Liverpool's woes set to continue

LIVERPOOL: It is the most intense rivalry in English football -- England's most successful club against the outfit that are rapidly closing the trophy gap, both domestically and in Europe.
But despite the decades-old battle for supremacy between Liverpool and Manchester United, it is Sir Alex Ferguson's men that travel to Anfield today with the Premier League and Champions League trophies in their possession.

Liverpool, despite winning the Champions League in 2005, know the balance of power has long since shifted from Merseyside to Manchester.

Rafael Benitez's men go into today's game having failed to score against the reigning European champions in their last seven league meetings, a run stretching back to September 2004 and even then, it was a John O'Shea own goal.

Liverpool have made an unbeaten start to the league season, however, and they entertain United determined to end the miserable run against their bitter rivals.
Good news though, is the speedy recovery of skipper Steven Gerrard and striker Fernando Torres, which gives Liverpool renewed hope that a goal, if not a win, is within reach.



With United still without the injured Cristiano Ronaldo, Ferguson's team have made an unconvincing start to the campaign, but Liverpool's Spanish defender, Alvaro Arbeloa, has warned that the champions remain a threat even without last season's 42-goal top scorer.

"United don't have Ronaldo -- but they still have really good players like Nani, Carlos Tevez, Wayne Rooney and now Dimitar Berbatov. I really don't know if it will be easier without Ronaldo," Arbeloa said.

"Losing to United was a really bad experience at Anfield last season. I know how much of an important game it is for us and our supporters and we were all really disappointed. It is just as important for me as the supporters.

"I think this game is worth much more than three points. If we beat Manchester United at home we will have 10 points and much more confidence. But everyone will also be very, very happy."

United are likely to hand STG30.75 million (RM189 million) new signing Berbatov his debut at Anfield, but with experienced performers such as Michael Carrick and Owen Hargreaves still injured, Brazilian youngsters Rodrigo Possebon and Rafael da Silva are set to be named in the squad.

Old Trafford veteran Paul Scholes insists the young guns are capable of producing the goods on such a big occasion.

"You try to give a little bit of advice to them, but not too much. They don't need much talking to," Scholes said.

"I just say to them to do exactly what has got them here. The manager has seen something in them that has got them to this stage, so why stop that?

"It's good having the youngsters in because they can do all the running for you! You can just sit and pass the ball to them and off they go.

United face a daunting trip to Chelsea after the Liverpool clash, but Scholes is unfazed by the demanding workload.

"These are historically tough games and whenever you play them it isn't any different. You need to play these games at some stage during the season.