Liverpool vs. United to feature NO local players in starting XI for first time in Premier League history

Via the Daily Mail:

The Daily Mail today have pointed our a rather interesting yet unfortunate fact about United's trip to Anfield on Sunday - it will be the first time in 23 years that neither team will start a home-grown player.

With Gerrard set to start on the bench for Liverpool, while United's local players these days consist entirely of youngsters (such as Blackett and Wilson) who have featured in only a hand-full of games all season, there will be no players born within 30 miles of each stadium for the first time in the Premier League era. Full story below:

April 26 1992, the final time the two sides met in the old Division One, was the last time no player in Liverpool's starting XI was born within 30 miles of Anfield or a United player within the same distance from Old Trafford.

In the 53 league and cup meetings since, the likes of Steven Gerrard - likely to start from the bench on Sunday - Jamie Carragher, Steve McManaman and Robbie Fowler have starred for Liverpool, while United's local lads have included Paul Scholes, Gary and Phil Neville, Nicky Butt and Danny Welbeck.

Wayne Rooney, a designated Scouser, doesn't count (although he was born less than four miles from Anfield), while Ryan Giggs is also excluded as he was born in Wales.

Back in April 1992, when Liverpool won 2-0 at home, there were 11 English players on the pitch, but none born within 30 miles of either stadium.

In fact, the closest on that day was Rob Jones, born 31 miles from Anfield - but in Wales. While Lancashire lad Mike Phelan, born 29 miles from Old Trafford, came off the bench that day for United.

Read the full story here.