Premier League preview: Liverpool v Manchester United

Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson wants his forwards to improve against Liverpool after a poor performance in the Champions League.

Ferguson named Robin Van Persie up front in Wednesday’s Champions League clash with Galatasaray, while both Javier Hernandez and Danny Welbeck came off the bench late in the second half, but despite 18 shots for the game United could only claim a 1-0 triumph.

While Ferguson believed his team was much better in their second half against the Turks, the 70-year-old manager warned his strikers they must be more clinical at Anfield on Sunday.

“I was pleased with the second half,” Ferguson said.

“It was more solid, we had better concentration and we saw it out really well.

“They never made any chances and all the chances fell to us.

“We could have scored four or five in the second half – and with missing the chances we did in the second half, we keep ourselves on the edge.”

Although Ferguson’s comments are merited based on their European performance, Manchester United actually lead the English Premier League for goals scored, equal with Fulham and Swansea City on 10 goals from four games.

That stat, combined with the fact Liverpool are one of the five worst defensive sides in the league, point to a big win for United.

While Liverpool may have finally found their scoring boots after a 5-3 comeback win away to Young Boys Bern on Thursday in the Europa League, the Merseyside club have scored just three goals in four games in the EPL, although they were much sharper in Switzerland.

With regular forwards Luis Suarez and Fabio Borini left out of the squad, Daniel Pacheco, Stuart Downing and Ousama Assaidi started up front, although manager Brendan Rodgers is unlikely to be keeping that trio in the side as Liverpool’s goals against Bern came from defenders and midfielders.

Manchester United head to Anfield on a three-game winning streak in the EPL having overcome Southampton 3-2 in their most recent league match, while Liverpool are yet to win in England’s top tier this season.

Ferguson’s side could go top of the league table if they defeat Liverpool and Chelsea fail to win against Stoke City on Saturday.