Manchester United will be hunting their first win at Anfield in four years when they make the trip to bitter rivals Liverpool in Saturday's blockbuster clash.
As one of the most eagerly-anticipated fixtures of the season, the Saturday showdown promises to get Premier League action back under way in style after the international break.
Sir Alex Ferguson's men head into the derby clash at the top of the table and undefeated so far this season, having dropped just two points in seven matches.
But with neighbours Manchester City breathing down their necks in second place on goal difference only, United will be desperate for three points to keep them sitting pretty in the top spot.
Memories of last season's Merseyside thrashing no doubt still haunt the visitors, when Dirk Kuyt's hat-trick condemned United to a 3-1 defeat and their third consecutive loss at Anfield.
Seven months down the line and United repeat the short trip to their North West rivals but this time with bragging rights, having overhauled the Reds' tally of 18 English league titles last season by lifting a 19th championship.
That sore point could provide the Reds with added motivation as they seek their third Premier League win on the bounce, having ousted local rivals Everton 2-0 last time out in the Merseyside derby at Goodison Park.
While Liverpool's start to the season has not packed quite the same punch as their visitors', the Reds have kept themselves in the upper echelons of the table with 13 points from their opening seven games.
The hosts will also be boosted by the return to fitness of talismanic captain Steven Gerrard, who is tipped to start for the first time since March after recovering from a groin surgery.
Gerrard is expected to slot into a side which has been rejuvenated by Kenny Dalglish since his return to Merseyside in January and could pose a serious threat to United's unbeaten streak.
The Red Devils' own talisman Wayne Rooney will start following a turbulent international week which has seen the frontman incur a three-match ban for the start of Euro 2012 following his red card in the final qualifier in Montenegro.
Ferguson gave his star hitman his backing after that incident and will be hoping Rooney can shelve his international concerns and continue the form which has seen him net nine goals so far this season.
Saturday's clash will mark the third meeting between Dalglish and Ferguson since the Reds legend began his second stint at the helm, though the former has moved to play down any personal competition between the two managers ahead of the match.
Nevertheless, much of the focus will be on the two old foes as they continue their renewed rivalry, adding extra spice to what already has the makings of a mouthwatering encounter.
Dalglish has a full-strength squad at his disposal for Saturday's encounter, with Liverpool's international contingent having reported back for domestic duty unscathed.
Skipper Gerrard's return to contention provides the biggest lift for the Scottish boss, while Glen Johnson has also been declared fit after a hamstring problem forced him to miss the last three matches.
Centre-back Daniel Agger has recovered from a broken rib sustained last month and is also available for selection.
Ferguson is considering whether to hand captain Nemanja Vidic his United return after the centre-back played for Serbia on Tuesday night in Slovenia.
The skipper has been sidelined since United's opening weekend win at West Brom with a calf injury but could make his comeback at Anfield, while central defensive partner Rio Ferdinand is also closing on a return.
Jonny Evans is available should Vidic not feature after recovering from an ankle problem which kept him out of Northern Ireland's recent qualifiers.
Tom Cleverley (foot) and Rafael (shoulder) are still out but otherwise Ferguson reports a fully fit squad.
No fresh injuries were picked up during the international break, which Ferguson described as a "blessing" particularly with Fabio, Ashley Young and Patrice Evra all suffering knocks last Friday.
Possible starting XIs:
Liverpool: Reina, Johnson, Skrtel, Carragher, Enrique, Kuyt, Gerrard, Lucas, Adam, Downing, Suarez.
Man Utd: De Gea, Smalling, Jones, Vidic, Evra, Nani, Fletcher, Anderson, Young, Rooney, Hernandez.
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