Manchester United will host bitter rivals Liverpool at Old Trafford in Round 3 of the Capital One Cup on Wednesday, September 25.
United and Liverpool are coming off agonizing defeats to Manchester City and Southampton, respectively, with both clubs desperate to redeem themselves in midweek.
Speaking ahead of Sunday’s Manchester derby, Wayne Rooney told reporters: “City have had their success recently, but I would probably say that United and Liverpool is still the biggest game.
“They’re all big games, but obviously United and Liverpool has been a massive game over the years. I’d say it’s still the biggest game.”
After a 4-1 defeat at the Etihad Stadium, Rooney and co. must bounce back in a big way against the Merseysiders on Wednesday.
Team News
For Liverpool, Luis Suárez is availabe for selection after serving a 10-match ban for biting Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic last season, while Brazilian playmaker Philippe Coutinho has been ruled out for at least a month with a shoulder injury.
On the other side of the touchline, Phil Jones (ankle) and Rafael da Silva (hamstring) could return for the hosts. Star man Robin van Persie is doubtful due to a groin strain that kept him out of the derby match against City on Sunday.
Manager Quotes
When asked if he would start Luis Suárez at Old Trafford, Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers said: “It will be something to consider. I won’t say [strikers] miss it more, but they miss it in a different way. Suarez loves the game and if he doesn’t play the game, it kills him.
“The integral part of it all is the game. That’s what he is. And if you put him in that environment where he’s smelling the smelling salts and the changing room, it can be counterproductive, so we’re going to keep him out of the way.”
Luis Suárez is 6/1 to score first on Wednesday night.
Match Facts
United are 6-1-3 in their last 10 matches against Liverpool in all competitions, including a 1-0 defeat to the Merseysiders at Anfield earlier this month.
Daniel Sturridge has scored three goals in his last four appearances against Manchester United. Subsequently, the England international is 11/4 to score anytime against the Red Devils in midweek.
Mexico international striker Javier “El Chicharito” Hernández has bagged two goals and one assist in five League Cup appearances for United since the start of 2010/11.
Betting Odds
Manchester United (21/20); Liverpool (5/2); Draw (5/2)
Match Prediction
Manchester United 2 – Liverpool 0 (10/1)
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