Liverpool go into Sunday’s ever-tense game against arch-rivals Manchester United in as good form as they’ve had all season, with victories over Portsmouth and Lille in the space of four days.
Although the situation with this fixture is disappointingly different to last season when the Reds triumphed 4-1 at Old Trafford to edge their way closer to knocking their opponents off the top spot, victory on Sunday could boost Liverpool’s chances of finishing fourth and blow a major dent in their enemy’s title hopes.
Albert Riera will miss the game after being suspended by the club for labeling the club a “sinking ship” in an interview on Spanish radio.
Alberto Aquilani, the star of Monday night’s 4-1 thumping of Portsmouth at Anfield, could return to the side after missing Thursday’s Europa League tie with flu.
Maxi Rodriguez, ineligible to play in Europe for the Reds, could also return, although Ryan Babel and Yossi Benayoun will also be eager to start this one.
Rafa Benitez has revealed how Fernando Torres is not yet fully fit. That is despite the Spanish international scoring four times this week.
However, Liverpool’s away form has been less than impressive this season, struggling to score away from home.
Manchester Utd will have their main weapon, Wayne Rooney, fit and rested with no game since last Saturday.
Liverpool won the reverse of this fixture earlier in the season thanks to second half strikes from Torres and David Ngog.
Kick-off at Old Trafford is 1.30pm and it’s live on Sky Sports in the UK.
