Wed 19:45 BST / 20:45 CET | Manchester United v Liverpool [English League Cup]

Manchester United's Dutch striker Robin van Persie is unlikely to feature after missing Sunday's loss at Manchester City with a groin injury.

Defenders Rafael and Phil Jones are doubtful, but the likes of wingers Nani and Wilfried Zaha should get a chance.

Liverpool forward Luis Suarez is available after serving a 10-match ban.

Daniel Agger (rib) will be assessed, but Glen Johnson (ankle), Philippe Coutinho (shoulder), Joe Allen (hamstring) are all unlikely to play.

MATCH PREVIEW

League Cup games in early autumn can be soulless affairs, but Manchester United versus Liverpool is never for the faint hearted - and the potential return of the divisive Luis Suarez, allied to United's painful derby defeat at Manchester City on Sunday, adds buckets of extra spice.

Under new manager David Moyes, United have made their worst start to a season in nine years. Admittedly they've had a tough fixture list, but the Scotsman will give everything to ensure his team emerge with victory.

Wayne Rooney says it's the "ideal game" for United at this juncture, but Liverpool's supporters would love nothing more than turning the screw on their bitter rivals. Manager Brendan Rodgers might just be more motivated by seeing Luis Suarez make a swift return to goal-scoring ways, while avoiding any unnecessary dramas.
"I have no doubt that, having been out, Luis will be even hungrier but his commitment and fight for the cause will still be the same," he said.

MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head
Manchester United and Liverpool have met four times before in the League Cup, with Liverpool winning the 1983 and 2003 finals, as well as a fourth-round home tie in 1985. United won a third-round game at Old Trafford in 1991.

At Old Trafford, the Red Devils have won each of their last five matches with Liverpool in all competitions.

United have not lost to Liverpool at Old Trafford since a 4-1 Premier League defeat in March 2009.

Manchester United

- The Red Devils have won three, drawn one, and lost two of their six matches this season.
United have lost just one of their last 10 League Cup games at Old Trafford, winning the other nine.

- Wayne Rooney has netted three times in his last three home games against Liverpool in all competitions.

Liverpool

- Liverpool are unbeaten in their last six away matches in all competitions, winning four and drawing two.

- The Reds have won each of their last six League Cup games away from Anfield, conceding just four goals in the process.

- Daniel Sturridge has scored for the Reds in the last two games between the two sides.

Attached Images

• 180px-Liverpool_FC.svg.jpg (11.8 KB)
• 200px-Manchester_United_FC_crest.svg.jpg (11.1 KB)