Preview: Manchester United vs. Liverpool

Manchester United will be without Angel di Maria, Danny Blind and Luke Shaw when they host Liverpool on Sunday afternoon.

Di Maria remains absent with a hamstring problem, while Blind and Shaw will be targeting the Christmas period for a first-team return.

However, boss Louis van Gaal is boosted by the return of Jonny Evans, who could replace Chris Smalling in defence, while Phil Jones and Rafael may return alongside the Northern Irishman.

Van Gaal will be keen to see striker Robin van Persie continue his recent hot streak in front of goal, with the Dutchman's double at Southampton proving enough to earn United a 2-1 victory to move them into third position.

That result made it five successive wins for United but Van Gaal will be demanding an improved performance when they welcome Liverpool.

The Merseyside giants are unbeaten in five matches in all competitions but their performances have been below the level expected by manager Brendan Rodgers and the club's supporters.

After being held to a goalless draw by Sunderland last weekend, Liverpool bowed out of the Champions League after they could only draw 1-1 at home to Swiss side Basel.

Rodgers's squad could be boosted by the return of striker Mario Balotelli, who hasn't featured since November 8, while Adam Lallana is available despite suffering with cracked ribs.

Captain Steven Gerrard should keep his place, while Kolo Toure is an option in defence after recovering from a knock.

Manchester United:

Recent form: LWWWWW

Possible starting lineup: De Gea; Jones, Evans, Rojo, Rafael; Carrick, Fellaini, Young, Mata; Rooney, Van Persie

Liverpool:

Form in Premier League: LLLWWD Form in all competitions: LDWWDD

Possible starting lineup: Mignolet, Johnson, Enrique, Lovren, Skrtel, Lucas, Henderson, Lallana, Gerrard, Sterling, Balotelli

Sports Mole says: 2-0