TEAM NEWS: Welbeck partners Van Persie for Man United as Sterling replaces Sturridge in Liverpool XI

13-Jan-2013 6:10:00 PM

The England international is handed a big chance to impress by Sir Alex Ferguson, while Brendan Rodgers' new signing Daniel Sturridge is forced to settle for a role on the bench

Danny Welbeck has been chosen as Robin van Persie's strike partner in the absence of the injured Wayne Rooney, with Chicharito forced to accept a role on the Manchester United bench.

Shinji Kagawa starts for the hosts, with Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic forming the partnership in central defence.

New Liverpool signing Daniel Sturridge is on the bench for the visitors, with Luis Suarez supported on the flanks by Raheem Sterling and Stewart Downing.

Andre Wisdom starts at the back for the Reds, while Steven Gerrard, Joe Allen and Lucas form a midfield three for Brendan Rodgers' side.

Michael Carrick and Tom Cleverley are Sir Alex Ferguson's preferred choice in the middle, while Anderson returns from injury to take a role among the substitutes.

Manchester United starting XI: De Gea; Rafael, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra; Cleverley, Carrick, Kagawa, Young; Welbeck, Van Persie.

Subs: Amos, Smalling, Jones, Valencia, Anderson, Giggs, Chicharito.

Liverpool starting XI: Reina; Wisdom, Johnson, Agger, Skrtel; Lucas, Gerrard, Allen; Downing, Sterling, Suarez.

Subs: Jones, Carragher, Henderson, Sturridge, Borini, Shelvey, Robinson.

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