• Premier League

Cool Dalglish eyes chance for Liverpool to rein in United

ESPN staff
October 13, 2011
Dirk Kuyt was a hat-trick hero for Liverpool when Manchester United visited Anfield last season © PA Photos
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Kenny Dalglish will allow Manchester United to concentrate on the magnitude of Saturday's derby, insisting the game is merely a chance for Liverpool to move within three points of their title rivals.

United moved ahead of Liverpool by winning their 19th league title last season, so for the first time in several decades the Reds go into the derby as England's second most successful side when it comes to league championships. That alone should guarantee a simmering atmosphere this weekend.

Sir Alex Ferguson, traditionally, has made no effort to hide the fact that he views United's clashes with Liverpool as the biggest of the season. On this occasion, he will also have a scrutinised Wayne Rooney to handle after the striker's sending off for England against Montenegro.

None of the above particular matters to Dalglish though, who merely points out that victory lifts Liverpool to within three points of the champions. 12 months ago the Anfield club were coming off a home defeat to Blackpool, so the opportunity to drag themselves into a potential title battle represents a major turnaround for the club.

"People say this is the biggest game of the season but I don't look at any game as being big or small," Dalglish stated. "It's another game, another three points for a win.

"The only difference this time is the fact that, if we win, we will move a bit closer to them. It's an opportunity to help yourself and dent their chances at the same time."

Liverpool won the corresponding fixture 3-1 last season thanks to a Dirk Kuyt hat-trick, and they should have Steven Gerrard available to start, should Dalglish opt to use his skipper. Past performances do not matter to the Reds manager though, who merely promised United a tough 90 minutes.

"In this fixture last season, we got our reward for playing very well and won 3-1," Dalglish commented. "But we won't get anything on Saturday because of what we did the last time we faced off against them.

"We know what we're up against and so do they. Nobody will have an easy 90 minutes. That's what the Premier League is all about."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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