Liverpool vs Manchester United - Early Team News

Reports are saying Liverpool are set to have midfielder Xabi Alonso back in the squad for this massive Premier League clash, after a two month absence with a metatarsal injury. I doubt he will start but he should certainly make the bench. Alonso is one of those players you don't miss until he's gone. How Liverpool have missed the quality of his passing, especially when their form was stuttering - he's one of the major players for them.

Elsewhere in the squad Steve Finnan is again doubtful because of a calf problem while Daniel Agger is still out due to his (if I'm not mistaken) still not having quite recovered from a metatarsal injury.

I've not picked up much Manchester United team news yet, only that the Premier League favourites have Anderson and Owen Hargreaves as doubtful. Also I note Quieroz has offered his support to Rafa Benitez as his much vaunted meeting with the Americans approaches.

Elsewhere, other news reports are saying Michael Owen is on his way out at Newcastle. How sad that someone of his talent and still relatively young age is beginning the descent down the football ladder.