Switch article view:Match preview Suarez and Liverpool assured of fiery reception at Manchester United
By Julian Shea.
Kick off Saturday 11 February 2012 at 12:45, Old Trafford.
Just in case anyone was foolish enough to think Manchester United were going to give up their Premier League title to Manchester City without a fight, the second half of last Sunday's game against Chelsea made it very clear indeed that that is not the case.
Although United dropped two points, the nature of their comeback from 3-0 down to claim a draw was almost worth more in psychological terms. Mancini and co - be afraid, be very afraid.
The only team that Sir Alex Ferguson seems to like beating as much as City is Liverpool, so following last month's FA Cup exit at Anfield, they will be delighted to have that opportunity on Saturday.
Tom Cleverley could be back in the United squad after his ankle injury, but captain Nemanja Vidic (knee) and Nani (foot) are still missing.
Darren Fletcher (illness) and Michael Owen (thigh) are also longer-term absentees, and defensive duo Phil Jones and Chris Smalling may also miss out.
Promising midfielder Paul Pogba is likely to start on the bench and in light of Anders Lindegaard's ankle injury, David De Gea is likely to keep his place in goal, having answered many of his critics with a fine display in the draw at Chelsea.
The big question for the visitors is whether they will name Luis Suarez in the starting line-up for the first time since his return from an eight game ban for racially abusing United defender Patrice Evra when the teams met at Anfield earlier in the season.
Full-back Jose Enrique is doubtful but Fabio Aurelio has returned to fitness.
Listen to our football experts Russ Williams, Jim Proudfoot and Ian Wright for a look ahead to the weekend's games in Friday's edition of Ian Wright's podcast.
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