London - Liverpool players ramped up their preparations ahead of the crucial top-four showdown with fierce rivals Manchester United at Anfield on Sunday.
Having both spent heavily in the summer transfer window, both teams are under huge pressure to secure Champions League football next season and while previous meetings between the two may have been contested higher up the table, this year’s encounter still has plenty at stake, given the broadcasting revenue linked to Europe’s top club competition.
All too aware of what is at stake is Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge, who believes three points and momentum in the race for a top-four finish will render the local bragging rights associated with the fixture as incidental.
He told Liverpoolfc.com: “Of course, it’s a rivalry, but it’s another three points and we’ll just approach the game as we always do - that’s the most important thing.
“It’s going to be a big game for us. We’re going into the game looking to win it, as we always do, and we’re looking forward to it. We’ll go into this game with the right mentality.”
Meanwhile, Sturridge was full of praise for attacking dynamo Philippe Countinho, whose development this season has been central to an upturn in form for Liverpool, who have not lost in their last 13 league games, since the 3-0 defeat by United in December.
On Coutinho, Sturridge said: “He’s great to play with. He’s very skilful, sees a pass and scores very nice goals, also, so it’s a pleasure to play with him.
“He’s quite chilled, he’s not too loud. He has a little bit of a joke, but he’s just a relaxed, calm guy. He comes in and does his work and is humble, just like everyone else is.
“I think it’s down to him to work as hard as he possibly can to get to where he wants to be - and I am sure he wants to aim for the stars.
“That’s very possible with the attributes he has, so as long as he continues doing what he’s doing, I’m sure he’ll go a long way in the game.”
Meanwhile, Michael Carrick has recently returned from injury to regain his place in the starting line-up, and the oldest player in the United squad knows he must provide assistance to his teammates.
“There is a responsibility that comes with the experience you have,” he told United Review. “There is a lot of experience within the squad and there is also a group of younger lads and you try to help them.
“I’m not one to sit everyone down and discuss things; it’s more about giving advice and little pointers at different times.”
“It’s good to be back and I feel fine,” he added, when asked about his fitness. “Once you get back, you just want a run of games and hopefully I can get that.”
Carrick missed the start of the season, before a run of games from December to January was halted by another injury. He returned for United’s game against Newcastle earlier this month, and has impressed since.
“It’s been a bit of a nightmare season for me injury-wise,” Carrick continued, “and just at the time in my career where you’re getting a little bit older and you want to be playing as much as you can.”
Carrick signed a one-year contract extension, the Premier League club said on Friday.
Daily Mail, Reuters