Liverpool-Manchester United: Three Battles That Will Decide Sunday's Game

This is the fixture that Liverpool fans mark out in their calendars every summer. Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Once the scene of so many disappointments, now the ground that Dossena lobbed Van der Sar. The 4-1 result last season will live long in the memory of many Reds , but it counts for nothing this year as Liverpool is hoping to maintain its push for fourth and Man. Utd. at the sharp end of the title race.

This is a fixture that is always hotly contested, and there are a few key areas that could determine the outcome of one of the biggest games of Liverpool's season.

Fernando Torres vs. Nemanja Vidic

Vidic will still be waking up in a cold sweat after the treatment that Torres dished out to him last season.

Torres has dominated Vidic every time they have met,- and the United man will not be looking forward to seeing the Spaniard's name on the team sheet on Sunday.

Normally the epitome of solidity at the back, United fans will be hoping he can maintain his cool against his greatest tormentor.

Antonio Valencia vs. Emilano Insua

He has taken a little while to settle in, but Valencia is now showing Old Trafford why Sir Alex placed faith in him to fill the boots of Cristiano Ronaldo.

Valencia is one of United's best suppliers, and how Insua copes with him will be a key factor on Sunday.

Insua has looked less than convincing defensively this season, often resorting to cynical fouls to contain opposition wingers. He will be in for a big test against Valencia; whoever is playing on the left wing could have his hands full covering him.

Wayne Rooney vs. Jamie Carragher

Rooney is the Premier League's form player at the moment. Every time he receives the ball he looks dangerous. With a hatful of headed goals recently, he's also likely to put Liverpool's set piece defence to the limit.

Carragher has begun to rediscover his form of late too, adding a degree of control to the back line that has been missing.

Whether he can cope with Rooney's pace and intensity, however, is another matter.