Liverpool vs Manchester United
Kenny Dalglish insists Saturday’s derby with Manchester United is merely a chance for Liverpool to move within three points of their title rivals.
PA PhotosKenny Dalglish is keeping his cool ahead of the derby
• Henry: I knew very little of Reds
United moved ahead of Liverpool by winning their 19th league title last season, so for the first time in several decades the Reds go into the derby as England’s second most successful side when it comes to league championships.
Sir Alex Ferguson, traditionally, has made no effort to hide the fact that he views United’s clashes with Liverpool as the biggest of the season, but Dalglish says he will treat it like any other game and the opportunity to earn three points.
“People say this is the biggest game of the season but I don’t look at any game as being big or small,” Dalglish said. “It’s another game, another three points for a win. The only difference this time is the fact that, if we win, we will move a bit closer to them. It’s an opportunity to help yourself and dent their chances at the same time.”
Liverpool won the corresponding fixture 3-1 last season thanks to a Dirk Kuyt hat-trick, but past performances do not matter to the Reds manager, who merely promised United a tough 90 minutes.
“In this fixture last season, we got our reward for playing very well and won 3-1, but we won’t get anything on Saturday because of what we did the last time we faced off against them,” he said.
“We know what we’re up against and so do they. Nobody will have an easy 90 minutes. That’s what the Premier League is all about.”
Captain Steven Gerrard should be available to start for Liverpool.