The FA Cup third round tie between Manchester United and Liverpool will take on a whole new importance, as Merseyside legend Kenny Dalglish takes charge of the Anfield club. This is the only all Premier League clash in the third round of the competition.
After Roy Hodgson's departure from the club, Liverpool will be looking to salvage their season, after losing nine games out of 20 in the league and crashing out of the League Cup competition to league two side Northampton. The Reds are currently twelfth in the table, while Manchester United remain unbeaten.
The Red Devils have already won the first encounter between these two at Old Trafford in September. United manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, will be assessing the fitness of striker Wayne Ronney, as well as veteran goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar. Liverpool's interim boss, Kenny Dalglish, is expected to replace central defender Sotirios Kyrgiakos with Daniel Agger. While Dirk Kuyt may be recalled, meaning Joe Cole or Maxi Rodriguez will miss out on a start. Manchester United midfielder Ryan Giggs has been speaking ahead of the tie, saying: "Form goes out the window when you are playing in the FA Cup. Liverpool probably see it as a break from the league, a break from the pressures of their league form at the moment and a chance to get their season back on track."
Although he has been quick to play down United's chances of a walk-over, adding: "They've got world class players, they've got Gerrard, Torres, Pepe Reina in the team - all world class players. So, when you're up against a team with players like that then you don't take any team lightly."
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