Sir Alex Ferguson has backed Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard’s appeal for calm when the Reds entertain Manchester United in the fourth round of the FA Cup (Liverpool 8/5, draw 9/4, United 7/4 – Match Betting).

The old foes clash again for the first time since the now infamous bust-up between United left-back Patrice Evra and Kop favourite Luis Suarez which resulted in the Uruguay striker receiving an eight-game ban.

Anfield will be a potential tinderbox on Saturday and after Gerrard said he wanted “the game to be remembered for the right reasons”, Ferguson has come out to echo the Scouser’s comments.

The Old Trafford chief said: “We want to make sure we are talking about the game, nothing else.

“It is a massive game for both clubs. There is a tremendous profile on it.

“I am confident. We want to talk about the game of football. It is something you want to look forward to. That is what I intend to do.”

Current 4/1 FA Cup outright favourites Chelsea also face a tricky trip this weekend when they visit QPR for the first time since their captain John Terry was charged with racially abusing Rs defender Anton Ferdinand (QPR 9/2, draw 13/5, Chelsea 4/6 – Match Betting).

QPR won the Premier League game between the two sides at Loftus Road earlier in the season thanks to Heidar Helguson’s penalty.