United v Liverpool (FA Cup) Preview!

Having exited the FA Cup at an early stage last season, to Leeds United, Sir Alex Ferguson has already vowed that he`ll not make the mistake of fielding a weakened side this time out for the visit of Liverpool. The tie has been given a little extra spice today with the news that Liverpool have parted company with Roy Hodgson and the Anfield legend, Kenny Dalglish, has been appointed caretaker manager. Wouldn`t it be a tease if he were to see his new charges bundled out of the FA Cup by a rampant United!

One man looking forward to the visit of Liverpool, to Old Trafford, is Dimitar Berbatov. The Bulgarian scored a stunning hat-trick the last time Liverpool visited Old Trafford and has given the media a few quotes about his ambition ahead of the crucial cup clash, commenting,

"My challenge is to complete the full list of titles in England so I want the FA Cup. Few footballers have won four titles in England and I want to join that list."

"So far with United my best memories are my debut at Old Trafford, the hat-trick against Liverpool and the five goals against Blackburn. I have kept and treasure those match balls."

Could Dimitar be about to add another match-ball to his collection?

With Sir Alex Ferguson keen to progress in the FA Cup this year, and book a return to Wembley, it`s likely that he`ll play more-or-less a full strength team.

Definitely out injured though are Valencia, Hargreves, Scholes and O`Shea whilst doubts exist about Rooney and Van der Sar.

Is there a chance that if Van der Sar doesn`t recover from the flu bug that we may well see the first appearance of Anders Lindegaard in a United shirt?

Definitely, so far this season, a contender for our player of the season.

Kenny Dalglish takes charge of his first Liverpool match, in his second managerial spell at the club, after the sacking of Roy Hodgson, has several key decisions to make.

Dirk Kuyt was axed last time out but if Dalglish decides t recall him who drops out, Joe Cole or Maxi Rodriguez?

But, the crux of the matter is, to win this game we have to keep quiet the only two decent outfield players Liverpool have in Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard whilst also keeping active Pepe Reina. The remainder - don`t worry about them!

The Spaniard has had a relatively quiet season so far but you just know he loves raining his game against us doesn`t he!

The record books show that Manchester United are leading when it comes to showdowns between these two sides, United have notched up 70 wins, compared to the 60 of Liverpool whilst 50 have ended in draws.

As far as the FA Cup goes, this will be the 12th meeting between the two sides.

The much respected Howard Webb is charged with controlling this fixture

Games against Liverpool are always hugely anticipated. The Anfield club may be going through hard, lean times and may have just sacked their manager but there will be 9,000 Liverpool fans praying that their side can muster a win this Sunday. That`s 9,000 souls who will be returning home disappointed I reckon as United charge to a three goal win!

After ensuring Liverpool`s season has taken another dent, by knocking them out of the FA Cup, Manchester United resume their Premier League title charge with a tasty away fixture at Tottenham.

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