The hosts have endured a difficult season thus far but our tipster is backing the defending Premier League champions to enjoy a much-needed victory over Brendan Rodgers’ side

Liverpool’s title credentials are sure to face a stiff test when they make the trip to Old Trafford to take on Manchester United on Sunday afternoon.

The Reds romped to a 3-0 victory over Southampton last weekend to maintain their push for the Premier League crown and the visitors can be backed at 15/8 (2.88) to take all three points from Sunday’s crunch clash.

United have meekly surrendered their Premier League crown this season but David Moyes’ men have hinted at a return to form in recent weeks, having recorded back-to-back Premier League victories.

The Red Devils would dearly love to puncture Liverpool’s title challenge and the home side can be backed at 6/4 (2.50) to do just that with a home win. The same firm go 9/4 (3.25) that Sunday’s contest ends in stalemate.

Those keen to side with the Red Devils should note a “money back special” from Paddy Power, who will refund all first scorer, last scorer, correct score and scorecast bets should United striker Wayne Rooney find the net against the Reds.

Rooney has been instrumental in the recent victories over Crystal Palace and West Bromwich Albion and the former Everton striker may well haunt the red half of Merseyside once again on Sunday afternoon.

The 28-year-old is available at an appealing 5/1 (6.0) to break the deadlock here, while the same firm’s 11/8 (2.38) quote for Rooney to score at any time certainly appears to be generous.

Liverpool, of course, boast plenty firepower of their own and Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez can be backed at 9/2 (5.50) to strike first on Sunday, while the in-form Daniel Sturridge is excellent value at 5/1 (6.0) to score the opener.

There is no doubt that the visitors are the team in form ahead of Sunday’s clash but it is worth noting that United have won no fewer than 10 of the last 11 meetings between the sides in Manchester and the reigning champions can be backed to extend that hoodoo here.

Therefore, it is the 6/4 (2.50) quote on offer from Paddy Power for Manchester United to beat Liverpool at Old Trafford that is the recommended play for punters.

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The England international is full of praise for Liverpool pair Daniel Sturridge and Luis Suarez and is “working hard” with the Dutchman to turn in better performances

Wayne Rooney has admitted he and Robin van Persie “can do better” as a partnership ahead of Manchester United’s clash with Liverpool on Sunday.
The Old Trafford club sit sixth in the Premier League, with the pair coming under scrutiny, especially when compared with Anfield strike duo Daniel Sturridge and Luis Suarez.

And Rooney says both he and the Dutchman are “working hard” to improve on their combined goal return of 27 this season.

“I think we are doing alright,” Rooney told the club’s official website. “Obviously, we can do better and if we are not at the top of the league then that will get looked at and we understand that.

“Personally, we can score more goals and we know we can. We are working hard to do that, we have to keep going and hopefully that will come.”

Rooney was quick to praise both Sturridge and Suarez, comparing the Uruguayan to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

He continued: “I think they are both fantastic players and obviously it is good to see Sturridge doing well because he has never really had a chance at his previous clubs.

“Suarez, for me, is up there with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as one of the best players in the world. He has been that good and the two of them together have been in great form this season. We will have to do everything we can to stop them on Sunday.”

Reds boss Brendan Rodgers pays tribute to the pair’s efforts to get back to full fitness and says that he will “welcome them back” as his side prepare to face Manchester United

Lucas Leiva and Mamadou Sakho are in contention to return to the Liverpool squad for Sunday’s clash with Manchester United.

The Brazilian midfielder has not featured since the draw with Aston Villa at Anfield in January due to a knee problem, while the Frenchman has been sidelined since suffering a torn tendon in his leg against Chelsea in December.

The duo played for the Reds’ Under-21s side against West Ham last Friday and manager Brendan Rodgers is content that they are both ready to play their part for the rest of the season as his side challenge for the Premier League title.

He told the press on Friday of the state of his squad: “We’re fine. We’ve had Lucas Leiva and young Sakho back in.

“It’s a great credit to them; when I gave players time off, they actually wanted to stay behind.

“It shows you the commitment of this squad. They had an opportunity to have a break, they’d been working very, very hard with the medical team, but they decided to stay and last Friday they travelled down themselves in a car to London to play in an Under-21s game.

“Both came through that fine and they’ve trained very well this week. They come into the squad and we’ve only got Jose Enrique missing.

“Make no mistake, [Lucas and Sakho] are very valuable players for us in our squad and, if they’re called upon to play or come off the bench between now and the end of the season, of course we will use them. Lucas and Mamadou have got great commitment to what we’re doing and we’ll welcome them back into the squad.”

United have endured a disappointing first season under David Moyes but Rodgers warns that he will not be taking the Red Devils lightly.

“They’re the champions and they’ve got players who are serial winners there. We’re only concentrating on ourselves.

“They’ve got top players but I don’t know the dressing-room well enough to understand where they are at.”