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A bit of news from yesterday's action...

Strong words from Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew this morning after his player, James McArthur, was booked for diving against Stoke.

"He dived - it's true," Pardew told Sky Sports' Goals on Sunday programme. "He should be embarrassed this morning. He's a great professional and that's unlike him.

"We keep moaning about diving but it's a thing that really grates on me. I was surprised by it but it shows what pressure does to players. I haven't spoken to him about it but I don't need to. He will see the replay and he will be embarrassed."

More on that story here.

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No spectators inside Anfield yet, but the pitch looks in pristine condition. The sprinklers are out ready to give the surface some moisture to give the ball a bit of zip.

Former United right-back Gary Neville, a not-so-popular figure around these parts, is pitchside taking a few snaps on his phone.

The groundsman may decide to give Nev a soaking if he's feeling in a mischievous mood today.

Phil McNulty
BBC Sport chief football writer at Anfield

"Gloriously sunny day at Anfield ahead of the match that will have great significance in the battle for top-four places in the Premier League.

"Liverpool's season has been transformed since a 3-0 loss at Old Trafford in mid-December left them in 10th place, 10 points adrift of Manchester United. Brendan Rodgers' side is now revitalised and right on United's shoulder.

"The atmosphere is always intense for this fierce rivalry and there will be plenty of optimism among both sets of supporters.

"Liverpool's impressive sequence continued with Monday's win at Swansea City while United recovered from their FA Cup quarter-final loss against Arsenal at Old Trafford with the best performance of manager Louis van Gaal's reign in the 3-0 win against Tottenham."

Freddie from Fareham: Wicor Wanderers vs Titchfield Social. Not sure that Titchfield knew it, but we at Wicor treated that match like El Clasico...still lost every time.

Nuns Old Boy: Nuneaton RFC vs Barkers Butts, 1989 to 2000. The Warks Cup u19 semi final defeat still haunts us to this day..!

Stewart Nye: Back in primary it was Meiklemill vs Newburgh that was always a big rivalry. Tackles flying in, celebrated like mad men. How I miss those days.

Keep your stories coming in via #GetInspired, external to the BBC Sport Facebook, external page or text 81111 (UK only).

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Raheem Sterling and his will-he, won't-he contract has been hogging the headlines recently.

But there's a nice interview in the Daily Telegraph with another young Reds player - centre half Emre Can, who is excelling since making a £10m move from Bayer Leverkusen.

"If I keep doing what I am doing, I am sure Bayern might regret [selling me] one day," says Can. Full story is here, external.

Will the German be shifted into midfield next season after Steven Gerrard's departure? He almost seems a ready-made replacement.

John Lennon: My football rival as a kid was Gary Ablett who lived in the next street. He is in your pic (see 10:00) between Rush & Barnes. RIP Gary.

Kevin Kanty: Sheen Lions vs KPR. A huge U16 rivalry in South West London, demonstrated by double the crowd as normal - 10 as opposed to 5!

Mark Scales: Simon Baddeley, the school goalkeeper. I was number 2 and never got a single game.

Share your tales with us via #GetInspired, external or text 81111 (UK only).

Ahh, Steven Gerrard. Departing Liverpool in the summer for the MLS, what a miss he will be to the club, the league and to this rivalry. Will the captain be given a start today?

Here's food for thought...

When Brendan Rodgers first arrived at Liverpool in 2012, Jordan Henderson was a peripheral figure almost loaned out to Fulham. Fast forward three years and the thought seems laughable.

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Henderson has emerged as a key man in Brenadan Rodgers' side and his worth to the team has been illustrated over the last couple of months, when the midfielder has been skipper - and with great success too - in the absence of the injured Steven Gerrard.

With Gerrard departing in the summer, Henderson is the heavy favourite to become captain on a permanent basis - and he tells today's Sunday Telegraph, external that it would be an honour.

"I'd love it. But at the same time we have a lot of leaders and characters in the group that could do it as well," says the 24-year-old. "If it was someone else, I'd be right behind them."

Anthony Wilbourne: Jeff Mudge - 2nd in the 400m started to suck after 4 years of competition... machine.

Marcus Tongue: Football on the school field and my team getting consistently beaten. Anytime we rarely scored, led to mass celebration and hope!

Send in your anecdotes to #GetInspired, external or text in on 81111 (UK only).

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Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has improved the club's fortunes since taking charge in June 2012. He almost grabbed the team's first title since 1990 last season, before being pipped at the end by Manchester City.

Ahead of a high intensity match, the Northern Irishman has gone for the complimentary approach to his counterpart Louis van Gaal, as opposed to putting the pressure on him.

"He has shown over his career that he is a top-class manager," said Rodgers. "He will have seen, coming into this country for the first time, the challenges of this football - it is why it is the most competitive league in the world.

"There is no question about the philosophies he has put in place at Ajax or Barcelona or his achievements and when he leaves Manchester United he will still be one of the great managers."

How nice.

Ade Randle: Borrowash Victoria v Graham Street Prims. The two clubs have their grounds just 200 yards apart. Because of the road layout, the away game for Vics fans is actually a shorter journey than a home game!

Chris Quinn: Balkyhea v Newtownshandrum in North Co. Cork, hurling. There were seven thousand spectators at an under 12 final a few years back. There's less than four thousand living in both parishes.

Send us your tales to #GetInspired, external or text in on 81111 (UK only).

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If you were asked, 'Who have been the crucial players for these two teams recently?' you wouldn't be too far wrong by suggesting players such as Wayne Rooney or Jordan Henderson.

But in his latest column BBC Sport pundit Robbie Savage has picked out two "invisible men" who have ghosted their way around the pitch to become integral cogs in their respective XIs.

The 'Welsh Xavi' Joe Allen and Mr Consistent Michael Carrick are players who do a quiet, effective job without grabbing any headlines.

Who knew passing sideways could make you so good?

Click here to read Savage's analysis in full

Ian in Burnham: My brother has this uncanny knack of always beating me in any card game you can think of. When I say beating I'm on the verge of saying cheating!

Send us your tales to #GetInspired, external or text in on 81111 (UK only).

The match at Old Trafford in December was one to forget for Liverpool, as they came up against United's David De Gea who made a string of saves as the Red Devils ran out 3-0 victors.

But that proved to be a turning point for Brendan Rodgers' men who have since gone on an impressive Premier League run of 13 unbeaten games.

The Reds are the only side who have not lost a match in 2015 and won 26 points from a possible 30 since 1 January.

United have been steady, although unremarkable, since November, occupying either third or fourth place in the league, but defeat today will see them drop to fifth position.

Richie Matthew Scott: Crook Town AFC's former player Kevin Divine vs the North Shields fans... They nipped and ran out the stadium when big Kev hopped the fence... Funniest thing ever!

Steve Wallis: Buckland vs Mother Shipton was a good little rivalry, especially when you beat the Shipton in the last 3mins extra time 3-2 down to 4-3

Send in your anecdotes to #GetInspired, external or text in on 81111 (UK only).

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The game at Anfield is not the only big match taking place between footballing rivals today as there is the small matter of El Clasico in La Liga this evening.

Barcelona will be hoping to extend their lead at the top of the table, heading into the match at the Nou Camp with a one point advantage over second-placed Real Madrid.

Former Barcelona striker Eidur Gudjohnsen looks ahead to the match for BBC Sport

Spanish football writer Andy West asks, What is wrong with Ronaldo? Have a read.

Mouthwatering!

Not to forget, a chance of silverware in the lower echelons of English football this afternoon for Bristol City and Walsall, who contest the Johnstone's Paint Trophy final at Wembley.

There will be a dedicated live text on that match later on.

So, what have we got on the agenda this afternoon? Three Premier League matches around the country and all crucial in their own right. Here is the rundown:

Liverpool v Manchester United (13:30)

Hull v Chelsea (16:00)

QPR v Everton (16:00)

Beautiful.

Get Inspired
With BBC Sport

Liverpool v Manchester United has always been a spicy affair, two North West sides with a general dislike for each other. Sir Alex Ferguson, Gary Neville, Luis Suarez, Steven Gerrard. A selection of those the opposition loved to hate.

But who has been your rival in your amateur sporting career? Was it the guy who always scored past you in the playground? Or someone you could never beat in the cross-country in PE?

We want to hear your stories as part of our regular Sunday partnership with Get Inspired, BBC Sport's initiative to get more people involved in sport.

Send in your anecdotes to #GetInspired, external or text in on 81111 (UK only).

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These two fallen giants of English football are - let's say - looking to get back on their perch.

But it is a slow rebuilding job, with Liverpool unable to mount a title challenge after falling agonisingly short last season, while Manchester United are aiming to improve on a disastrous campaign last time around.

Make no mistake - today is huge. We are talking box-office huge, Floyd Mayweather v Manny Pacquiao style.

Win and you'll be able to smell the riches of the Champions League. Lose and it may prove to be a knockout blow.

Welcome to a crucial day of Sunday football.