Preview: Liverpool vs. Manchester United

Liverpool head into their showdown with Manchester United knowing that victory over their bitter rivals will be enough to move past them in the Premier League table.

In December, United comfortably beat Liverpool 3-0 at Old Trafford, but since that loss, Brendan Rodgers's side have put together a run of 13 games without defeat in the league.

Rodgers has decisions to make in midfield, with both Steven Gerrard and Lucas Leiva available again after nursing injuries in recent weeks.

However, Rodgers has previously indicated that Gerrard isn't guaranteed a spot in his new-look team, and after the Reds beat Swansea City on Monday night, Rodgers could name the same starting lineup.

Striker Mario Balotelli, who has just four goals in 24 appearances this season, is likely to be named on the bench.

Despite their performances being criticised for much of the season, United travel to Merseyside in the hunt for second spot after last week's 3-0 triumph over Tottenham Hotspur.

The club suffered a significant blow when they bowed out of the FA Cup to Arsenal, but they look well placed to mount a challenge to finish runners-up, an achievement that at one stage appeared unlikely.

Louis van Gaal's men have won their last three league matches without conceding a goal, while Wayne Rooney's return to attack has provided the team with more threat in the final third.

Angel Di Maria, Marcos Rojo and Luke Shaw all return from suspension and injuries respectively but they could be named on the bench if Van Gaal opts for an unchanged team on Sunday afternoon.

Liverpool:

Form in Premier League: DWWWWW Form in all competitions: WLWWDW

Possible starting lineup: Mignolet, Can, Skrtel, Sakho, Allen, Henderson, Lallana, Moreno, Coutinho, Sterling, Sturridge

Manchester United:

Form in Premier League: DWLWWW Form in all competitions: WLWWLW

Possible starting lineup: De Gea; Valencia, Jones, Smalling, Blind; Carrick, Herrera, Mata, Fellaini, Young; Rooney

Sports Mole says: 1-1