Liverpool vs. Manchester United : 5 Predictions for the EPL Clash

Liverpool take on Manchester United at Anfield in the Premier League shortly, and all focus is on the team sheets when they arrive. Who will be given the nod to start in this most epic of battles?

This game has a history of being littered with goals, flashpoints and notable incidents; here is a quick list of five predictions for the game.

Steven Gerrard Will Have to Make Do with Another Substitute Appearance

A lot of focus in the build-up to the game has been on whose position Steven Gerrard will take in being in the starting lineup for Liverpool.

To be honest, I've been back and forth over this one a lot; the last time Gerrard started for Liverpool he did indeed play a central midfield role against Manchester United, but I think it would be a lot to ask in his first game back for him to fill the same position.

In behind the striker or on the right flank are the other main positions then for him...except I think others will continue to fill those roles, too.

Another 30-minute appearance from the bench for the club captain before he returns to his full-time job on the pitch.

Andy Carroll Will Start Up Front Again...and Score Again

The angel of the North East came up trumps for Liverpool against Everton in the Merseyside derby, and I'm backing Kenny Dalglish to keep faith with him against the Reds' other massive rivals on Saturday.

Carroll will be boosted by starting two such enormous games in succession and his presence will trouble a United back-line which has looked more than able to be breached for much of the season.

I expect a second league goal of the season to be registered by Carroll tomorrow.

Lucas Leiva to Pull a Massive Performance out of the Bag

Defensive midfielder Lucas Leiva has not been at his imperious best this season yet for Liverpool; most of his performances have been solid or above average without being the destroyer that he can be.

This time around, Liverpool need an exceptionally strong centre of the park to combat United's freely attacking quartet and Lucas will be key to shielding the Reds defence.

He's become something of a big game player for Liverpool and I am sure Leiva will revel in this matchup and produce his best performance of the season so far.

Kenny Dalglish to Change Liverpool's Shape

I'm not talking about a radical switch to a back three—a la versus Chelsea last season or anything like that—but I have a feeling that we could see one of the wide players dropped in favour of an extra central player, or else someone like Maxi Rodriguez to come into the team who can drift infield to work the inside channels more.

I wouldn't be too shocked to see Leiva and Jay Spearing paired centrally, with Adam given more licence to roam either side of them—though asking Downing to cover both flanks can make Liverpool far too narrow while switching.

Whatever happens, even if it is not a personnel change, I have an inkling we will see a slightly different shape to Liverpool's side to combat United's threat down the flanks and exploit their inability to defend in front of their back four.

Liverpool to Win by Two Clear Goals

Whether 2-0 , 3-1, hell, I don't even care if it's 7-5.

But I think Liverpool are going to produce a fantastic performance and run out winners against the league leaders.

Long term, it might not prove much more than we already know—Liverpool have a very good side and can beat anyone on their day—but for this game, at least it will be a very welcome result.

And hey, who knows what could happen afterwards?

If you want a freebie prediction, I'll say that Luis Suarez will get the other goal, but if he doesn't score you just know he's going to be involved somewhere down the line.