Liverpool vs. Manchester United: 10 Players to Watch at Anfield

It's a fierce rivalry that dates back to the building of the Manchester Ship Canal in the late 19th century, which took jobs away from Liverpool's port and saw Manchester reap the rewards.

The animosity between the great cities of the northwest has been harnessed on the terraces ever since, and will be very much in evidence when Liverpool entertain Manchester United at Anfield on Saturday lunchtime.

Liverpool are a team in the wilderness. Without a league title since 1990, the once great footballing force of England have returned to Kenny Dalglish in seek of salvation and will be desperate to prove a point against United.

While Liverpool have struggled, United have launched a dynasty of success to return the club to the glory days of the 1960s. Sir Alex Ferguson has won 12 titles and taken United past Liverpool's sacred mark of 18 to make them the undisputed kings of English football.

Here are 10 players to watch in what promises to be a hot-blooded clash at Anfield.

1. Wayne Rooney

After his sending off in England's Euro 2012 qualifier against Montenegro, all eyes will be on Wayne Rooney this Saturday.

The Manchester United forward will be tested to the limit in a hostile atmosphere, and surely targeted for a rough ride by the Liverpool defense.

2. Steven Gerrard

The Liverpool captain is set to make his first start since March at Anfield, and his experience in this fixture could prove vital for the home side.

Gerrard's last start for Liverpool came in their 3-1 victory against United in the same fixture last season.

3. Dirk Kuyt

You may remember Dirk Kuyt scored a hat-trick in this fixture last season, earning the eternal adoration of every Liverpool fan on the planet.

The Dutchman was on target for Holland last night and will be relishing the chance to add to his tally against Liverpool's most bitter rivals.

4. Phil Jones

United defender Phil Jones went to Anfield with Blackburn last season, but he won't have experienced an atmosphere as volatile as that awaiting him on Saturday.

Assuming he starts, Jones may be employed at right-back if Chris Smalling fails to recover quickly enough from injury. We know he can play, but now it's time to see how he copes in a cauldron.

5. Luis Suarez

Luis Suarez has arguably been Liverpool's best player this season. The Uruguayan has already helped himself to four Premier League goals and will be well backed to add to his tally on Saturday.

Judging by his highly influential performance in Liverpool's 3-1 win against United last season, the visitors will view Suarez as their biggest threat.

6. Nani

Nani has arguably been the most impressive player in the Premier League so far this season.

The United winger will be looking to attack at every opportunity at Anfield, and his battle with Jose Enrique could be key to the outcome of the game.

7. Craig Bellamy

I have a feeling Craig Bellamy will start for Liverpool on Saturday, as Kenny Dalglish looks to up the tempo going forward and add genuine pace to his attack.

Bellamy scored twice against United in the Manchester derby last season, so he'll fancy himself to get the better of their defense.

8. Martin Kelly

Martin Kelly might not even make the game on Saturday, after suffering a groin injury on duty with the England Under-21 team.

If he does play, however, the young fullback will likely have to deal with the threat of an in-form Ashley Young down United's left.

9. Nemanja Vidic

United defender Nemanja Vidic played for Serbia last night and should be fit for a return to the starting lineup at Anfield.

Vidic suffered a calf injury on the opening day of the season and has been sorely missed in a United defense who've leaked goals a little too easily of late.

10. Anderson

Manchester United's Brazilian midfielder Anderson has produced some of his best form in the early part of this season, but will need to be at his best to dominate the likes of Gerrard and Charlie Adam.

How he performs in games of this nature could yet determine whether Ferguson decides to add to his squad in January.