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Liverpool vs Manchester United preview: What time does it start, what channel is it on and where can I watch it?

A look ahead to the Premier League fixture at Anfield

Friday 15 January 2016 16:27 GMT

Juan Mata scores against Liverpool during Manchester United's 3-0 win in March 2015 (Getty Images)

It’s a big game for…

Wayne Rooney: The England captain has come under a lot of criticism this season for his poor performances, but after hitting a double against Newcastle last time out he will be looking to prove the doubters wrong once again.

Weird/ best stat…

34 - This is the number of points Manchester United have accumulated this season after 21 games, their lowest ever tally in Premier League history.

Remember when…

Juan Mata’s double helped United to all three points last season, a game which also saw former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard see red after just 38 seconds.

Player to watch…

Christian Benteke: The big Belgian has not lived up to his expectations since leaving Villa Park for Anfield in the summer, but having scored in his past three Premier League appearances against Manchester United he will be looking to inflict more pain on Van Gaal’s unstable team.

Past three-meetings…

Manchester United 3 (Blind, Herrera, Martial) Liverpool 1 (Benteke), Premier League, September 2015

Liverpool 1 (Sturridge) Manchester United 2 (Mata 2), Premier League, March 2015

Manchester United 3 (Rooney, Mata, Van Persie) Liverpool 0 Premier League, December 2014

Liverpool vs Manchester United combined XI

Show all 11

1/11Liverpool vs Manchester United combined XI

Liverpool vs Manchester United combined XI

David De Gea

Simon Mignolet is hugely improved in recent weeks but David De Gea is arguably the best goalkeeper in the Premier League and easily Manchester United's most important player.

Liverpool vs Manchester United combined XI

Emre Can

The versatile German is a true box-to-box threat, even when deployed as one of three centre-backs in Rodgers' back three. United have huge problems at the back, with Antonio Valencia beating Rafael to the right-back spot. Can, only 21, is a crucial piece in allowing Liverpool to play their 3-4-2-1.

Liverpool vs Manchester United combined XI

Chris Smalling

As previously stated, United have defensive problems but the England defender has been a rare bright spot for Van Gaal, playing some of the best football of his United career. Phil Jones still seems erratic, while Marcos Rojo is not fully fit and Jonny Evans still suspended. Mamadou Sakho is a good defender but prone to mistakes.

Getty Images

Liverpool vs Manchester United combined XI

Martin Skrtel

Skrtel has his critics but he has overcome poor form early in the season to become a real leader for Liverpool. He isn't always the best when in possession but he is an old-fashioned stopper, and a fierce competitor.

Liverpool vs Manchester United combined XI

Jordan Henderson

With Steven Gerrard heading closer and closer to the exit, Henderson has really filled his role as captain and leader with a string of inspirational performances. The England man, whether playing wider right or in the middle, is a brilliant threat from all over the pitch, great in possession, ferocious in the tackle and has an eye for goal.

EPA

Liverpool vs Manchester United combined XI

Michael Carrick

Divides opinion everywhere but surely proved against Tottenham just how important he is (and has been in the past) to United's success. Carrick was absolutely superb in possession, dictating the game and giving the inexperienced Ryan Mason and Nabil Bentaleb the run-around. Created the first and scored the second, United played their best football of the season because of a masterclass by their veteran midfielder.

GETTY IMAGES

Liverpool vs Manchester United combined XI

Ander Herrera

Adds the legs and bite, as well as a touch of class, to the United midfield, even if he has been under-utilised by Van Gaal. Daley Blind is clearly a favourite of the Dutchman but Herrera's engine and tenacity give United a pace in their play that is sorely missing when he doesn't play.

GETTY IMAGES

Liverpool vs Manchester United combined XI

Philippe Coutinho

Since being given the freedom of the park in Rodgers' new formation the Brazilian has excelled, scoring wonderful goals and seeing his relationship with Daniel Sturridge and Raheem Sterling flourish. A real match-winner, United will have to keep a keen eye on Coutinho. Ashley Young has been fantastic for United this season and deserves a mention but he is not quite playing at Coutinho's level.

Liverpool vs Manchester United combined XI

Raheem Sterling

All the off field turmoil and talk of new contracts and other parties being interest in the prodigious talent is clearly affecting the 20-year-old, who has seen the goals dry up recently (though some of that can be attributed to him playing on the right). Enough has been written about Angel Di Maria's terrible season; Van Gaal should stick with Juan Mata - who was close to getting into this team - after a fantastic performance against Spurs.

Getty Images

Liverpool vs Manchester United combined XI

Wayne Rooney

What a surprise, Wayne Rooney has been sensational playing as a striker. He may well be extremely capable of playing in midfield but United lose much more than they gain by deploying their captain deeper; he was brilliant against Spurs and Liverpool will view him as the main threat.

GETTY IMAGES

Liverpool vs Manchester United combined XI

Daniel Sturridge

Hasn't exactly set the world alight since returning from injury, with only three goals from 12 matches, but he loves big matches and has starred in previous games against Liverpool's biggest rivals. Marouane Fellaini was excellent against Spurs but he has been very up and down this season.

Getty Images

Form guide (all competitions)…

Liverpool: WWLWDD

Manchester United: LLDWWD

Vital Information:

Kick-off time: 2.05pm, Sunday, 17th January

TV: Live on Sky Sports 1 from 1.00pm

Highlights on BBC One, Match of the Day 2, 10.30pm

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