GO FOR GOALS

Match preview

Liverpool v Manchester United

Sunday, 2pm, Live on Sky

So how do you make a case for a home win in Rafa's Benitez's own Grand Slam Sunday (copyright all newspapers) against Manchester United?

Steven Gerrard is missing, Fernando Torres is coming back from injury and Glen Johnson can hardly be expected to fire on all cylinders.

Without Gerrard, Rafa may go 3-5-2 with Kuyt up front with Torres and Aurelio and Johnson as wing-backs. That would put Mascherano and Lucas in central midfield with Benayoun given licence to get forward. I know it didn't work against Sunderland but Rafa doesn't have a lot of options, especially if Insua is injured as well - that certainly seemed to be the case against Lyon. Mascherano was missing at the Stadium Of Light and we couldn't get hold of the ball in central midfield. Should Benitez go for a 4-4-2, I would like to see Agger or even Carra rather than Lucas in the middle of the park but I don't think that will happen.

But it's not all doom and gloom. Manchester United have been spluttering this season and have ridden their luck against Sunderland and Bolton in recent games. They are missing a few as well - possibly Rooney included - and have been leaking goals. And there's another reason to be cheerful in that United had a tough game in Moscow on Wednesday and teams coming off away ties in Europe have a modest Premier League record.

Looking at betting opportunities, the professional bet is for both teams to score in the game at 4-5 with Ladbrokes. Considering the way both teams have been defending, the game is unlikely to be cagey.

Looking for bigger odds, let's be optimistic and have a couple of bets. Firstly on a 2-2 draw, which is a 16-1 chance with Blue Square. Then take Liverpool to win 2-1 at 11-1 with the same firm.

Selections:
Professional bet: Both teams to score at 4-5 with Ladbrokes
Game to end 2-2 at 16-1 with Blue Square
Liverpool to win 2-1 at 11-1 with Blue Square