Anfield awaits lunchtime feast

'Great game'
That barren run spans nine cup ties, including the 1996 final when Eric Cantona's late volley clinched the double for United. "Games against United are always big ones for players to play in and I'm sure it's going to be a great game on Saturday," said Liverpool goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek, who will hope to keep his place for the fifth-round tie ahead of José Reina who is back after a three-game suspension.

Home hope
The club’s last met in January at Old Trafford, with United winning the Premiership fixture 1-0 thanks to Rio Ferdinand’s last-gasp winner. "We were playing away then but now are at home and that is going to give us an advantage," Liverpool manager Rafael Benítez said. "It's a difficult game for us but if you are to win trophies you have to play and beat the best teams in the competition."

Goal record
United winger Ryan Giggs has played 53 FA Cup ties but has never tired of the competition. "It's a game I don't want to miss. United-Liverpool is one of the biggest games we play. There's a lot at stake but a place in the next round is vital. We want to win every competition we are in but the FA Cup is special." Ruud van Nistelrooij has a personal milestone to aim for as the striker is two goals short of 150 for the club.

Busy weekend
Seven other ties will be played this weekend, including two more all-top-flight fixtures when West Ham United FC travel to Bolton Wanderers FC on Saturday, the day before Aston Villa FC tackle Manchester City FC. Also on Sunday, Tottenham Hotspur FC play Wigan Athletic FC in the weekend's only Premiership game.