Manchester United vs Liverpool. Premier League.
Old TraffordAttendance75,347.
Saturday 12 September 2015 17:24, UK
Rooney could miss Manchester United's game against Liverpool on Saturday, which could lead to a debut for Anthony Martial.
According to a report in the Manchester Evening News, Rooney has suffered a hamstring injury and will be unavailable for the game at Old Trafford
However, if the Manchester United captain does recover in time to take his place in the start he will hope to mark the week of his 50th England goal by ending his Premier League drought on Saturday Night Football.
Louis van Gaal's men host fierce rivals Liverpool, against whom Rooney scored in a 3-0 win at Old Trafford last season, but the striker has now gone 10 top-flight matches without scoring - despite overtaking Sir Bobby Charlton's record for the national team on Tuesday night.
Since December's victory, United have added some big names to their ranks and kept others, after David de Gea committed to the club by signing a four-year deal, despite almost joining Real Madrid, and the goalkeeper could be set for his first start of the season.
Swansea came from behind to consign them to their first defeat of the season, and they now go into a big week as they take on Brendan Rodgers' side before returning to Champions League action after a season's absence.
United have struggled in front of goal so far this season, while Liverpool have scored just twice in four games themselves, drawing blanks in their last two outings.
Rodgers' men are also returning to action after being shocked by West Ham at home before the international break, with the Hammers running out 3-0 winners and ending the Reds' unbeaten start to the season.
Team news
As revealed earlier Rooney could miss the game, while Van Gaal believes De Gea is ready to return to action but wouldn't confirm if the Spaniard would start against Liverpool.
Michael Carrick (calf) is available again but Phil Jones (leg) remains out, while the United boss confirmed Andreas Pereira was the only player to return from international duty with an injury.
Liverpool playmaker Philippe Coutinho is suspended for the trip to Old Trafford, with Jordon Ibe or Danny Ings in contention to replace the Brazilian.
Midfielder Jordan Henderson (foot) and Adam Lallana (thigh) remain doubtful, while striker Daniel Sturridge has returned to full training this week but is unlikely to feature, having not played since April after a hip operation.
Opta stats
Manchester United have registered just one win in their last four top-flight games at Old Trafford (D2 L1), having won six in a row prior to that.
Liverpool have won just one of their last seven Premier League away games (D3 L3) after winning five of the previous six (D1).
Manchester United have won five of their last seven Premier League meetings with Liverpool (L2).
Christian Benteke has scored in his last two Premier League appearances against Manchester United (both for Aston Villa).
This will be the 47th Premier League meeting between these two sides. No two teams have met more often in the competition.
This Premier League fixture has produced 16 red cards. Only Everton v Liverpool (20) has seen more sending-offs.
Juan Mata netted three goals in his two Premier League games against Liverpool last season.
Merson's prediction
There isn't much between these two teams and both suffered defeats before the international break. Brendan Rodgers can't afford to lose it, whereas Louis van Gaal has to win.
I think it will be another entertaining Desmond. Both teams will have a go, Liverpool will cause problems and they will be better away from home.
After their result at home to West Ham, though, people will think I've gone mad tipping Liverpool to score two. But this is a big football match, I know it is, the fans know it is. Just how big it turns out to be, we will find out.
PAUL PREDICTS: 2-2 (Sky Bet odds 14/1)
Betting
Manchester United are marginally odds-on with Sky Bet at 10/11 to see off rivals Liverpool, who are up against odds of 16/5 to leave Old Trafford with a win and 12/5 to secure a draw. Wayne Rooney is the 9/2 favourite to open the scoring despite his goalless start to the Premier League campaign, while Christian Benteke is rated the visitors' biggest threat at 6/1.
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