You Bet | Liverpool shaping up as big-match warriors

Liverpool's best performance by far under Brendan Rodgers was the 2-2 draw at home to Manchester City and they will have to reach a similar level if they are to repel Manchester United tomorrow.

Rodgers might have preferred this match to come later in the season, after more time to settle in at Anfield, but at least he knows there will be no lack of motivation for his team in what is sure to be a highly charged atmosphere. There is evidence that Liverpool are becoming a big-match team and their biggest problem is inconsistency against the lesser sides. Apart from Arsenal, who appear to be a bogey side, having beaten them twice at home in the past six months, no other big-six team has won at Anfield in seven league and cup matches since the start of last season.

That points to Liverpool as the best bet on the handicap and there is further support from United's recent poor results at Anfield: four defeats and a draw in league and cup since their last win almost five years ago.

Manchester City v Arsenal is tomorrow's big game and it promises to be a good indicator of whether the Gunners' resurgence is likely to be more than temporary.

Steve Bould, a rock at centre-half in his playing days, is clearly having a major influence as Arsenal's defensive coach, with only one goal conceded in four Premier League games. Arsene Wenger's side will always create chances and, if their attack is protected by a more solid defence, they could be serious contenders at the top again.

Keeping out free-scoring City will be tough, and some of the bad habits were back when Arsenal beat Montpellier in the midweek Champions League game, but City's defensive frailty gives Wenger hope of taking something from the game.