Preview: United v Liverpool
Date, time and coverage: Wednesday 25 September, kick-off 19:45 BST. The match will be shown live in Sky Sports 2 in the UK. You can also follow it via our live blog and MUTV’s radio commentary.
Form guide: United head into this Capital One Cup tie on the back of a 4-1 derby defeat to local rivals Manchester City, a result that halted all momentum gathered by two preceding wins over Crystal Palace and Bayer Leverkusen. Similarly, Liverpool travel to Old Trafford in low spirits, having lost at home to Southampton on Saturday. The Merseysiders also have a disappointing record at the Theatre of Dreams, where they have won just once in 10 previous visits.
Ins and outs: Reds boss David Moyes does not think Robin van Persie will be fit enough to feature, though the Dutchman could return at the weekend. Phil Jones is also unavailable with an ankle injury, while Rafael is still recovering from a hamstring strain. Meanwhile, the visitors could welcome Luis Suarez back into the team now that his 10-game ban for violent conduct has been served. Coutinho is definitely out with a shoulder blow, as well as Glen Johnson and Aly Cissokho.
Betting: Official partner bwin have priced United as slight favourites at 2.15 with Liverpool at 3.30 and the draw 3.25. And as this competition is generally seen as a breeding ground for young talent, there might be some value in the first goal-scorer market; why not back Adnan Januzaj at 13.50?
Last meeting: You’ve not forgotten already, have you? Earlier this month, despite controlling much of the game, the Reds were narrowly beaten by Daniel Sturridge’s solitary goal at Anfield, where the 100th anniversary of the birth of Bill Shankly was also celebrated via a minute’s applause.
The manager: Last summer, Brendan Rodgers was hired as manager of Liverpool and his mission was simple; end a 23-year wait for the title and put the club back at English football’s top table. A season and a bit in, the Northern Irishman believes he is on the right track. “To be the one in charge, trying to, in this part of its history, put it on the right track and the right direction - I'm hugely privileged. I'll fight for as long as I can to be here as long as I can; I know that's about getting good results.”
Star man: After completing a 10-match ban for biting Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic, Luis Suarez is “champing at the bit” to return according to his manager. Of course, the Uruguayan has history with United, having previously been suspended for abusing Patrice Evra in 2011. But away from the controversy, he remains a world class talent and his scoring record of 33 in 48 games last season was only beaten by Robin van Persie.
Sub-plot: Though this competition traditionally sees younger players taking to the field, it remains to be seen how United or Liverpool will set-up with so much more than progress at stake. Both managers have kept their council ahead of kick-off.
Sub-plot: Though this competition traditionally sees younger players taking to the field, it remains to be seen how United or Liverpool will set-up with so much more than progress at stake. Both managers have kept their council ahead of kick-off.
Did you know? The two teams have only contested three League Cup matches in history; two of which were finals. Unfortunately, the Merseysiders triumphed on each occasion.
Whistle-blower: Mark Clattenburg will be the man in the middle on Wednesday, taking charge of his second United match this season – the first being last month’s Community Shield win at Wembley.
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