Afternoon all. While yesterday's Premier League action was entertaining, in truth, we've all been waiting for today, haven't we?! It's the North London derby later, but up first we will be covering the big one between rivals Manchester United and Liverpool. What a Sunday we have in store!

Obviously there is plenty to focus on before this clash gets underway, but first of all the team news is starting to filter through. Let's take a look at the away side...

LIVERPOOL XI: Mignolet; Johnson, Skrtel, Agger, Flanagan; Gerrard, Allen, Henderson, Sterling; Suarez, Sturridge

LIVERPOOL SUBS: Jones, Sakho, Cissokho, Lucas, Coutinho, Moses, Aspas

There are few surprises in that Liverpool lineup from Brendan Rodgers, although it is perhaps a little surprising that Philippe Coutinho is only included among the substitutes. His omission means that Raheem Sterling will start on the right flank, while Joe Allen is included in the midfield alongside skipper Steven Gerrard and Jordan Henderson.

And now for the home team's starting lineup...

MAN UNITED XI: De Gea; Rafael, Jones, Vidic, Evra; Fellaini, Carrick; Mata, Januzaj, Rooney; Van Persie

MAN UNITED SUBS: Lindegaard, Ferdinand, Cleverley, Kagawa, Valencia, Young, Welbeck

Just the one change from David Moyes, who has reinstated his skipper Nemanja Vidic at the expense of Chris Smalling. That aside, it is the same United team that overcame West Bromwich Albion last weekend. It means that Robin van Persie will continue as a lone centre-forward, with Wayne Rooney, Juan Mata and Adnan Januzaj offering the support from advanced roles. Elsewhere, Marouane Fellaini has retained his place in the midfield.

So, where do you even start with a match of this magnitude? Let's go back to yesterday and Chelsea's 1-0 defeat away at Aston Villa. It certainly opened up the title race because Liverpool are now seven points adrift of the leaders, but crucially they have two games in hand. A win today would have many believing that they can end their 24-year wait for a league title.

It's certainly an unusual situation for Liverpool and their skipper Gerrard. Just moments ago he spoke to Sky Sports News and here is some of what he had to say:

"[A win] would be huge. Putting the rivalry aside, this is one of our most difficult games. If we can take three points, it would be a huge statement. It's always big when you come here. When you are in front of them and involved in a title race, it feels strange. I'm very confident that we can get a good result."

Gerrard will be up against Fellaini in the midfield today and United's Belgian international has also been talking to Sky Sports News: "We have to win today because it's good for the confidence. We know Liverpool are playing well, but we have a good team as well."

On a personal level, it's a big game for Fellaini. He was ridiculed during the early part of his United career following his £28m move from Everton back in September. However, there have been signs in recent weeks that he is starting to adapt to life as a United player. A good performance against much stronger opposition today would go a long way to silencing the critics, that's for sure.

Another player that United fans will be demanding a performance from is their captain Vidic. This is his first start since he announced that he would be joining Inter Milan at the end of the season. In an interview with Sky Sports News, he has vowed to give his all during the remainder of the season:

"I'd like to finish on a high with good performances - first as an individual and more importantly as a team. The time has come and you have to accept it's time to change. I will train, do my best and if I get the chance to play, I'll do my best to perform."

The Serbian will face the seemingly almost impossible task of keeping Luis Suarez quiet. Even though he hasn't been scoring as many goals in recent weeks, the Uruguayan has still been in impressive form.

PHOTO: Exclusive picture from inside the #LFC dressing room at Old Trafford pic.twitter.com/F0zpruV7bX — Liverpool FC (@LFC) March 16, 2014

Staying with Suarez, he will be wearing the first ever pair of knitted football boots, courtesy of Adidas:

The talking's over. Time for the world's first knitted football boot to take the field. Samba #Primeknit pic.twitter.com/oxEOukMPtZ — adidas UK (@adidasUK) March 16, 2014

Of course, Suarez is not the only threat that Liverpool pose to the United defence this afternoon. His partner in crime, Daniel Sturridge, has scored a remarkable 18 goals in 20 Premier League matches this term. The likes of Sterling, Gerrard and Henderson have also made contributions in that respect.

It must be highlighted, though, that the visitors are vulnerable in defence, particularly away from Anfield. Of their 14 matches on the road, they've shipped 23 goals - a total that would have been even greater but for some smart saves by goalkeeper Simon Mignolet. Although, the same could be said for United's rearguard, which has also been leaky at times.

Talking of goals, here is what former Liverpool striker Ian Rush has had to say about this encounter to BBC Sport: "I think there will be goals in it. It's two great teams. I think Liverpool will be favourites but when you've got Daniel Sturridge, Luis Suarez, Wayne Rooney and Robin Van Persie you got goals in the game," he said.

"They are four world class strikers and sometimes the four of them are unplayable. I think the game will be won by the defence that can contain the strikers."

This is, of course, one of two big games today, both of which you can keep right up to date with on Sports Mole

With not long now until we get underway, Rodgers has just spoken to Sky Sports News. Here's a little of what he had to say: "There are still a lot of points to play for. We respect that is going to be a tough game. Every game is tough at this level. I felt that Raheem with the space could do well. He's a young kid that is still developing."

And here is Moyes, again talking to Sky Sports News: "We can only do our job and play better at Old Trafford than we have done. We've played quite well recently. This is important and such a big game."

Here come both sets of players. As expected, there is a very good atmosphere inside Old Trafford - the home fans do not want to see Liverpool win the league! Not long now until we get off and running.

The pre-match handshakes are done - only seconds away from the start. Old Trafford hasn't been this noisy for a while, that's for sure.

KICKOFF! Hosting United, attacking from left to right during the first half, get this important clash underway.

CHANCE! Big opening for Liverpool as Henderson slips the ball into the path of Sturridge, who has got the pace to get away from Jones. The angle is against him, but instead of shooting across the face of goal he goes for the near post and fires well wide. He should have done much better with that so it's a big escape for United.

Suarez is not happy with referee Mark Clattenburg because he feels he was clipped by Fellaini as he raced into the area. Replays show that there was contact between the two, but strangely, Suarez remained on his feet. Had he gone down, it could well have been a penalty.

There are some proper challenges flying in at the moment. The first between Gerrard and Jones leaves the latter winded, before Van Persie slides in fairly on Flanagan.

After some early domination from Liverpool, United have started to make an impact on proceedings. Having said that, it's still the away team that look the brighter and sharper in possession.

Rafael is proving to be a major outlet for United so far. With the hosts not playing a wide player out on the right, the onus has been on the Brazilian to get forward whenever possible. He's doing well at the moment and is causing a number of problems to Flanagan.

CHANCES! First real sight of goal for United as Fellaini crosses from the left towards the back post for Van Persie. The ball is a little too high for the Dutchman, but he brings it down nonetheless. His first effort is blocked by Skrtel, while the same defender charges down the second attempt, which rolls through to Mignolet. Then, up the other end, Sturridge scuffs a really good opportunity from eight yards out.

After a frantic start, the pace to this game has died somewhat. You'd have to say that it is still Liverpool that look the more likely to break the deadlock, although United have threatened on occasions without really calling Mignolet into action.

CHANCE! Another opening for Liverpool as Sturridge's intended pass for Suarez is intercepted by Vidic. The ball drops to Allen 12 yards from goal, but his shot bounces into the ground, which takes a lot of the pace off the strike and makes it easy for De Gea to collect. That's three really good chances that Liverpool have spurned now.

BOOKINGS! It's a yellow card apiece. First to go into the book is Liverpool full-back Flanagan for a push on Januzaj, before United's Rafael joins him following a late challenge that leaves Gerrard crumpled in a heap. Both were deserved cautions.

There is no-one else that Liverpool want taking a penalty in this sort of situation. First of all it's a blatant penalty as Rafael handles the ball in an attempt to stop Suarez advancing on goal. In truth, following his booking moments ago, he's lucky to still be on the pitch. Then it's all about Gerrard, who fires the ball into the right hand corner of the net, while De Gea dives the other way. Big, big goal for Liverpool.

BOOKING! Having put Liverpool in front, Gerrard now goes into the book for a late challenge on Fellaini. The Belgian is currently off the pitch receiving treatment.

This, in a nutshell, sums up the first half:

Rafael so lucky not to be sent off. Brilliant penalty by Gerrard. No positives from United's performance so far.

— michael owen (@themichaelowen) March 16, 2014

United venture forward as Van Persie sees his shot deflect wide for a corner off Skrtel. That is taken by Mata and met by the head of Evra, but his effort flies well wide of thew target. It's a response, of sorts, from the hosts.

SAVE! That's much better from United as Januzaj plays in Rafael down the right wing. His low cross is met by an onrushing Rooney, who sends a half-volley goalwards. It's palmed away by Mignolet and then Rooney's rebounded volley is blocked bravely by Skrtel. That's lifted the home crowd if nothing else. Meanwhile, there will be two minutes of stoppage time.

There goes the whistle for the break and it's Liverpool that hold a deserved lead against their bitterest of rivals. They've been sharper all around the pitch.

For United, they could really do with introducing Danny Welbeck for any of the front four. They are severely lacking pace in the final third of the pitch, with everything being played in front of the Liverpool defence. There were brighter signs towards the end of the half, but there is so much improvement needed if they are to get anything from this game.

As for Liverpool, their only frustration will be that their lead is not any bigger. They've had three really good chances on top of the penalty. You get the impression in the second half that they will sit back and look to pick United off on the counter-attack. If they continue to play the way they have been, it's hard to see Rodgers's men not winning this one.

PHOTO Steven Gerrard scores his 9th #BPL goal of the season & 7th from the penalty spot to hand @LFC the lead #MUNLIV pic.twitter.com/kNWalUATHr

— Premier League (@premierleague) March 16, 2014

And here is a stat that sums up the opening 45 minutes from a United point of view:

Manchester United vs Liverpool: Only Simon Mignolet (17) has had fewer touches than Robin van Persie (18) in the first half #MUFC #LFC

— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) March 16, 2014

RESTART! Liverpool, who are leading 1-0, get the second half underway. Big 45 minutes ahead for both teams.

What an unbelievable start to this second half for Liverpool. From the whistle they raid forward and when Henderson flicks the ball into the path of Allen, he's pushed to the ground by Allen. It's soft, but you can understand why it's been given. Up steps Gerrard again and although De Gea guesses correctly, the ball skids beyond him. It's a long way back for United now.

United, to put it bluntly, look stunned. They've been second best throughout the whole game and look a beaten team. You'd imagine that they need to score within the next 10 minutes or so to boost confidence and to give them a chance of salvaging something.

PENALTY APPEAL! Rooney is adamant that he should have had a penalty after he's upended by Skrtel right on the edge of the area. Some referees may have given it, but Clattenburg stands firm. Moments later Skrtel is then booked for a foul on Mata.

An embarrassing moment for Suarez because he only has Vidic to beat inside the area, but as he goes to sprint beyond the United skipper, he slips and the chance is gone.

There is still no substitution from Moyes, which is odd. His team have been second best all the way through and are in desperate need of some fresh impetus. It can't be long until the likes of Welbeck enter the action.

CHANCE! It's not a golden chance for United, but it's one that Fellaini should be doing better with. Mata's initial effort is charged down, but the ball drops invitingly for Fellaini on the edge of the area. There is plenty of power in the shot, but it drifts well wide, which is greeted by groans from the home faithful.

SUBSTITUTION: As Vidic goes into the book for a challenge on Suarez, Liverpool make a change that sees Sterling come off and Coutinho enter the action. Still nothing from Moyes.

CHANCE! Two openings for Gerrard to complete his hat-trick. The first one deflects just wide off Jones, while the second he blazes wildly over the crossbar. It's Liverpool that are looking the more likely to score right now. Then, up the other end, Van Persie heads wide from a Rooney cross.

SUBSTITUTIONS: Moyes has now made a move and it's England internationals Welbeck and Tom Cleverley that enter the action. They have replaced Fellaini and Januzaj.

POST! Drama at Old Trafford as Gerrard strikes the post from 12 yards, wasting his chance of sealing his hat-trick. The penalty was given as Sturridge threw himself to the floor following a sliding challenge by Vidic, who received his second yellow card in the process. There was barely any contact between the players, but Vidic gave Sturridge the opportunity, which he took.

SAVE! Great stop from De Gea, who throws himself to his right to deny Suarez's powerful effort from close range. United are hanging on at the moment - it's all Liverpool.

And this time Suarez does seal it. A mis-hit strike from Sturridge rolls into his path and having controlled it with a deft touch, he bends the ball beyond the reach of a helpless De Gea. The travelling support are jubilant.

SUBSTITUTIONS: Late change for Liverpool and it's two-goal hero Gerrard that leaves the field to be replaced by Lucas. There is also a swap for United, with Matt off and Rio Ferdinand on.

There will be four minutes of stoppage time for United to endure.

SUBSTITUTION: Off comes Sturridge, who has been replaced by Iago Aspas.

Well, that was resounding. If there was any doubt as to whether Liverpool were title contenders, there isn't now. They cruised here and they will love the fact that they have battered United at Old Trafford as well.

That is all we have time for from Old Trafford. Thanks for joining us this afternoon and until next time, goodbye.