Molby: It is Skrtel's time to shine
Former Liverpool playmaker Jan Molby believes Sunday's massive clash with Manchester United is an opportunity for Martin Skrtel to stake his claim for a first-team berth.
The Slovakian is expected to feature at Anfield after summer signing Kolo Toure suffered an injury during the Capital One Cup victory over Notts County earlier this week.
Skrtel himself has just returned to training and Molby explained why the 28-year-old will be required to deal with the dual threat of Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie.
"It's been a difficult time for Martin Skrtel but Liverpool desperately need him to deliver when they face Manchester United at Anfield on Sunday," the Dane wrote in his Liverpool Echo column.
"With Kolo Toure out injured, Skrtel is set to earn a recall after recovering from a knee problem.
"Skrtel lost his place to Jamie Carragher in the second half of last season and then saw Toure come in on a free transfer this summer and start ahead of him.
"He can't be happy about that but we need his attitude to be 'I'll show what I can do and force my way back into the manager's plans'.
"Losing Toure is a big blow as after Daniel Sturridge he has done as well as any other outfield player so far. Toure has improved Liverpool's back four with his qualities.
"In his absence we have to hope Skrtel is able to handle the threat of Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney - United's key men."
The Reds have opened their 2013-14 Barclays Premier League campaign with two victories out of two, while this weekend's opponents have collected four points so far.
David Moyes assumed the managerial reins at Old Trafford this summer and Molby is confident that the Scot's record of never tasting victory at Anfield will continue.
He continued: "United also have an excellent 'keeper and two good centre-backs, but the rest of them are mediocre.
"I think it's a good time to face United. New boss David Moyes has never won at Anfield and he has a lot of demons to overcome at the big grounds this season.
"I can't see Moyes breaking his duck on Sunday. Liverpool have the tools to cause them problems with their movement and pace.
"They will move the ball a lot quicker than Chelsea did and in Daniel Sturridge they have a striker in great form."