English football's fiercest rivalry will be renewed this weekend as Liverpool and Manchester United go head-to-head at Anfield.
The encounter promises to be an emotionally-charged affair, marking the Reds' first home game since the recent report into the 1989 Hillsborough tragedy in which 96 supporters lost their lives.
United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has already confirmed the Red Devils will offer any assistance possible in ensuring the day goes smoothly, calling for mutual respect from both sets of fans.
The reverse fixture at Old Trafford last season saw Liverpool's Luis Suarez refuse to shake the hand of Manchester United defender Patrice Evra following a much-publicised race storm, but reports ahead of Sunday's game suggest there will be no such incident at Anfield, with the players not expected to cause further controversy on such a sensitive occasion.
Red Devils midfielder Michael Carrick has urged for the focus to be on football ahead of the clash, with United coming into the match on the back of three back-to-back victories and sitting second in the fledgling table.
In contrast, Liverpool is yet to register a win in the Premier League this season under new manager Brendan Rodgers and will be desperate to break that duck against their rivals.
History is on their side, with the Reds having won four and lost none of their last five games in all competitions at home to United.
Both sides come into the clash on the back of European exploits in midweek, with the Red Devils beating Galatasaray 1-0 at Old Trafford in the UEFA Champions League and Liverpool claiming a 5-3 victory at Young Boys in the Europa League.
Rodgers is expected to bring his big names back into his Liverpool line-up for Sunday's visit, with Steven Gerrard and Luis Suarez among the stars rested for Thursday's European win.
Fabio Borini and Raheem Sterling were substitutes in that clash and could return, while midfielder Jonjo Shelvey staked his claim for a place with a two-goal cameo in the second half in Switzerland.
Joe Cole (hamstring) and Lucas (thigh) remain Rodgers' only injury concerns within his squad.
Wayne Rooney and Ashley Young could return to play some part for United as they close on fitness, but Robin van Persie is likely to lead the line.
Goalkeeper David de Gea kept a clean sheet against Galatasaray and could keep his place between the sticks ahead of Anders Lindegaard.
Alexander Buttner made a goalscoring debut at left-back against Wigan last weekend and Ferguson may choose to keep him in his side.
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