In what is widely known as one of the preeminent rivalries in world football – and all of sport – Manchester United and Liverpool have faced off 180 times in almost 120 years, with United holding a 70 to 60 edge in the wins department.

15 of those 180 meetings have come in the FA Cup, with Liverpool’s three wins paling to United’s eight, which include wins in the final in 1977 – which denied Liverpool the League/FA Cup/European Cup treble United would win 22 years later -and 1996.

Today, United will look to increase those advantages and heap more misery upon their fierce North West rivals, who visit Old Trafford in the most eye-catching tie, at least nominally, of the FA Cup’s third round.

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With Tuesday’s 2-1 win over Stoke City, it’s two wins in two matches for Manchester United, and after what could be termed as nothing short of a perfect week in the results department, United are now two points clear of Manchester City and four clear of Arsenal at the top of the Premier League table.

As opposed to Stoke’s visits to Old Trafford in each of the last two seasons, in which United outscored the Potters by a combined 9-0, the league leaders were made to work for the win this time around. But in the end, the three points were wrapped up all thanks to Nani and Javier Hernandez, who teamed up for the two goals that fired United to victory.

Next up for United is Sunday’s FA Cup third-round tie with rivals Liverpool, who look to be ripe for the picking as they head to Old Trafford.

But before looking ahead to Liverpool’s visit, here are a few comments about Tuesday’s win and the week in general, along with a little flashback:

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After opening 2011 by capturing a late (and perhaps a little lucky) win at West Brom, Manchester United look to maintain their hold on top spot in the Premier League as they host Stoke City tomorrow night.

Against the Baggies, United took an early lead through Wayne Rooney, who scored his first goal from open play since March. However, as they did in October’s 2-2 draw at Old Trafford, Roberto di Matteo’s side didn’t allow an early deficit to dent their confidence and soon equalized through James Morrison’s stunner. In the end though, Lady Luck was on the visitors’ side, and after a penalty (and red card) no-call on Gary Neville by Chris Foy and a missed second-half penalty by Peter Odemwingie kept the match level, Javier Hernandez’s headed winner 15 minutes from time handed United the three points that keep them ahead of Manchester City on goal difference with two matches in hand.

After a tricky week away from Old Trafford, United return to the friendly confines looking to maintain their league-best home form, along with their dominance over the Potters.

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