Manchester United aim to deepen Liverpool's woes at Old Trafford
In a reverse of last season, Liverpool carry underdog tag in road trip to Old Trafford, hoping clash against rivals will revive their poor season
Manchester United will relish the opportunity to inflict more pain on wounded foes Liverpool when the teams renew their heated rivalry at Old Trafford in the Premier League this weekend.
Liverpool won both league fixtures against United last season, triumphing 3-0 on their last visit to Sir Matt Busby Way in March, en route to finishing 20 points clear of their cross-county rivals in the final standings.
But the tables have since turned and while United go into the weekend in pursuit of a sixth consecutive victory - a run that has lifted Louis van Gaal's side to third place - Liverpool's confidence is at a low.
We had a fantastic result there last season, so we'll be looking to draw some confidence and inspiration from that performance and we'll go there to try to get the win
Having made a dismal start to their league campaign, Liverpool's season nose-dived further on Tuesday when they were eliminated from the Champions League in the group phase after a 1-1 draw at home to Basel.
Memories of last season's thrilling title bid are fading fast at Anfield, but midfielder Joe Allen says his side will draw encouragement from their last performance at Old Trafford when they make their return tomorrow.
"We had a fantastic result there last season, so we'll be looking to draw some confidence and inspiration from that performance and we'll go there to try to get the win," the Wales international said.
"They are great games to play between two clubs who are massive globally and there's a great rivalry.
"Last season it was a great feeling to go to Old Trafford and get the three points and all of the players want that feeling again."
Liverpool remain without injured striker Daniel Sturridge, while Mario Balotelli has not played for over a month.
United also have injury problems. Chris Smalling sustained a groin injury during United's 2-1 win at Southampton on Monday, joining Phil Jones, Luke Shaw, Angel di Maria and Daley Blind on the sidelines.
While Liverpool crashed out of the Champions League in mid-week, Manchester City secured their place in the last 16 with a superb 2-0 victory away to Serie A title contenders Roma.
It followed a run of four straight league wins that has seen the champions whittle leaders Chelsea's advantage down to just three points ahead of today's trip to bottom club Leicester City. Manchester City will learn the identity of their next Champions League opponents on Monday, but goalkeeper Joe Hart has urged his teammates not to lose focus in their quest to topple Jose Mourinho's Chelsea.
It's always important to win, especially when you lose a game in the league
"We are confident we can do well against anyone, but it is Leicester now and we have to turn our eyes to that," said the England international. "That's our next big game."
Chelsea saw their unbeaten run come to an end at Newcastle United last weekend, but goalkeeper Petr Cech believes Wednesday's 3-1 win over Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League has restored momentum.
"It's always important to win, especially when you lose a game in the league," said the Czech, who will give way for Thibaut Courtois for today's home game with third-bottom Hull City.
Arsenal failed to claim top spot in their Champions League group despite winning 4-1 at Galatasaray, but the victory allowed them to draw a line beneath last weekend's 3-2 loss at Stoke City.
Arsene Wenger's side have lost three of their past five league matches and midfielder Aaron Ramsey, whose side host in-form Newcastle today, says they must raise their game ahead of the hectic festive period.
"That is the thing we need to do now," said the Wales international, who scored two goals in Istanbul, including a stunning 30-yard strike with his weaker left foot.
"We have a busy couple of weeks coming up now and hopefully we can take full advantage of them, and hopefully take maximum points throughout December," he said.
