Premier League: Liverpool v Manchester United match preview

A look ahead to the Sunday lunchtime Premier League fixture at Anfield

Robin van Persie celebrates his second goal, the brace following a similar haul in the Community Shield last week (Geoff Caddick/EPA)

Manchester United face one of the toughest starts to a Premier League title defence in their history, but so far they have responded well. A 4-1 away win at Swansea and a damage controlling 0-0 encounter against Chelsea at Old Trafford will please new boss David Moyes.

Liverpool along with Tottenham are the only two teams with a 100 per cent record in the Premier League this season. Both have won their opening fixtures 1-0 in each game and Liverpool will be hoping to earn three points against United having taken zero out of six last term.

KICK-OFF: Sunday, 1.30pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS…

Man United 2 (Van Persie, Vidic) Liverpool 1(Sturridge), Premier League, Jan 2013

Liverpool 1 (Gerrard) Man United 2 (Rafael, Van Persie), Premier League, Sept 2012

Man United 2(Rooney 2) Liverpool 1 (Suarez), Premier League, Feb 2012

STATS…

In 160 League encounters, United have won 63, whilst Liverpool have won 53.

Manchester United finally overtook Liverpool’s record of 18 titles in 2011.

The past three meetings between the sides have resulted in 2-1 victories for United.

ODDS…

Liverpool to win: 2.50

Manchester United to win: 2.75

Draw: 3.30

CLASSIC MATCH…

Manchester United 1 Liverpool 4 (Old Trafford, Saturday, March 14, 2009)

In a season in which Liverpool looked to mount their first serious title challenge in some time, an away win at Premier League leaders Manchester United was vital. A Cristiano Ronaldo penalty gave the hosts the lead but Liverpool had taken a 2-1 lead by half time. Future captain Nemanja Vidic was sent off 15 minutes from time and Liverpool scored from the resulting free-kick. United's misery was stretched even further with a goal in stoppage time.

TV: Live match shown on Sky Sports 1 HD & Sky 3D at 13.30, Sunday. Highlights on BBC One at 22.20, Saturday (Match of the Day), and BBC One at 22.25, Sunday (Match of the Day 2).