Having suffered a disappointing 4-1 defeat to local rivals Manchester City at the weekend, while also losing at Anfield earlier in the campaign, Manchester United will have some damage control to do when they host arch rivals Liverpool in the Capital One Cup third round.

Meanwhile, the Reds also have something to prove after the home defeat to Southampton spoiled their impressive start to the Premiership season.

Manchester United recovered well from some disappointing showings in pre-season to defeat Wigan in the Community Shield match, while also hammering Swansea away in their opening Premier League game.

With Wayne Rooney enjoying an impressive return into action in the undeserved goalless draw against Chelsea, surely the Red Devils thought good times were ahead.

However, with talismanic striker picking up an injury in training ahead of the trip to Anfield, United failed to keep the rich vein of form and suffered the first defeat of the campaign at the worst possible time.

Home wins over Crystal Palace and Bayer Leverkusen were more than welcome before the derby match against Manchester City, but this time it was Robin van Persie’s turn to be missing.

After the Dutchman puled out due to a groin problem, the Red Devils looked completely lost at Etihad and went on to suffer an embarrassing 4-1 defeat.

Under-pressure David Moyes now faces a real selection dilemma as some key men are in desperate need of rest and at the same time he cannot afford another poor result against arch rivals Liverpool.

He is, therefore, likely to field a strong side on Wednesday evening, and that is probably the reason why the hosts are 2.25 (5/4) favourites with Paddy Power.

Robin van Persie is unlikely to be risked, while Jonny Evans, Tom Cleverley, Shinji Kagawa and Nani are pushing for starting places.

Probable starting line-up (4-4-1-1): Lindegaard – Fabio, Ferdinand, Evans, Buttner – Nani, Carrick, Cleverley, Kagawa – Rooney – Hernandez.

Unlike their bitter rivals, Liverpool enjoyed a pretty solid start to the season, picking up ten points from first four league fixtures, even with Luis Suarez on the sidelines.

However, just as everyone expected them to prove they are serious top 4 contenders, the Reds were beaten at home by Southampton and now have got to try and restore the lost confidence with a good performance at Old Trafford.

Brendan Rodgers has received a timely boost as key striker Luis Suarez finally returns having served a ten-match ban and no doubt he will be eager to impress against Manchester United.

With the Uruguayan likely to start, he is no less than 3.00 (2/1) at Stan James to mark his return with what would be a very important goal.

Meanwhile, the Reds are 2.38 (11/8) at SkyBet to pour more misery on their bitter rivals and make it to the next stage of the Capital One Cup.

Brendan Rodgers will be looking to rest some of his starters, with Daniel Sturridge likely to miss out having battled a groin injury of late.

Daniel Agger remains doubtful with a rib problem, but Glen Johnson, Philippe Coutinho and Aly Cissokho are definitely out.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Mignolet – Toure, Skrtel, Sakho, Enrique – Gerrard, Lucas – Sterling, Henderson, Moses – Suarez.

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