Clarke: There's no message

The Reds play host to the Barclays Premier League table toppers at Anfield this afternoon aiming to close the gap on Alex Ferguson's side to three points.

However, Clarke feels it is too early in the season for the outcome of the contest to be used as any kind of barometer.

The first-team coach told Liverpoolfc.tv: "I don't think it (a win) would be a message to anybody - it's probably just a message to ourselves. We're still developing and working on the team here and a good victory would give us a little bit of confidence going forward.

"It's not about a measure this early in the season. You go out and compete as best you can and after the game we'll analyse it. I think we're progressing as a group - we've seen that in recent weeks. Hopefully this will be another step in that improvement."

Click the image below to watch our chat with Clarke

Manchester United will arrive at Anfield sitting at the top of the Barclays Premier League table and still unbeaten.

However, there have been some suggestions in the media the Old Trafford club have displayed a defensive vulnerability in recent weeks - but it's a view not shared by Clarke.

"We've had a good look at them this week and watched a few videos," he said. "They're at the top because they keep winning matches, so I don't really see where the 'vulnerability' is.

"They're creating chances when they go forward. They've maybe conceded a few more shots on goal than they normally do, but they've counteracted that by getting more chances at the opposite end.

"As always, they're a good team and we expect a very difficult game."

In last season's corresponding fixture, Liverpool ran out comprehensive 3-1 winners courtesy of a Dirk Kuyt hat-trick.

While Clarke acknowledges that result will count for little come kick-off today, he's explained how the Reds will approach the game in exactly the same positive manner.

"It was a big performance and a big win over one of our biggest rivals," said the Scot. "It's something we'll look to try and repeat at the weekend, but we know every game is different.

"We have to approach it in the right manner, try and put on the same result and hopefully get the same result.

"We'll do the same as we did last year when we approached the game positively. You know when you play Manchester United it is always going to be a difficult game - they're champions for a reason.

"You have to match them, you have to compete with them and then you have to hope on the day your better players, your quality players, show that little bit extra and you create the chances to win the game."

Anfield has long been sold out for today's game and millions of fans around the globe will tune in on television to enjoy one of world football's biggest fixtures.

Explaining how he and the coaching staff will be readying the players in the dressing room in the countdown to kick-off, Clarke said: "You go into the big games like this to try and keep the players relaxed, focused on the game and ready to do their best.

"It's very difficult to do because it's such a big game and the players get geed up, but we try to relax them, make sure they're prepared as best they can be and then you go out there and hope they do the business on the pitch."

While the coaching staff attempt to keep the players relaxed in the changing rooms, Anfield will undoubtedly be a cauldron of noise in the countdown to kick-off - and Clarke believes fans will have a part to play in determining the outcome.

He said: "I think home advantage is always good. You have your own support behind you and it gives you a little bit more confidence to go and play.

"When you have your moments on top, the crowd can make the opposition feel as though they're really under a lot of pressure. I think that's important."