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And what a big miss that proves to be as Manchester United take the lead seconds later. It's like 2010 all over again as Antonio Valencia nutmegs Joe Allen, gets to the danger zone and cuts it back perfectly for Wayne Rooney. He's 16 yards out, side-foots it powerfully past a wrongfooted Brad Jones. Clinical. Raheem Sterling take note...

Image source, Reuters

Huge chance! Liverpool should be ahead through Raheem Sterling. Good play from Adam Lallana as he beats his man and threads it through, but Sterling's shot is tame and easily stopped by David de Gea.

That's the sort of illogical fears we like to hear Matthew. Everyone's got a dodgy kit they don't like to see coming out of the tunnel.

More good pressing from Liverpool almost sees them nick a backpass from Ashley Young but Michael Carrick sweeps up well.

Alex Thorman: The problem with having Michael Carrick in defence is that there is no Carrick in midfield.

Stephen, Glasgow: What does Joe Allen bring that Lucas doesn't? Lucas tackles better, reads the game far better, is as technically proficient (apparently so important to Brendan Rodgers given today's insane team selection) and has been integral to Liverpool's improved defending lately - so why is Allen preferred?

Matthew, Oxford: As a Liverpool fan I fear the result of this game for a completely different reason than most. Liverpool never seem to play well in yellow. We've worn that kit three times so far this season and lost all three.

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Jonny Evans and Glen Johnson have made the most passes so far. That tells you where the game is being played.

Liverpool have had 66% of possession so far. Brendan Rodgers will be pleased with his side's intense opening spell. They are pressing United high up the pitch and winning the ball back easily. So far, so solid.

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After a pretty tame opening Marouane Fellaini slides in clumsily and earns an instant booking from Martin Atkinson. Will we finish with 22 men on the field today?

Liverpool have Glen Johnson, Martin Skrtel and Dejan Lovren at centre-half, with Alberto Moreno and Jordan Henderson on the flanks.

United have Michael Carrick alongside Phil Jones and Jonny Evans.

Queens Park Rangers defender Rio Ferdinand

"Tell you one thing: If James Wilson gets a sniff of goal it will be put away! Oh and another - he has mad pace to unnerve this Liverpool defence!"

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Martin Skrtel has a stab at goal from that very early corner and Liverpool keep the ball in a dangerous area. Eventually United clear. It looks like Michael Carrick has started off playing in a back three. Both sides with three at the back then...

Alan Shearer
BBC Sport

"I am sure Louis van Gaal will have told his players to put Brad Jones under as much pressure as possible in the first 20 minutes. Fitness-wise, Jordan Henderson at right wing-back is no problem, but like other players around today, defensively you have to ask questions. The two wing-backs on both sides will be competing to put more pressure on the opposition in attack, and that will be a fascinating contest."

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Good start from the men in yellow as Adam Lallana wins a corner from Phil Jones inside 40 seconds.

Raheem Sterling kicks off - we are under way...

Excellent volume at Old Trafford as the winter rain lashes down. It's suddenly gone very dark. Time to get the day's action under way...

Players in the tunnel. All of them look forward. All eyes fixed on the prize: three points. Here we go.

Former England captain Alan Shearer
BBC Radio 5 live

"Michael Carrick will bring in experience, he can see all the pitch and will spray the long passes around - he is very good at that. But I don't think he will shore Manchester United up defensively and that is what they need. They are conceding too many goals.

"I would not mind being a centre forward out there today - the defensive frailties of both teams this season have been huge. The forwards today will be thinking there are goals for sure. United might not be playing all that well, but they are winning - and there is far more scrutiny on you when you are losing. And winning games has to raise confidence in the team so you wonder: Is there a real performance round the corner? We'll have to wait and see."

J: Yet another Manchester United player injured during training (see 13:03) - what is Louis van Gaal doing to them? This needs investigating and resolving!

Matt Atkinson: Regardless of van Gaal's training regimes, United are still playing only once a week. So these injuries are just bad luck.

Mark Duffel: The biggest question of today's game hasn't been answered yet. Which one's the Red Lion and which is the Dog and Duck (see 13:06)?

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The heavens have opened at Old Trafford and the rain is lashing down. Watching on from the posh seats is Southampton manager Ronald Koeman. Maybe he stayed on in Burnley last night - a few pints in a boozer round the corner from the ground, a kebab, Match of the Day and then bed before today's big game?

We are 15 minutes out from kick-off. Liverpool in their yellow away shirts this afternoon, with vice-captain Jordan Henderson geeing up his team-mates, plenty of back-slapping and high fives all round.

Image source, Getty Images

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers: "I just felt that we needed to change the goalkeeper. Brad Jones has been a very loyal number two, Simon Mignolet has played a lot of games and there is the need for change.

"The rest and coming out of the spotlight will do Simon the world of good. It is no gamble. Brad is experienced, he's been at the club a long time. I have no qualms about playing Brad Jones."