Some Stats for the Game:

The Reds are currently eight points better off than they were at the same stage of last season while United are five points worse off.

United are aiming to become only the second team in history to keep four successive league clean sheets at Anfield. Everton were the last team to achieve the feat in October 1910.

They have won 21 league games at Anfield, the same as Arsenal. Only Everton (23) have won more

Liverpool are outscoring United this season in all competitions. They have netted 56 in 25 games - 13 more than United who have played a game fewer. United have failed to score in only one of their last 14 matches.

Cristiano Ronaldo had scored 14 goals in his last 13 starts in all competitions.

So far this season, both United and Liverpool have kept nine clean sheets in the Premiership, one fewer than Chelsea. (one for you Nick Anarchy)

Sir Alex Ferguson had to wait until his seventh season in charge before United won the title for the first time. Rafa Benitez is currently midway through his fourth.


Rafa has won 70 of his 129 league games in charge at Anfield with a win ratio of 54 per cent. Ferguson won 53 at the same stage for a win ratio of 41 per cent

The United manager won one trophy in his first three full seasons in charge (FA Cup 1990) while Rafa won four in his including the European Cup and FA Cup


Leading scorers this season: (League in brackets)

Liverpool: Torres 12 (6), Gerrard 11 (6), Kuyt 7 (3), Babel 6 (3), Benayoun 5 (1), Crouch 4 (0), Voronin 4 (3), Alonso 2 (2), Hyypia 2 (1), El Zhar 1 (0), Sissoko 1 (1), own goals 1 (1).

United: Ronaldo 14 (9), Tevez 8 (6), Rooney 7 (4), Giggs 3 (2), Ferdinand 2 (1), Nani 2 (2), Pique 2 (0), Saha 2 (2), Scholes 1 (1), Vidic 1 (1), own goals 1 (1).