Charlie Nicholas states his prediction for Liverpool v Man Utd

LOUIS VAN GAAL, saying that United will not be like Liverpool, who have gone 26 years without winning the top-flight title. “On the streets I have had a lot of support but then I say to them we lost two points and two points is very important in this period because we have to win points”.

Van Gaal believes United may be Liverpool’s “ghost” team as his side have defeated them on each of the four occasions they have met. “I think so”, he said.

“I am part of the transition so I can not imagine that shall happen with Manchester United”, van Gaal said.

“Against Arsenal we kept going right until the end and we managed to get the equaliser, but we’ve got to do that every game”.

Liverpool would not be denied a share of the spoils though, and their late pressure was rewarded when Joe Allen equalised with a smart finish. With Henderson, Firminho, Milner and Caan there will be plenty of aggression along with skill on display here but the question wil lbe can Liverpool’s defence keep out a rejuvenated Manchester United attack. In those circumstances against Newcastle, you have to win.

United, meanwhile, were twice pegged back as they drew 3-3 with Newcastle United on Tuesday night.

“When I’m out and about in the city, fans come up to me, and they tell me about the rivalry”.

Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney has endured a disappointing campaign in the league but appears to have turned a corner in recent weeks. “They were in great form and great shape and they showed the aggressive football that he shows also here”.

Van Gaal is once again set to be without Bastian Schweinsteiger and Phil Jones but Adnan Januzaj could feature from the bench following his return from a loan spell in Germany. “Remember Wayne has scored once against Liverpool and not for 10 years so he has to break that record (and) then I’m very pleased”.

“You can influence by changing players or communicating with players and that is why I sometimes come to the line”.

Louis van Gaal’s men gave up a 2-nil lead and a 3-2 lead as Paul Dummett snatched three points away from Manchester United in the 90th minute, forcing the sides to share the spoils.

Van Gaal admitted that United – and Liverpool – had underperformed this season ahead of tomorrow morning’s crucial meeting of the sides at Anfield, which could prove hugely significant for the Dutch manager’s future at his club.