Liverpool defender Andrew Robertson knows Manchester United would love to kick-start their season by ending their arch-rivals’ 17-match winning run in the league.
Jurgen Klopp’s side head to Old Trafford looking to equal Manchester City’s sequence of successive Premier League victories and, with a 15-point advantage and their hosts struggling for form, are strong favourites to do so.
United are low on confidence having not won in five matches but Robertson is well aware what a galvanising effect a meeting – this will be the 203rd – between England’s two most decorated clubs can have.
“There is always an edge to it. It’s a proper game and, sometimes, it gets played like a cup tie,” he told liverpoolfc.com.
“I don’t think it matters what your form is like in these games. It doesn’t matter that we’ve won eight on the bounce (in the league this season) and they’re struggling. It’s Man United v Liverpool.
“I have no doubt that they’ll produce a reaction after a poor performance against Newcastle.
“I’m absolutely sure that they will be firing and wanting to kick-start their season. For them, there would be no better time to do it than against us.
“But we have our own objectives and our own aims. That’s what we’ve got to be striving for.”
Centre-back Joel Matip is fit for the game having missed two matches prior to the international break with a minor leg problem.
“I’m back in training and hopefully I will stay fit,” he told liverpoolfc.com.
“I’m back in training and I feel good. Of course, if I’m needed, I will be there.
“Injuries (happen) to a player. Now I’m back, I hope I stay fit and I can focus on the positives.”
Matip was joined in training this week by goalkeeper Alisson Becker, who is set to reclaim his first-team place from Adrian at Old Trafford having recovered from a calf injury which has kept him out since the opening match of the season.
Liverpool are also hopeful Mohamed Salah, who twisted an ankle in the win over Leicester, will be available.
The PA news agency understands the Egypt international has been working to a tailored rehabilitation and training plan over the last couple of weeks in an attempt to recover in time but it will require a late decision by Klopp.
