Manchester United: How the Team Should Line Up Against Liverpool

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Sunday's defeat at at the Etihad was a stark reminder of just how difficult things will be for David Moyes and his side in these seasons immediately following the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson.

Fortunately or not, as the case may be, Manchester United can get right back on the horse this Wednesday with a Capital One Cup clash at Old Trafford against Liverpool. Although the tournament is hardly a major priority for either club, a reaction to Sunday's drubbing is essential. Ferguson's sides always responded well to adversity, time will tell how his successor fares.
  Liverpool are coming off the back of their first defeat of the season and Brendan Rodgers will also be looking for a response from his team. Luis Suarez is likely to figure for the first time this season, having finally completed his 10-match ban for biting.

Ferguson spearheaded the trend of blooding youngsters in the League Cup, even prompting criticism in parliament after his young side lost 3-0 at home to York in 1995. Nowadays, such a practice is commonplace among the biggest teams in the country, but Moyes would be wise to field a stronger team than he might otherwise have considered. A win is a must against one of United's fiercest rivals, whatever the status of the competition.

 Suarez will certainly be up for the occasion, and the home side ought to be, too.
Saturday's home game against West Brom, though by no means a foregone conclusion, is a game the champions would expect to win. For this reason, Moyes can afford to field a stronger lineup than if the following fixture was a difficult away game.

There is the possibility that Ben Amos will start in goal, but it's usually best to let goalkeepers get a run of games under their belt early in the season, so, in all like likelihood, it will be David De Gea.

Neither of the veteran centre-backs should start a Capital One Cup match. In place of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic, expect the likes of Jonny Evans and Chris Smalling in the centre of defence. Young players with a point to prove are likely to be an asset in a game such as this.

Patrice Evra plays almost every game, so it is vital he be rested, presumably replaced by Alexander Büttner at left-back. On the right, there is a chance we might see Fabio, fresh from a year on loan at QPR.
In midfield, perhaps we will see Ryan Giggs. He has rarely featured this season, and his experience could prove useful in what is likely to be an extremely young side. With any luck, Shinji Kagawa will also figure. The fans are desperate to see the Japanese midfielder given a run of games, and this seems an ideal opportunity to impress.

After Ashley Young's dreadful performance on the weekend, it would be refreshing to see Wilfried Zaha start again at Liverpool, or even Nani, hopefully revitalised from the signing of a new contract. Tom Cleverley must also be in with a chance, having only played 40 minutes against Manchester City.

Up front, there seems little doubt that Javier Hernandez will start given his lack of playing time so far this term, but Moyes would be sensible to field Wayne Rooney too. He's been in fine form in recent weeks, and he tends to relish battles with Liverpool.

Wednesday's game is by no means one of the season's biggest matches, but timing is everything and United desperately need a win. Hopefully Moyes sees it the same way.