Marouane Fellaini of Manchester United controls the ball during their 3-0 English Premier League win over Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford in Manchester, England on March 15. Photo: IC

Despite what any other teams might like to think, current United assistant manager Ryan Giggs was right when he called Manchester United against Liverpool "probably the most famous fixture in English football." No matter what either side's present fortunes on any given match day, this is a battle between the two most successful sides in English football. When the teams meet for their 164th league fixture this Sunday, the lunchtime kickoff will bring an intense atmosphere that makes most crosstown derbies seem like a stroll in the park.

The enmity between 18-time champions Liverpool and 20-time champions Manchester United stretches back to the sport's very beginnings and there has been little love lost between the rival cities during that time. Separated by just 30 miles, no players have moved between the clubs since 1964 and in recent times relations have gone from bad to worse, most notably the fallout after Luis Suarez racially abused Patrice Evra.

Both the Frenchman and the Uruguayan have moved on but there are plenty of players who know what this game means to both sets of fans and how the atmosphere often leads to red mist and red cards on the pitch. Liverpool's Steven Gerrard grew up despising Manchester United just as former Everton star Wayne Rooney has only honed his hatred for Liverpool since moving to Old Trafford.

This may not be a vintage year for either club but there's more than pride to play for.

Pub football



Before the teams met at Old Trafford in ­December, Sky TV pundit and former Manchester United defender Gary Neville worried that the game could be "like the Dog and Duck versus The Red Lion." Neville was right to do so. Liverpool slumped 3-0 at Old Trafford to a United side that could have easily lost the game by the same score.

Liverpool have not lost in the league since that December day, which stretches some 13 games. United's own form has been steadily consistent since that game despite Louis van Gaal's first season being typified by erratic performances and dissent in the media and ­supporters at the gap between the club's attacking DNA and the Dutchman's oft-­mentioned "philosophy."

It's been a curate's egg of season for both sides and this has manifested in the fortunes of a pair of Belgians. Liverpool keeper Simon Mignolet was dropped "indefinitely" before the sides' earlier meeting but has been vital to Liverpool's unbeaten run since returning to the side, which is emblematic of Brendan Rodgers turning the tide of his team's season. Down the road, Mignolet's international teammate Marouane Fellaini's own season has echoed that of Van Gaal's side. Initially, the big Belgian was seen as the scapegoat for David Moyes' reign but was given a standing ovation as Man of the Match on leaving the pitch against Tottenham last weekend, which was this season's most fluid performance yet.

The Merseyside giants go into the game in fifth place, just two points and a place behind their Manchester rivals, and both sides are eyeing a spot in Europe's elite competition next campaign. Liverpool want another taste after returning to the promised land this season while United are ­unwilling to make their current absence a habit.

Selection dilemmas



Belief is big in both camps. Brendan Rodgers has spoken of his squad's desire to overtake second-placed Manchester City and Michael Carrick has said the Old Trafford side are looking to do the same. Whether they can do so starts on Sunday with the players out on the pitch.

In spite of this being his last season at Anfield, Liverpool captain Gerrard looks set to miss out on one final start against United. He is not currently in the Liverpool team and his former teammate Jamie Carragher says he would not disrupt a winning team by bringing the skipper back.

Mr. Liverpool starting is not the only tough decision for the home side. Ex-Liverpool midfielder Didi Hamann said that Rodgers should opt for Raheem Sterling rather than rush Daniel Sturridge's return up front.

Meanwhile, Manchester United have dilemmas of their own. Van Gaal has relentlessly tinkered with his team as they have struggled to convince but last week's performance was the best of his tenure. They managed that without British record signing Angel di Maria. The Argentine's form has faltered since his home was burgled earlier in the season but Neville says he would choose the winger to replace Juan Mata on his return from suspension.

Whoever walks out of the tunnel on Sunday, one thing is for sure: In front of a crowd that has traded many punches over the years, neither side will want to be knocked out of the top four.