Sunday’s match at Old Trafford will see Manchester United try to keep alive their slim hopes of securing a top four finish this season against fierce rivals Liverpool, who themselves will be keen to tighten their grip on a Champions League qualification place with three points.

The hosts go in to the game on the back of last weekend’s 3-0 win over struggling West Bromwich Albion, a result with stretched their unbeaten run in the league to four games, the last three of which have ended without them conceding a goal.

Manager David Moyes could include Rafael in defence after the Brazil international recovered from an ankle knock sustained during the victory at the Hawthorns, while Nani, Jonny Evans and Javier Hernandez are also back in contention.

Robin van Persie, who this week has dismissed speculation that he is unhappy with life at United, is favourite to open the scoring at 6.5 (11/2) with Bet Victor, with Wayne Rooney a 7.0 (6/1) shot with the same firm.

The home win is priced at 2.6 (8/5) with William Hill, with Liverpool a generous 3.0 (2/1) with Bet Victor, who have the draw at 3.5 (5/2).

Brendan Rodgers’ men made it nine league games without defeat with their 3-0 win at Southampton a fortnight ago, and went in to the weekend in second place, seven points behind leaders Chelsea.

Mamadou Sakho and Lucas could both feature having turned out for the Reds’ development side in midweek, but Jose Enrique is still some way off a return.

Daniel Sturridge and Luis Suarez can each be backed at 7.0 (6/1) with Bet Victor to get the first goal of the game, while Steven Gerrard is a 15.0 (14/1) chance with the same firm.

The sides have already met twice this season, with Liverpool running out 1-0 winners at Anfield in the league back in September, while the champions won by the same score-line when they faced off in the third round of the League Cup later that month.

With a single goal being enough to separate the sides in each of their previous six encounters, you may be tempted to back the hosts to win by the margin at 4.5 (7/2) with Ladbrokes, while the visitors are 5.25 (17/4) to do so with Bet Victor.