The view from Old Trafford

What's the mood among Man United fans heading into this game?

Good. We're top of the league, and have had one of our best starts in years. For a minute there I thought we were going to win 10 in a row like in 1985. The new additions to the squad are playing really well. Phil Jones, Danny Welbeck and Ashley Young have been particularly impressive. They already look at ease, and look like they've been at United for years. And Tom Cleverley has made me forget all about wanting to sign Wesley Sneijder.

Has Man City's re-emergence affected how you feel about our clashes?

It makes no difference. Why would it? Yes, they're looking good, but United v Liverpool is still the biggest game of the season. Do you really think I wish that we still had Tevez?

If you were giving the team talk, what would you say?

Get the basics right. Keep the ball. Be accurate with your passing. Try and starve the opposition of possession. And when you don't have the ball, tackle hard! Oh, and one more thing: be prepared to die out there!

One player you'd like to see missing from the Liverpool teamsheet?

Steven Gerrard. He's your best player. A fantastic player, with a real desire to win. Especially against United. I think the fact that he's from Liverpool makes playing for the club, and playing in these games, mean so much more to him. He understands what it all means.

Unsung hero in the Man United team?

Patrice Evra. He just goes about his business and consistently produces top-class performances. A bit like Denis Irwin used to do.

What's the key to beating Man United?

Oh yeah, like I want to help you do that! I'd have to say scoring first. If you can score first and get the crowd behind you, it's going to make things very difficult for us.

Describe your mood if you win or if you lose?

If we win, I feel great. Amazing. It's one of the toughest fixtures of the season ticked off. A win at Anfield is what it's all about. 0161 v 0151. If we lose, the phone has to go off, and I won't be on Facebook for a while. I don't want to read all those gloating messages from mates who support Liverpool. Telling me how United and Fergie are finished, and how you're finally going to win the league. Yawn.

One song we're bound to hear?

With it being United v Liverpool at Anfield, there's always the occasional moron who wants to sing about ridiculous things. We all know that both clubs have suffered tragedies and it's sick to sing about them. I and almost all Manchester United fans have 100 per cent sympathy for the families involved with Hillsborough and think the government should release all the documents they have relating to the tragedy.

Best thing about being a Man United fan?

Everything that is Manchester United. The history. Duncan Edwards, George Best, Bryan Robson, Cantona. The managers. Busby and Ferguson. The stadium. The biggest club stadium in Britain. The memories. The cup final in '85, the treble in '99, Moscow in 2008. It's hard to put into words. Even small things. Like, I could never support a team that wears light blue. Weird, I know. But I just don't like that colour. To me, red, white and black is a cool combination. Like anyone who supports a team, you wouldn't, and shouldn't, ever want to support another club. You think that your club is the best in the world. If you've grown up in the area, then most of your friends support them too, so going to the games has a real camaraderie element. It's a major part of your life. Your team's performances affect your day-to-day mood.

And the worst?

Not being able to get tickets for big games. Paying a fortune to go to any game. I used to go to most away games, and I loved it. Probably more than attending home games. Meeting school friends at the station at stupid o'clock. Getting on the train, acting like idiots and going to cities all over England. But now, the chances of getting a ticket are zero.

Prediction?

LFC 1-1 MUFC.