5'

    Aimless cross into the United box from the right wing, De Gea collects.

32. 5'

    Smalling gives ball away but Liverpool, after threatening, waste a good chance through Kuyt.

33. 6'

    Giggs and Gerrard both giving the ball away within a matter of seconds.

34. 7'

    Downing and Enrique now linking up to attack down the left

35. 7'

    Smalling slips, Enrique gets the cross in but no-one's there to meet it.

36. 9'

    Looks as though Gerrard's playing a deeper role than anticipated. Appears to be playing alongside Adam and Lucas, not necessarily in the hole behind Suarez.

37. 9'

    Which, of course, means the midfield could get both aggressive and congested, with 10 players in there.

38. 11'

    Liverool waste a free-kick and the bal is back in defence, with Skrtel forced to risk a dangerous pass across the penalty box to clear.

39. 12'

    Downing caught diving after a challenge from Patrice Evra. United throw in.

40. 12'

    United win a free-kick on edge of Liverpool box after foul from Kelly.

41. 13'

    Young and Giggs standing over the ball...

42. 13'

    Young crosses it in but no real danger, Reina collects.

43. 14'

    Ball cleared as far as Evra who then clears for a throw in. Ball now back with Enrique.

44. 15'

    Reina passes out to Carragher, Liverpool seemingly happy to keep possession until giving the ball away - again, something both sides have already done several times today.

45. 16'

    Closest yet! Evra finds some space down the left and picks out Jones with an excellent cross but the young defender/midfielder heads tamely wide.

46. 17'

    Suarez tackled, ball out for a throw-in.

47. 18'

    United defending well so far, Suarez looks isolated at the moment.

48. 18'

    Now United's turn to pass the ball around midfield until Smalling gives the ball away.

49. 18'

    Suarez again getting crowded by United's defence. Seems they don't want to give him the freedom he was afforded last season.

50. 19'

    Fletcher tries to find Young will a long ball but Carragher wins the header.

51. 20'

    Good pressure from Adam. Presses Ferdinand until the ball goes out for a throw in.

52. 20'

    Reina clears again, and again it's out for a throw-in.

53. 21'

    Adam releases Downing down the left. The ball's crossed towards Suarez but headed out again. Not the sort of service Suarez enjoys. Encouragingly, though, Enrique and Downing linking up well and proving a good threat. Where's Andy Carroll when you need him?

54. 21'

    Dangerous inswinging cross from Gerrard! Bends just beyond the far post, no-one there to meet it. A wasted chance.

55. 22'

    Ferdinand's turn to hit it long and out for a throw - United try to box Liverpool in but ball is sent long towards Kuyt.

56. 23'

    Good tackle from Suarez, gives Liverpool possession and chance to build an attack...

57. 24'

    Skrtel - strangely - looking composed so far today. Good tackle to give Liverpool possession before Suarez is fouled by Smalling. Quick free-kick taken by Enrique before Smalling then wins the ball from Sowning.

58. 25'

    Goal-kick to United.

59. 25'

    Suarez very, very optmistic. Shoots harmlessly wide from a big distance. Anfield misses Xabi Alonso even more.

60. 25'

    Good work from Gerrard gives Liverpool the chance to attack, but Downing's delivery not good enough. Throw-in.

61. 26'

    Cross into the box, not completely cleared by United. Another goes in byt again headed clear. Could have been a big game for Carroll.

62. 27'

    Both United and Liverpool seem lacking in the final third - neither has a suitable focal point with just a solitary striker and neither particularly authoritative in the air.

63. 28'

    Long ball into Liverpool box headed clear by Carragher.

64. 29'

    Downing in possession down the left. Running with plenty of purpose but with little to aim out. Suarez now out wide and wins a corner after briefly mesmerising Ferdinand.

65. 30'

    Good chance for Liverpool, then...

66. 30'

    Dangerous looking corner from Gerrard headed out by United.

67. 31'

    United clear but Liverpool again in possession. Carragher hits it long but Evans meets it with a header.

68. 32'

    <img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Lucas booked for a challenge and he'll miss Liverpool's next game against Norwich.

69. 33'

    Gerrard slips when sending a cross in and the result is a United goal-kick. A wasted chance.

70. 33'

    Giggs appeals for a foul by Carragher, but doesn't get it. Throw in to Liverpool.

71. 34'

    Carroll pictured warming up. Despite his form, perhaps Dalglish recognises he could have a role to play with Liverpool inclined to send the ball long.

72. 34'

    Kelly intercepts an Evra pass, Adam collects, puts Suarez cleanly through but De Gea produces a great save!

73. 35'

    A big test for the Spaniard, Suarez was in a very dangerous position and should have scored.

74. 35'

    Dalglish shows his pain...

75. 36'

    A Downing run provides a crossing opportunity for Gerrard, but - again - it's not met by anyone in a Liverpool shirt. Little threat.

76. 37'

    Fletcher fires wide from a decent shooting range. Until that effort, United's front men look reluctant to shoot.

77. 38'

    Liverpool passing the ball around, looking for some space.

78. 38'

    Suarez was suddenly played in by Kuyt but the ref blows up for a hand-ball. De Gea to take the subsequent free-kick.

79. 39'

    Adam trying to release Suarez but again, United's defence intervenes.

80. 39'

    Skrtel goes on a mazy run but Ferdinand defends well and the ball's out for a goal-kick. Good defending.

81. 40'

    Kuyt in possession in midfield.

82. 41'

    Parks wins the ball from Enrique, makes good ground with a run before firing well wide.

83. 42'

    Lucas with a questionable challenge - lucky not to give away a free-kick. Needs to be careful he doesn't get another yellow card.

84. 43'

    <img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Young booked for a fould on Suarez. Free-kick to Liverpool.

85. 43'

    Adam to take the free-kick...

86. 43'

    Adam's free-kick headed towards De Gea but he punches clear...

87. 44'

    United in possession but panicking...

88. 44'

    Play stopped as Jones and Lucas accidentally have a clash of heads.

89. 44'

    Looks likely to go into half-time at 0-0.

90. 45'

    2 minutes of extra-time added. Jones getting treatment on the sidelines so United temporarily down to ten men.

91. 45'

    Downing - who, let's be honest, was probably bought to supply Carroll - again with little to aim for down the left. Ball given away.

92. 45'

    Half-time.

93. Little of note, despite a high tempo from both sides. Both teams cancelling each other out - will Ferguson or Dalglish take the risk and try to win the game?

94. United currently set-up more defensively than Liverpool and, as usual, Suarez is full of energy, but every time he comes deep or wide to collect the ball, Liverpool have no-one to aim at. Moreover, when he is in the centre, Smalling, Ferdinand and Evans are superior in the air and there's little threat.

95. United so far have little of note going forward beyond Young and Welbeck. However - Giggs is always capable of threatening - and Hernandez, Rooney and Nani are all on the bench. Whether Ferguson will use them so early, however, is unclear.

96. What are your thoughts? Send them to Twitter @ESPNsoccernet or @decwarrington.

97. Ferguson likely to be the happier of the two men, given the game is at Anfield and his team selection suggests he's happy to avoid defeat. Both he - and United - don't forget, are more than capable of 'smash and grab' victories.

98. During Rafa Benitez's time in charge of Liverpool, they occasionally dominated United for long periods of play before conceding a late winner.

99. Will try and provide any injury news about Phil Jones as and when it becomes clear.

100. Looks like he may have hurt himself, so it wouldn't be a great surprise to see him subbed off. But, as Ray Wilkins was keen to point out, "he's a Northern lad..." so he may be fine.

101. If he does come off, it could mean Ferguson has to change his side around substantially. Jones playing a very specific role in the United midfield so far.

102. Any predictions for the second half? Send them to @ESPNsoccernet or @decwarrington

103. Even if it's just how many "literallys" Jamie Redknapp will use before the end of the day...

104. Players out for the second half, and Phil Jones is fit...

105. 46'

     Second-half underway...

106. 46'

     Neither manager has made any personnel changes.

107. 46'

     Young finds some space before firing wide. Had to come inside to do so - Kelly's defended well, so far.

108. 47'

     Lucas fouls again. Possible dive, but free-kick to United and he really HAS to be careful...

109. 48'

     Young curls in a free-kick, Reina spills but recollects. Enrique now in possession.

110. 48'

     Free-kick to United - Suarez offside.

111. 49'

     Downing threatens with a good run down the left, testing Smalling before taking a heavy touch which runs out of play.

112. 50'

     Stat: Young's free-kick was United's first effort on target (it's been that sort of game...).

113. 51'

     Kuyt showing why he's valued at Liverpool with some stellar defensive work there.

114. 51'

     Free-kick to Liverpool in United's half. Not shooting range, though.

115. 51'

     Gerrard's free-kick headed by Fletcher before Suarez superbly turns Smalling to win a corner. Impressive individual skill.

116. 52'

     Controversy! A Kuyt headed hits Jonny Evans's arm after Gerrard's corner. United lucky.

117. 53'

     Now corner to United, headed over by Welbeck and out for a goal-kick.

118. 53'

     Young attacking down the left but it comes to nothing as Reina collects.

119. 54'

     <img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Ferdinand booked for a foul on Suarez. Unsurprisingly, he's the subject of a lot of attention from United.

120. 54'

     The game's certainly more open so far in the second half. Dalglish appears to have told Liverpool to go for the win.

121. 54'

     Lucas caught in possession after dithering. Poor play.

122. 55'

     Suarez fires at De Gea. A decent effort, not amazing. Tidily collected by the keeper.

123. 56'

     Liverpool again spreading play through Adam, Downing and Enrique.

124. 56'

     Gerrard crosses but De Gea collects.

125. 57'

     Enrique's long ball towards Suarez results in a corner.

126. 57'

     <img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Henderson on for Lucas.

127. 57'

     No surprise there, Lucas on a yellow and seemingly awaiting more trouble until he was brought off.

128. 58'

     Clear intent from Liverpool. Henderson certainly a more attacking influence than Lucas.

129. 58'

     Corner for Liverpool after a brief tussle between Suarez and Evra. Even when the striker isn't scoring he constantly pursues the ball and pressures opposing defences. Andy Carroll, take note.

130. 59'

     Evra receiving treatment for the challenge.

131. 59'

     Not a corner. A free-kick. De Gea to take.

132. 60'

     Now Liverpool's free-kick. Gerrard takes it short.

133. 60'

     Enrique proving a good outlet for Liverpool - many of their attacks are built from him.

134. 60'

     Gerrard now playing deeper since Henderson's arrival.

135. 61'

     Suarez fires over with a speculative effort.

136. 61'

     Nani pictures warming up...Rooney remains seated.

137. 61'

     Stat: Liverpool 56% possession to United's 44%.

138. 62'

     United looking for too many passes - someone (Rooney? Hernandez?) needs to take responsibility for shooting like Suarez is for Liverpool. Good passes wasted by looking for the next instead of shooting when possible.

139. 64'

     Suarez wins the ball, finds some shotting space but his effort is deflected off of Smalling for a corner. Gerrard to take.

140. 64'

     Ref orders a re-take.

141. 64'

     Handbags between Evra and Suarez the reason...

142. 64'

     Gerrard takes the corner which De Gea punches clear. It seems he's learning about that 'authority' Ferguson mentioned.

143. 65'

     <img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Evra booked after an exchange with Kuyt. The ref had warned him...

144. 65'

     Rooney warming up...

145. 66'

     Nani also ready to come on...

146. 66'

     Controversy! Ferdinand foul on Adam, was it a dive?

147. 67'

     Initially a good run, but a dive from Adam. Ferdinand on a yellow so could have been even worse. Free-kick on the edge of the box. Downing, Adam and Gerrard standing over it.

148. 67'

     <img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Gerrard bends the free-kick in!

149. 67'

     1-0 to Liverpool! Gerrard finds a hole in the free-kick - very poor cover from Giggs, and De Gea can't see it before the ball goes in.

150. 68'

     Giggs will be very disappointed with that. Not De Gea's fault at all.

151. 68'

     <img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Rooney and Nani on for Park and Young.

152. 69'

     Ferguson, unsurprisingly, to go in search of an equaliser.

153. 70'

     Now will Liverpool go for another, or look to double their lead?

154. 70'

     Reina collects Jones's cross. Kicks the ball towards Kuyt but it's lost for a United throw in.

155. 70'

     Welbeck continues to show great industry and energy by pressuring Liverpool's defence but United need more than that.

156. 71'

     De Gea with the goal-kick, then.

157. 73'

     Kelly with the throw in. Suarez now in possession, ever the livewire.

158. 73'

     Many managers, surely, would be tempted to take Suarez off so that Carroll could play and hold the ball up, but Suarez constantly applies pressure on a defence and drags it out of position. Great performance by him so far, and one that deserves a goal.

159. 74'

     Stat: Today would be United's fourth successive defeat at Anfield, if the scores remains the same.

160. 75'

     Liverpool's midfield now flatter than before, content to hold their shape and the one goal lead?

161. 75'

     Nani finds some space after a pass from Giggs, but he fires high and wide.

162. 76'

     <img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Jones off, Hernandez on.

163. 76'

     Seems United will go to 4-3-3

164. 77'

     Rooney, Welbeck, Hernandez and Nani all on together. Crucially, that could create another chance for Liverpool to score.

165. 77'

     Stat: Last 10 mins possession - 28& Liverpool, 72% United.

166. 78'

     Free-kick to United after a foul on Evra by Kuyt.

167. 79'

     Hernandez and Nani get in eachother's way. Goal-kick to Liverpool.

168. 80'

     Throw-in taken by Evra.

169. 80'

     Well defended by Gerrard as Smalling attacks. Corner to United.

170. 80'

     Giggs corner headed by Smalling but deflected off for another corner, this time on the opposite side.

171. 81'

     <img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Goal! 1-1!

172. 81'

     Hernandez equalises with a header after being free following a flick on from Welbeck. 1-1.

173. 81'

     Hernandez - again - right place, right time. What a finisher.

174. 81'

     Rooney seems to be in centre midfield, Liverpool could have the advantage going forward.

175. 82'

     So close! A great cross from Downing finds Kuyt who produces a quality save from De Gea.

176. 82'

     And again! A scramble in United's penalty box. Liverpool close again.

177. 83'

     Now United attacking. Welbeck in possession before Downing clears.

178. 84'

     Smalling clears for a throw-in. After a largely disappointed game, this is producing a superb finish.

179. 85'

     Suarez offside! Very close indeed after sloppy work from Evans. He'll be relieved.

180. 86'

     Throw-in to United.

181. 86'

     Cross from Enrique blocked by Smalling. Liverpool throw-in.

182. 87'

     Liverpool passing the ball around in midfield and looking for an opener.

183. 87'

     Downing suddenly shoots - surprisingly - with a decent effort but it's too wide to concern De Gea.

184. 88'

     Good run by Giggs, finding some space before over hitting a pass to Evra that runs out for a goal-kick. Reina to take.

185. 89'

     Another free-kick to Liverpool. Gerrard wastes.

186. 90'

     Welbeck defends superbly with Gerrard trying to cross. Goal-kick to United, De Gea to take.

187. 90'

     Henderson goes very close! Superb save from De Gea after a dangerous volley from the midfielder. Corner...

188. 90'

     Corner sent in and De Gea punches it out. Superb so far from the keeper.

189. 90'

     Skrtel goes so close!!! United fail to clear the ball before the defender volleys over. That could have been the winner!

190. 90'

     3 mins of extra-time given, 2 remaining.

191. 90'

     Henderson close again!

192. 90'

     Downing with a good run, crosses into the box superbly for Henderson to fire just over!

193. 90'

     Ferguson pointing at his wrist watch (big surprise..............)

194. 90'

     Henderson crosses into the box towards Suarez but it's headed clear.

195. 90'

     Full-time!

196. 1-1 the final result. Liverpool could have won the game at the end after a superb finish but, until then, if not necessarily overall, United also deserved a point.

197. Liverpool will be pleased to see Gerrard back and performing. Adam also looked good, but Suarez the top man for them, today. United, as ever, know they can rely on the superb Hernandez for a goal and will be happier with a point than Liverpool.

198. United go top by a point, with Liverpool into fifth.

199. Superb from De Gea today. Shows why Ferguson has such faith in him because today was a big test and he came through - United have a top, top keeper on their hands (one that Benitez admitted he had monitored as a potential replacement for Reina when he was still at the club).

200. Gerrard says he feels Liverpool "could have nicked it", but Ferdinand says "a point seemed fair".

201. Ferdinand, on the challenge on Adam, says there wasn't enough contact for him to go down.

202. Gerrard admits the free-kick wasn't very good and he was lucky the wall split for his goal.

203. Gary Neville says United "will be happy to get away with a point".

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