Liverpool will make the short 30 mile trip to Old Trafford on Sunday, kick-off at 13:30 hours (BST), for probably the most attractive game in the Premier League fixture list. Fans from across from world will be tuning in to watch the league big-guns lock horns at Old Trafford as both clubs look to close in on the teams at the top. - Premier League Table -

It’s expected that Roy Hodgson will recall both Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres to the starting line-up for Sunday’s visit to Old Trafford. The duo sat out Liverpool’s 4-1 Europa League win at home to Steaua Bucharest on Thursday.

Joe Cole will also be available for the match after completing his three-game ban last weekend when the Reds drew away to Birmingham. The midfielder scored the first of the evening against Steaua Bucharest and could return after seeing red in Liverpool’s opening Premier League outing.

Although Liverpool lost their last visit to Old Trafford, Fernando Torres opened the scoring with a fine header for the visitors. The Spaniard rose high in the Man U box before powering a header past Van der Sar. The lead however didn’t last long as Rooney levelled after his initial penalty was parried by Reina, and Park added a second on the hour mark to secure all three points.

Torres also scored Liverpool’s first goal in the North West derby in Manchester during the 2008/09 season. This time the Reds crushed the Red Devils 4-1 at the Theatre of Dreams. The number ‘9’ cancelled out a Ronaldo penalty, before Gerrard, Fabio Aurelio and Dossena all got on the scoresheet for the Merseysiders.

The forward’s equaliser was a fine goal, as with 28 minutes gone on the clock Torres drew caught Man U defender Vidic dwelling on possession before bursting through and slotting the ball past the home goalkeeper.

Nemja Vidic will have to be wary of Torres on Sunday. The defender has been sent-off twice in three meeting with Liverpool, and on both occasions the Serb was shown a red card for fouls on the Spanish striker.

Manchester United have failed to win their last two games and go into the clash on the back of a goalless draw at home to Glasgow Rangers in the Champions League, and a 3-3 draw away to Everton in the Premier League.

As for Liverpool, they will be buoyed by their midweek performance in the Europa League, and despite a mixed start to the Premiership, all three points from their visit to Old Trafford will haul the Reds up level with Man U.

- Premiership fixtures:


Saturday

Stoke City - West Ham (1-1)
Aston Villa - Bolton Wanderers (1-1)
Blackburn Rovers - Fulham (1-1)
Everton - Newcastle (0-1)
Tottenham Hotspur - Wolves (3-1)
West Brom - Birmingham City (3-1)
Sunderland - Arsenal (1-1)

Sunday

Manchester United - Liverpool (13:30)
Wigan Athletic - Manchester City (15:00)
Chelsea - Blackpool (16:00)