Before United takes to the pitch against Liverpool, let us explore five big factors which could affect this match.

Suarez’ impact

Luis Suarez is a player who almost lives for controversy. Controversy has followed him around ever since he moved to Merseyside. Suarez’s previous controversy came last week when he handled the ball against lowly Mansfield in the FA Cup. He will surely have an impact on this game one way or the other.

Hidden behind all the controversy is actually an extremely gifted striker who can hold the ball up well, play key passes and of course score brilliant goals. Suarez has been spearheading Liverpool through their current transition. He is sure to be a deciding factor in Old Trafford. However, exactly what part he will play in the match is set to remain a mystery until Sunday.

Robin Van Persie the hero

Van Persie was often Arsenal’s "Batman". He was there to save Arsenal whenever trouble was around the corner. At the ripe old age of 29, he moved to Manchester United. Sir Alex got him at a bargain price; however, Van Persie has often come out to save United in the nick of time.

Van Persie has scored plenty of important goals and is surely set to take up an important role in this match. His last performance against Liverpool as an Arsenal player will surely bring good memories. On a day in which Liverpool created more than Arsenal, he took advantage of two half-chances and struck both times. Liverpool didn’t know what had happened after the final whistle.

Everybody was simply struck by the brilliance of Robin Van Persie that day. Sir Alex Ferguson will hope that he can replicate such a performance on Sunday.

Alex Ferguson, the king of mind games

Sir Alex Ferguson has played mind games for 22 years. He is extremely good at it. He has managed to unsettle plenty of opponents even before matches have taken place. Sir Alex knows that he can unsettle Brendan Rodgers and his crew prior to the match with his words. Sir Alex will definitely try to take the pressure off his side. Liverpool must make sure that they do not pay heed to his press conferences prior to the match.

The impact from the wings

Ashley Young and Antonio Valencia bring plenty more to the plate than they are given credit for. Young is a joy to watch at times. On the other hand, Raheem Sterling is making a name for himself at Liverpool currently. Also, Liverpool’s new acquisition, Daniel Sturridge, is quite an excellent player himself.

Overall, if the battle is not won in the center of the pitch, the battle will be won from the wings. Some brilliant wingers are set to take the pitch on Sunday. Their pace and their intelligence could make a huge difference to the outcome of the match.

Defensive stability

United has conceded more goals than each of the sides in the top 11 in the Premier League table. They have conceded two more goals than their opponents, Liverpool. Both sides are definitely not the most convincing at the back. However, United has scored the most goals this season by far. Their total of 54 goals beats Liverpool’s tally of 34 by a considerable margin.

Hence, this one could turn out to be a goal fest. United’s total tally shows that they can almost score goals at will. However, defensive stability might turn out to be the deciding factor if both teams start pouring forward. This season, the Premier League has seen many matches where caution has been thrown to the air. Liverpool would be well advised to stay away from such approaches.