Liverpool v Manchester United: A Meeting Of England's Fiercest Rivals

Venue: Anfield

Date: Saturday 28<sup>th January 2012

Kick-off: 1245 GMT

Where to watch: Live on ITV 1 and ITV 1 HD, with commentary on BBC Radio 5 live

As Manchester United and Liverpool prepare for one of the biggest grudge matches in their recent histories this weekend, all directly involved in the game are trying to concentrate on the task at hand and not let any off field problems mar a rivalry that has lasted many generations.

The likes of Steven Gerrard, Kenny Dalglish, and even managing director Ian Ayre, have issued public pleas for fans to support their teams without turning to hatred.

It will be the first time Patrice Evra has the opportunity to play against the side of which he accused their star of racial abuse some months ago, though with Luis Suarez still serving his suspension, Liverpool will be without one of their top players as they aim to move a step closer towards winning their first trophy in six years.

Sir Alex Fegruson has been particularly direct in his comments relating to the game, refusing to even comment on whether he will select Evra for the match up.

"There is a responsibility on the players to behave properly and both sets of fans," he said, as reported by the BBC.

"We want to make sure we are talking about the game, nothing else."

Dalglish has echoed those sentiments, and Dirk Kuyt also insisted that his mind is only on getting Liverpool to the FA Cup final and holding up the silverwear.

"The lads are more than ready for the weekend," Kuyt told Sky Sports.

"It will be great not only to knock out City in the Carling Cup but to knock out Manchester United in the FA Cup.

"We set a target on Wednesday night so we have to make sure we play with the same effort as against City and I am sure we will find that.

"We can be happy about what we have achieved in reaching Wembley but we have to put that aside because there's another massive game coming up."

United are still waiting on injury news for Wayne Rooney, Luis Nani and Phil Jones, with Ashley Young, Michael Owen, Tom Cleverley, Anderson also trying to get back to full fitness.

On the issue of piling injuries at the club, Ferguson added: "Hopefully we'll have two or three training this morning and we'll be better by tomorrow. It is not the best situation for us."

Liverpool, on the other hand, are currently facing possible fatigue, after completing a hard fought 2-2 draw with Manchester City during the week. Jay Spearing, however, is poised for selection after missing three matches with a hamstring injury. Suarez is serving the seventh of his eight match ban.

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