Old-time rivals Manchester United and Liverpool will meet for the first time this season, with the Red Devils gunning for their sixth straight victory while the Reds trying to stop the bleeding what has been a disastrous first season without striker Luis Suarez (Live Stream on Sky Go, NBC Sports Extra, Sports Stream at 8:30 a.m / Statistics, Highlights & Play-by-Play Updates)

After dealing with one of the worst starts in franchise history, Manchester United has suddenly become a legitimate Premier League title contender as Louis Van Gaal's men starting to show their incredible potential the past five games.

The Red Devils, who haven't tasted a defeat since bowing to rival Manchester City in the Derby last November 2, will enter the game against Liverpool as the overwhelming favorite not only because of their current streak but the possible absence of Liverpool's main gunners in Mario Ballotelli and Daniel Sturridge.

Sturridge has already been ruled out with a thigh injury while Ballotelli could be sidelined after complaining pain in the groin area. Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers recently announced the return of Mamadou Sakho, though he's aware it would take a monumental task to salvage a road win against the red-hot Man United without Sturridge and Ballotelli.

Like Liverpool, the Red Devils are also dealing with injury issues of their own with Rafael, Jesse Lingard, Daley Blind ruled out of the match, while Angel di Maria, Luke Shaw and Phil Jones listed day-to-day ahead of the match.  

For Manchester United (8-4-3 for 28 points), a victory on Sunday will allow them to keep them within range of pace-setters Chelsea (12-3-1 for 39 points) and Manchester City (11-3-2 for 36 points). Liverpool (6-3-6 for 21 points), on the other hand, badly needs a win to keep them at least in contention for a spot in the UEFA Champions League or Europa League next season.

Predicted Starting Lineup:

Manchester United (Predicted Starting Lineup 4-2-3-1): David De Gea, Antonio Valencia, Marcos Rojo, Jonny Evans, Ashley Young, Michael Carrick, Ander Herrera, Marouane Fellaini, Juan Mata, Wayne Rooney, Robin Van Persie.

Liverpool (Predicted Starting Lineup 4-2-3-1): Simon Mignolet, Glen Johnson, Martin Skrtel, Mamadou Sakho, Alberto Moreno, Steven Gerrard, Lucas Leiva, Raheem Sterling, Adam Lallana, Jordan Henderson, Rickie Lambert.