Liverpool face MU check

Rafael Benitez has spent the week playing down the significance of Manchester United's visit to Anfield on Sunday.
But the Liverpool boss knows only too well that his side's performance against the champions will be regarded as a benchmark of the progress he believes they have made this season.
Benitez's sides have always been characterised by defensive resilience and there is no doubt that the summer addition of Fernando Torres -- a player Sir Alex Ferguson admits he would have loved to sign for United -- has undeniably given them an additional edge going forward.
With 12 goals already in his debut season on Merseyside, Torres has taken the first steps towards establishing himself as an Anfield legend.
The young Spaniard will accelerate considerably along that particular path if he can add to his tally on Sunday and help end United's recent run of success at the famous old ground.
In their last five visits to Anfield, United have won four and drawn one and memories of last season, when John O'Shea's injury-time winner ensured all three points for the ten-man visitors, are particularly painful for the Liverpool faithful.
Little wonder then that Benitez acknowledges that Sunday's match is as much about psychology as about points.
"Maybe this game against United will be more important for confidence than anything else," said the Spaniard.
"In terms in points were are in December and we all know Christmas is a vital time with all the matches.
"It is so close the line between the two teams. Our statistics in these matches might not be the best but in every game it has been really tight."
Benitez's men go into the match with confidence running high after an impressive 4-0 win over Marseille in the Champions League in midweek and the tensions between the manager and the club's American owners apparently receding.
United's recent form has been equally impressive and Ferguson knows he will not have to work overtime to get his players motivated for what he regards as the biggest match in English football.
"We both look upon the other as our main rival. Liverpool's support is a big component of that club, particularly against United.
"You have to be a man to handle that atmosphere. If you are a lamb, you are dead."
With the big match players on both sides currently firing on all cylinders; both managers have the luxury of almost full strength squads to pick from.
Liverpool's Spanish midfielder Xabi Alonso is available to Benitez after two-month absence with a metatarsal injury while Owen Hargreaves is back for United.
Of the two, Hargreaves is the more likely starter with Benitez expected to continue with the combative Javier Mascherano in the midfield holding role behind club captain Steven Gerrard.
Liverpool are sweating on the availability of first-choice right-back Steve Finnan, who is struggling with a calf injury and last season's match-winner O'Shea is doubtful for United because of a groin strain.