Liverpool welcome back Luis Suarez as they aim to complete a second victory over Man Utd within a month.
The reds held on for a 1-0 win at Anfield, and although both teams lost at the weekend, United's defeat to local rivals Man City places all the pressure for this game on the home side.
Defeat will be unthinkable for David Moyes who has had an indifferent start at Old Trafford, although Liverpool will be aiming to continue in the competition we last won 18 months ago when Kenny Dalglish guided the reds to victory over Cardiff at Wembley.
Striker news dominates the pre-match talk for this game.
Man Utd look set to be without Robin Van Persie who picked up a knocked at the end of last week, whilst the reds welcome back Luis Suarez who completes a 10 game first team ban for biting Branislav Ivanovic of Chelsea towards the end of last season.
Both Manchester United and Liverpool bucked transfer norms this summer, when both refused to cave in to player power.
United insisting that Wayne Rooney would not be sold, whilst Liverpool also refused to allow wantaway striker Suarez a move to Premier League table toppers Arsenal.
The game is likely to revolve around both of these players - Rooney already starting strongly for United with a handful of goals.
Liverpool's loss at the weekend wasn't helped by the selection of four centre-backs, although the reds acutely missed the skills of Brazilian youngster Coutinho who faces a month or two out injured. Glen Johnson is also missing for the reds, although Jose Enrique is likely to return to the starting XI. Tiago Ilori could make his first start for the club at right back.
Brendan Rodgers was tight lipped in his pre-match press conference about whether Suarez would start, but his performances for his national side and reports from training at Melwood, suggest the player is in strong physical shape.
League Cup Stats
Liverpool have won the trophy a record 8 times. United have won it 4 times.
The sides have met four times in the competition. The reds have beaten Man United twice in finals, In 1983 in Bob Paisley's last season in charge, and in 2003 when Gerard Houllier picked up another Liverpool trophy.
The reds also won a 4th round tie in 1985, played at Anfield, a couple of Jan Molby goals helping the reds to a 2-1 win.
However, the only 3rd round tie, and the only tie played at Old Trafford, was a 3-1 win for Man United - Ferguson getting the better of Kenny Dalglish on that occasion.
Betting
Man Utd are odds on to win the tie, at 4/7. You can back Liverpool to progress at just better than evens, 5/4.
A replication of the last 3rd round score - a 3-1 to United - is at 16/1.
Fancy a repeat of Liverpool's 4-1 victory here a few years back? Some bookmakers are offering 80/1 on that.
