This Sunday, England's two most successful clubs will meet at Anfield as Liverpool play host to rivals Manchester United.

It's always one of the biggest encounters in the calendar, yet with just two points separating the teams and a place in next season's Champions League potentially at stake, this particular game will carry extra significance.

Ahead of the clash, Sports Mole spoke with former United captain Bryan Robson, who produced some memorable performances against the Merseysiders throughout his playing career.

While results have been largely positive, many United performances have been criticised this season. Was Sunday's 3-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur the best display you've seen under Louis van Gaal's management?

"That was our best overall performance, considering the opposition as well because they're not a bad team at all. People will say that beating Liverpool at home 3-0 was a great result at Old Trafford, but in that game David de Gea had to make a few good saves.

"Whereas, against Spurs, defensively we were solid and going forward we always looked capable of creating a chance. The passing was a lot crisper and much better than it has been all season."

What was it that made the difference? Or was it a case of United benefiting from a poor Tottenham performance?

"When you score an early goal, that breathes confidence through a team and it also puts the opposition on the back foot. That's what happened against Spurs and of course getting a second goal soon after that also helps. It lifts everyone.

"The way Louis van Gaal likes his team to play - plenty of possession - once you've got a 2-0 lead, the opposition get frustrated and that suits the players to keep possession of the ball. You know that they might end up moving into daft positions because they need to take a chance to try to get back into the game.

"I was really pleased with the defenders. Once Phil Jones got over his nervy first 10 minutes, he came into the game, but I thought Chris Smalling started it all off for United. It was a big challenge being up against Harry Kane, but he went right in on him and pressed him.

"He didn't give him a second on the ball and his passing was pretty good as well. He put United on the front foot because he stopped Kane bringing other Tottenham players into the game."

Going into the clash at Anfield on Sunday, what will the performance against Spurs have done for the confidence levels?

"Obviously Liverpool will be full of confidence given their recent form and performances, but the Spurs game will have lifted United, no doubt about that. The players and the manager as well will be expecting to put in a similar sort of performance."

For a number of United players, including the likes of Angel di Maria, Daley Blind and Ander Herrera, this will be their first experience of playing in this fixture at Anfield. With that in mind, how important will the experienced players like Wayne Rooney and Michael Carrick be?

"Your experienced players will always talk to their teammates before the game and even when the match is going on. That's helps a lot. But, you've got to remember that pretty much all of these players have played in top derby games around the world.

"People in this country will say there's nothing like Liverpool vs. Man United in the world, but people in Madrid will say their derby is the biggest. These players have all experienced it and it's up to them to cope with it this time around.

"I always say that the atmosphere can not determine the outcome of a game. If you're a top player, you should be used to these occasions. You've got to go there and enjoy it - it's 11 vs. 11."

You've been part of United sides in the past that have picked up good results at Anfield. What is the key to coming away with all three points?

"You've got to expect that Liverpool, because of them being at home, will start at a real quick pace. You've got to mentally set yourself up to match that. If you can get through the first 20 minutes, the game normally calms down.

"Then, if you're the away team and there hasn't been a goal scored, you've got perhaps a better chance to win the game. The first 20 or 30 minutes, United must start at a high tempo and don't allow Liverpool to run us ragged, which they have done to a few teams of late."

Wayne Rooney is likely to be United's focal point at Anfield. How impressed have you been with him since his return to a more natural striker's role?

"Wayne has done a real good and steady job for the manager since he came in. He's played in the midfield well and then scored goals as soon as he's been moved back up front. Rooney will always give you a competitive performance because he plays with his heart and he is a top-class player with great ability.

"It doesn't surprise me that along with David de Gea and Antonio Valencia, he's been one of United's best players this season, but that's what you've come to expect from those boys."

Bryan Robson was speaking at the launch of bwin Manchester United Casino - the world's first club based real money casino app which is available now on Android from bwin.com/manutdcasino and will be available soon on iOS through the App Store.