Suarez ready for United clash

Last updated : 10 February 2012 By Adam Bryant

The Uruguayan forward returned from his eight-match suspension when he appeared as a substitute against Tottenham on Monday, but is expected to start for the Reds in Saturday's big game.

The two clubs met in the FA Cup at Anfield only a fortnight ago, with Liverpool winning a largely trouble-free game 2-1.

However the tie was soured by the relentless barracking of Evra by Liverpool fans, and the subsequent arrest of one fan on suspicion of making racist taunts to the French international.

Mindful of the potential for Saturday's fixture to turn ugly, both United and Liverpool officials have attempted to defuse tensions with calls for calm.

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish said Suarez had been instructed to shake Evra's hand in the pre-match ritual.

"I thought everyone involved in the FA Cup tie at Anfield played their part in making sure that the match was played in the right way, so let's make sure that happens again this weekend," Dalglish said.

"I'm sure people will want to talk about Luis Suarez but he accepted his ban, served his suspension and returned against Spurs on Monday.

"It's time for all of us to draw a line under what happened and move forward.

"People are already speculating on the pre-match ceremony, but from Luis's point of view we have spoken to him and I know he will shake the hand of Patrice Evra and the other Manchester United players before the game."

Source: AFP