Monday 17 October 2016 19:47, UK
Former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso believes the Reds are favourites to come out on top against Manchester United when they meet at Anfield on Monday, in what he says is an important match for Jose Mourinho's men.
United trail Liverpool by three points in the Premier League and, although Alonso feels Jurgen Klopp's side are favourites ahead of the fixture, he claims the Red Devils cannot afford to slip further away from the top-four teams with a defeat to their arch rivals.
Alonso, now with Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich, played for Liverpool between 2004 and 2009, winning the Champions League and FA Cup during his time at the club.
The 34-year-old featured in a number of Liverpool v United rivalry clashes and admitted the fixture was always eagerly awaited as the biggest game of the season for the Merseyside team.
Speaking to the Liverpool FC's official website, he said: "I look out for most of the games. But this one especially because of how big it is, the build-up and what it means for both clubs to be successful after 90 minutes, to be the winners.
"It's so important for both teams. It's still early days in the season but it can be a very, very important game. That's a big one in terms of tradition and a big clash.
"Liverpool against Manchester United was our big game of the season, whenever they were coming to Anfield or whenever we had to go to Old Trafford, because the tension between the two crowds was so strong you could feel it on the pitch."
The Spaniard predicted an entertaining encounter, but refused to pick a winner in the clash between the old rivals, live on Sky Sports 1HD.
"These kinds of games, anyone can win', he added, "Maybe Liverpool are in a better position and maybe favourites, but it doesn't matter.
"United still have great players and a good team. This game is so important for them because they don't want the gap to be bigger."
