The biggest derby of English football is set for a new chapter as 6th-placed Liverpool play host to Premier League leaders Manchester United.

Kenny Dalglish has brought a new air of confidence to Anfield, so the team can now get away with a defeat to West Ham without coming under intense scrutiny and that will allow the Reds to fully focus on the United match.

King Kenny could pair January signings Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll in attack at some stage of the game, after the former Newcastle striker recovered from a groin injury.

Daniel Agger and Raul Meireles remain injury doubts, but Martin Kelly and Jonjo Shelvey are definitely out.

This game comes at a very bad time for Manchester United as the Red Devils not only lost to Chelsea in midweek, but also lost Nemanja Vidic in the process, which is going to be a big problem.

United’s place at the top is in serious danger following the unlucky defeat to Chelsea and Sir Alex Ferguson’s men have got to try and win this game in order to keep their advantage over Arsenal.

That will not be easy as the boss has a real selection headache at the moment, with Chris Smalling and Wes Brown likely to start in defence in the absence of Vidic, Ferdinand and Evans.

Patrice Evra and Michael Owen remain injury doubts, whereas Andreson, Hargreaves, Park and Valencia are long-term casualties.

Betfair sees Manchester United as favourites, offering 2.63 (13/8) on away win, whereas Liverpool are 2.88 (15/8) to win the game at Paddy Power.