Liverpool defender Joel Matip has suggested that he and his teammates are prepared for "crosses and high balls" delivered by Manchester United on Monday night.

The two North-West rivals go head to head at Anfield with Liverpool a win away from moving level on points with Manchester City at the top of the table, while United will move alongside the Reds in the standings should they prevail on Merseyside.

Liverpool have impressed in the final third this season and have won their last four league games, but Matip has said that they have attempted to improve their defending ahead of the meeting with United.

The 25-year-old told The Times: "We have to defend against this and we have lots of practices. This week we practised against crosses and high balls.

"If the ball comes in my area I have to give everything to try and clear it. Defence is a point we have to work on. The most important thing, for me, is always to win. The next most important thing is the clean sheet. 3-2 is not my favourite result."

Matip has made seven starts in all competitions since signing from Schalke 04 in the summer.