An out-of-court settlement has been reached regarding disputes over the sale of Liverpool in October 2010.

Former owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett were upset about the sale of the club by then directors Sir Martin Broughton and Christian Purslow, along with current director Ian Ayre.

As a result, a number of allegations were made by the former owners against the three directors which resulted in legal proceedings as the allegations were denied.

Now though, Liverpool have released a statement saying a settlement has been reached and the claims have been withdrawn.

The statement reads: “The parties have now agreed a settlement [the terms of which are confidential].

“All claims and allegations made against Messrs Broughton, Purslow and Ayre have been withdrawn by Messrs Hicks and Gillett and all legal proceedings between the parties concluded.”

As Paul Scholes recently insisted, regardless of where they are in the league, Liverpool are still Manchester United’s number one rivals.

With that in mind, Sunday’s showdown between England’s two most successful clubs must be considered one of the biggest games of the season, and a match that neither side will want to lose.

As always, this game is sure to be played in an intense atmosphere, and the high-tempo pace of the game gives this fixture the feel of a cup tie.

This sense of form going out the window probably explains Bet365’s generous 19/20 (1.95) odds for a United victory.

That said, considering the hosts have won nine of their last 10 Premier League home games this season, as well as each of the previous four against their rivals in their own back yard, this price looks simply too good to pass up in the cold light of day.

There has only been one draw in the last 17 encounters between these sides, but you can get odds of 11/4 (3.75) on this game finishing up all square.

With just six wins in their last 20 on the road, and no victories at Old Trafford since their infamous 4-1 romp four years ago, The Reds are outsiders at 16/5 (4.20) to pick up a memorable three points in this match.

Nobody understands the significance of this match better than Steven Gerrard, as the Liverpool captain has been at the heart of many a memorable clash over the years.

The 32-year-old can usually be relied upon to rise to the occasion for these games, and has grabbed five goals in his last nine against Sir Alex Ferguson’s men.

The midfielder is on a decent run of form in front of goal at the moment, having hit the back of the net three times in the last five. He offers a great value option at 10/3 (4.33) to come up with the goods once again on Sunday, while Manchester United look the best bet at 19/20 (1.95).

Sign up for up to £200 in free bets

Al Hain-Cole is a Liverpool fan, experienced tipster and avid follower of European football. He specialises in accumulators and if you would like to read more from Al you can follow him on Twitter here.

Follow GoalBetting on

Wayne Rooney is absent on compassionate leave for the hosts, though it would have been unlikely for him to feature due to a knee problem.

Elsewhere, Phil Jones (knock) could return, but Anderson and Nani (both hamstring) remain injured.

For the visitors, Jose Enrique (hamstring) is likely to be out until February following his injury against QPR, so Stewart Downing could make an appearance in his place, otherwise Andre Wisdom could come into the side at right-back, with Glen Johnson slotting in on the left side.

Martin Kelly (knee) remains a long-term absentee, as does Fabio Borini (broken foot), though the striker is due back soon.

• Luis Suarez has the joint-second worst discipline in the league, having picked up seven yellow cards this season, while Paul Scholes is in the top 15 for foul play with six yellow cards from 14 appearances.

• United have the best record in the division when falling behind this season, having won 24 points from losing positions.

• Van Persie has scored five in his last six games against Liverpool, including the winner in the two sides’ meeting at Anfield earlier this season.

• Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard (pictured) has created the most goals this season in the Premier League, with eight assists.

• The Reds face a tough task at Old Trafford, with the hosts winning their past seven matches in a row at home, and are unbeaten in nine in the league.

• Brendan Rodgers’ side have only won one match when losing at half-time this season, after going in behind at the break on nine occasions.

• However, the Reds have not lost when winning at half-time this season, taking three points in six of seven matches.