Gerrard and Keane return for rivals

Respective captains Steven Gerrard and Roy Keane both returned to the fray as old rivals Liverpool and Manchester United squared up at Anfield.

Gerrard’s inclusion was expected after he was rested for the Champions League win over Real Betis, Keane’s less so, although it had been rumoured the Irishman was responding well to treatment on a hamstring injury which it was originally anticipated would keep him out for a fortnight.

John Arne Riise, Steve Finnan and Stephen Warnock also returned for Liverpool, although there was no place for Djibril Cisse as Peter Crouch was handed the main striking berth.

Keane’s inclusion for United came at the expense of Darren Fletcher, while, as anticipated, Kieran Richardson was handed his first Premiership start for United as Gabriel Heinze began his lengthy recovery from a ruptured cruciate ligament.