(Manchester United News)
Anfield's press box will be packed on Sunday for one of the biggest games of any season. We asked two of the reporters who'll be working there - Stuart Mathieson (Manchester Evening News) and James Pearce (Liverpool Echo) - to preview the clash for us...
What's your pick of the past Liverpool-United matches at Anfield?
Stuart Mathieson: In April 1997, Liverpool were on the verge of returning to their old glories and a win would have taken them to the top with four games to go. Before the match, a number of United players from the 1991/92 side were reminded by the gloating fans that their title hopes in that year were ended at Anfield. One such player was Gary Pallister, who got his revenge with two replica headers in front of the Kop, helping United to win 3-1 and stay on track to retain the title.
James Pearce: It would have to be November 2001 when Liverpool won 3-1 and John Arne Riise scored that piledriver past Fabien Barthez. Closely followed by the same scoreline in March 2011, when Dirk Kuyt raised the roof at Anfield with a hat-trick.
How significant is this particular fixture for your city's team?
SM: It's make or break possibly in terms of the top four. It would be hugely disappointing for United to lose the momentum and confidence built up by that exhilarating display against Spurs. If Liverpool win it would be extremely damaging. They'd have the momentum. If United get three points it's full steam ahead to the Champions League.
JP: It's massive. Liverpool owe United after the 3-0 defeat in December. Since then they have gone 13 league games unbeaten - taking 33 points out of a possible 36, and this is their chance to climb into the top four for the first time since August.
How do the two bosses approach it in terms of tactics, formation and motivation?
SM: No motivation is needed. Tactically - although it might be a bit naive of me, considering it is an away match against an in-form side - I'd like to see more of the attacking adventure shown against Spurs.
JP: Liverpool will play 3-4-2-1 and Brendan Rodgers will demand the kind of high-tempo approach which Manchester City couldn't handle at Anfield recently. Rodgers' side will press from the start and look to put United's backline under pressure. With the stakes so high, motivating players won't be an issue.
Who are the key players?
SM: Quite possibly David De Gea, just as he was in the Old Trafford match when he single-handedly stopped Liverpool creating a remarkable comeback. Also, now Wayne Rooney is back up front you can't help but feel this could be his stage.
JP: Daniel Sturridge and Raheem Sterling. Both haven't been at their best recently and Liverpool will need them to deliver. Rodgers must also decide whether to bring [Steven] Gerrard back into the starting line-up - he will be desperate to mastermind one final triumph over United before he heads for LA.
What would the impact be if your team wins?
SM: As I said before it would have enormous consequences. You don't want Liverpool overtaking you into fourth spot with eight games to go. This game could actually be a Champions League place decider.
JP: It would provide the springboard for Liverpool to go on and clinch a top-four finish. Considering where they were after that defeat at Old Trafford in December, that would be a remarkable achievement.
How will the top four look come May?
SM: I labelled Arsenal 'chokers' before the FA Cup quarter-final and they made me look foolish but I still think they could be the weak link in the so-called "rat race". My heart might be ruling my head here, but I think United will be in there with Liverpool, City and Chelsea.
JP: My top four would look like this - 1) Chelsea, 2) Man City, 3) Liverpool, 4) Arsenal.
What's your prediction for Sunday's game?
SM: I'll go for 2-2 but don't expect me to put any money on it!
JP: I fancy Liverpool to win 3-1.
