Manchester United fan and football writer Jonathan Birchall provides the view from Old Trafford ahead of Sunday's clash, including why he would swap his team's attack for Liverpool's.

There's plenty of talk that Liverpool are the favourites for Sunday's match - is that the sentiment among Manchester United fans?

I don't think I'll ever quite be able to bring myself to say that Liverpool are favourites at Old Trafford but we're certainly as vulnerable going into this fixture as I can remember. In the politest terms, it has been a difficult season for us, and although I probably shouldn't admit it, knowing how well you lot are doing at the other end of the M62 hasn't made things any easier.

How is David Moyes likely to line his side up at Old Trafford? What formation do you expect and who will feature?

I expect Moyes will play his old favourite of 4-4-2, given that it worked in the Capital One Cup against Liverpool (had to get that in there) and against Arsenal at home. I expect we will start with Rooney and Van Persie up front, despite the latter's somewhat underwhelming performances in recent weeks. I'd imagine Fellaini will get another start alongside Carrick, with Mata and Januzaj either side in midfield. Something a bit different to try and quell your midfield three and release Mata would be a nice surprise, but I'm not holding my breath.

If you were filing a scouting report on United for Brendan Rodgers, what would it contain?

Expect crosses and look to run at the centre-backs. Think Torres at Old Trafford in 2009.

Both sides boast incredible attacks, but would you swap United's for Liverpool's?

I would, yes. Sturridge has been absolutely phenomenal this year and I can't really see an argument against him being the best English striker around. I'm pro the wriggly arms dance as well, as it happens. As for Suarez, there's very little you can say that hasn't already. Best player the league has seen since Ronaldo and the one I least like us coming up against since Henry.

Perhaps taking Daniel Sturridge and Luis Suarez as read, which Reds player has most impressed you this season?

Probably the obvious next choice down, but Jordan Henderson has come out and proven a lot of people wrong. I have a soft spot for Jon Flanagan as well, who I think is a much better defender than people give him credit for.

Which games mean more to you: Manchester City or Liverpool?

Liverpool - without question. City's success in the last few years may have given the derby more sway on the title race but nothing touches United v Liverpool as far as I'm concerned. Plus, my girlfriend is a Kopite, which only serves to add to the needle.

What is your favourite memory from meetings with the Reds down the years?

Cantona at Wembley in 1996 and Ole during the treble season are great memories but for sheer Ferguson-style snideyness, O'Shea in front of the Kop in 2007 after we had played woefully is probably my favourite.

What would be the dream outcome from a United point of view on Sunday?

For Moyes to go and attack one of the big sides and for it to come off. Even our wins against those around us have felt a little wary this season, so a full-on, confident attacking display would be exactly what we're after. If ever there was a game for Mata to properly announce his arrival, albeit belatedly, it's against Liverpool...

Finally, let's have a prediction...

2-1 United, no fingernails and Welbeck doing the wriggly arms dance after his last-minute winner. It's the hope that kills you.