Liverpool vs Manchester United: Predicting the Liverpool Lineup

The North West derby is almost here.

And Steven Gerrard is almost all the way back.

Manchester United visits Liverpool on Saturday at 7:45 a.m. Eastern. Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish is saying it's just another match, but we know better.

Liverpool and Manchester United are the two most successful clubs in English football history. They've combined for 37 league titles, 18 FA Cups and eight European Cups.

And they also maintain a pretty fierce rivalry. Manchester United leads the all-time series 70-50-61, but Liverpool has won the last three league meetings at Anfield.

Will that streak improve to four Saturday? A lot will depend on the team Dalglish selects.

Thankfully for Liverpool fans, the manager won't have too many injury headaches.

And he'll have his talisman back.

Team news

Gerrard has fully recovered from his groin injury and is expected to start for the first time this season.

Dalglish is understandably excited.

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"A fit Steven Gerrard strengthens this football club, no question," he said. "If you have Steven in your squad, it's going to raise the profile and standard.

"We want to have a really strong squad - and him being in it makes it that much stronger."

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Meanwhile, Jordan Henderson hopes to stay in the starting lineup despite Gerrard's return.

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"Obviously Stevie is a massive player and is going to play in most games, but I just need to concentrate on what I need to do and make sure I work hard every day in training," Henderson said.

"Given the opportunity, I need to take it and make sure I stay in the team.

"I think I have settled in OK. I am enjoying my time there and the lads have been brilliant, as well as the fans.

"I now need to kick on and do even better."

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According to PhysioRoom.com, Liverpool has two injury concerns heading into Saturday. Daniel Agger is doubtful with a rib injury, while Glen Johnson could play despite a hamstring issue.

Liverpool has no first-team suspensions heading into the weekend.

Projected lineup

Goalkeeper: Pepe Reina

Defenders: Glen Johnson, Jamie Carragher, Martin Skrtel, Jose Enrique

Midfielders: Lucas, Stewart Downing, Steven Gerrard, Dirk Kuyt

Forwards: Luis Suarez, Andy Carroll

That's our view. What do you think?