Liverpool vs Manchester United: Steven Gerrard to Be Ruled Out?

According to sources within the Liverpool camp, Steven Gerrard may be ruled out of Liverpool's clash with Manchester United as a result of a recurrence of his groin injury.

It is understood that Gerrard was withdrawn halfway through the Red's final training session at Melwood before the vital clash at Anfield. While his injury is not deemed as a long-term one at this point of time, sources fear that it may just be enough to keep him out of the north-west derby.

The injury comes as a massive blow for the Merseysiders, who are already pondering over the fitness of Raul Meireles, Daniel Agger and Andy Carroll. That is not to mention Martin Kelly, who has been ruled out for a month. 

"Everybody plays football to play at the highest level they possibly can," said Dalglish when asked about the importance of the clash.

"Anybody that's playing football would love to play in these games."

A win for Liverpool would give Arsenal the chance to gain ground on United's lead at the top on the Premier League and make the Red Devils wait another year longer to break Liverpool's record 18 titles.

For Manchester United, Michael Owen, Patrice Evra and Rio Ferdinand will undergo late fitness tests before the derby, while Vidic will miss out through suspension.

A win for them will take them a step closer to that dream of breaking Liverpool's record and becoming perhaps the most successful side in England. But as Kenny Dalglish pointed out, they still have two Champions League titles to claim before they truly claim that title.

So get ready for the game of the season, a physical, fiery, attacking and tactical battle between the two powerhouses of English football. 

Prediction: Liverpool 3-2 Manchester Utd.