Johnson: You give us an extra yard
Glen Johnson will step out into a cauldron of noise and passion when Liverpool welcome rivals Manchester United to Anfield this Sunday – and the Reds defender would not have it any other way.
The 29-year-old has crossed swords with the reigning Barclays Premier League champions on seven occasions since joining the club four years ago, and knows at first hand the atmosphere this fixture can generate.
There is no bigger encounter in English football in the full-back's opinion and Johnson believes the home supporters can play a crucial role come kick-off tomorrow.
"I don't think anybody outside of the two clubs or two cities realises how fierce the rivalry is," he told Liverpoolfc.com.
"It's great for the sport, great for the game and great for the Premier League as well. This is the one game that any outsider would tune in to watch."
Asked if the decibel levels can sometimes prove a distraction on such afternoons, the No.2 continued: "No, definitely not - it's what you want.
"It's fantastic to hear and they are the games you want to play in. When the crowd are with you they give you that extra yard and make you want to fight even harder.
"That's obviously the objective for the weekend - to win. We've started well and we want to keep the run going. It's the last game before the international break so it would be good to finish that period with three wins.
"Like I've been saying for many years, the target is to get into the top four - that is our objective, it's what the club wants and needs.
"That will definitely be the aim. We just take each game as it comes and hopefully we'll be there or thereabouts."
Johnson can expect to see the likes of Tom Cleverley, Wayne Rooney, Danny Welbeck and Ashley Young - all international teammates with the Three Lions - to line up in opposition.
So will the defender have any inside knowledge to utilise and share with the dressing room? "I wouldn't say that was an advantage," he responded.
"You know all the players in the Premier League - you see them play every week. They have got some good players but so have we; it should be a good game."
David Moyes will take his seat in the away dugout at Anfield for the first time as United manager, having never previously masterminded a victory on the ground as Everton boss.
In a fixture which needs no extra incentive, Johnson nevertheless expects that the Scot's presence could add an extra element of importance for a number of supporters.
"I'm sure it will to some people," he added. "A lot of families in this city are split, some are Red, some are Blue.
"I'm sure the Liverpool fans will still see him as part of Everton so I'm sure to those families it will add a little more spice."
Going to the Manchester United game? Please read the following:
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