Victory over Liverpool at Anfield could set Manchester United up for the rest of the season, according to John O’Shea. The United defender is struggling with a groin injury ahead of the game but is desperate to feature at some point and then rest up for Arsenal’s contest against Chelsea on a day which could reshape the top of the table standings.

“If you get a major result in one of the big games, it can have a massive effect on your season,” O’Shea said. “The points gap between the top four is not very wide, so the way it is building up, it could be an important weekend.

“There are a lot more twists and turns to come but going into the busy Christmas period, it would give us a major lift to get a win. It would be nice to think we can get three points and then relax and watch the other game.”

Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano is looking forward to going up against Argentina team-mate Carlos Tevez. The two players made their entry in the English game at West Ham from Corinthians but failed to clink in tandem at the club.

“Obviously I want to beat him on Sunday because I play for Liverpool and he plays for Manchester United, our big rival,” Mascherano said.

“After the game we will talk about the football. But we will not talk before the game because I know that he will try to do his best and I will try to do my best, so we will see what happens.”

Friday, Dec 14

Sir Alex Ferguson expects to see 11 Manchester United lions and no lambs in his side on Sunday. “No matter what position the two clubs are in, this game is separate from anything else,” he said.

“You have the geography, the history of the clubs, the ability of the players, the competition, the passion and fervour of the fans. We both look upon the other as our main rival.”

He added: “Liverpool’s support is a big component of that club, particularly against United. You have to be a man to handle that atmosphere. If you are a lamb, you are dead.”

On the flip side, Rafa Benitez has played down the big clash saying that “playing for the title in April would more important than this match”. Benitez is also hopeful that Fernando Torres will continue his good form as the two sides prepare to meet. “We are very happy with him, he has a very good attitude. I think that he is very happy at Liverpool and being part of the team. The fans love him a lot.”

Benitez’s comments came on a day that Ferguson also said he tried to lure the 23-year-old Torres to Old Trafford for several years before he moved to Anfield.

Team News: Javier Mascherano has indicated he will be fit to face Manchester United. Liverpool’s Argentina international midfielder looked in some discomfort during the 4-0 victory gainst Marseille. But he said: “I got a kick but I think it’s nothing and I should be okay to face Manchester United,” he said.

Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso is set to return to the squad after a two-month absence with a metatarsal injury.

Alonso, 26, could face Manchester United at Anfield on Sunday following a frustrating start to the season. The Spain midfielder has featured in only six Premier League games and been out of action since the Arsenal match in October.

Steve Finnan is doubtful because of a calf problem while Daniel Agger remains sidelined with a foot injury.

Liverpool squad: Reina, Arbeloa, Carragher, Hyypia, Riise, Kewell, Gerrard, Mascherano, Benayoun, Alonso, Kuyt, Torres, Aurelio, Babel, Crouch, Finnan, Hobbs, Itandje, Leiva, Voronin, Sissoko.

Man Utd squad: Van der Sar, Kuszczak, Brown, Simpson, Ferdinand, Vidic, Pique, O’Shea, Evra, Ronaldo, Nani, Fletcher, Anderson, Hargreaves, Carrick, Giggs, Rooney, Saha, Tevez.

Thursday, Dec 13

John O’Shea is a doubt for Sunday’s trip to face Liverpool after suffering a groin strain during United’s Champions League draw with Roma. The versatile Irishman, scorer of last season’s dramatic winner at Anfield, sustained the injury late in the first half at the Stadio Olimpico.

Sir Alex Ferguson said: “He’s got a groin strain. He got it near half-time when he made a clearance near the goal-line.”

Wayne Rooney captained United in Rome, but Ferguson was otherwise able to rest a host of big-name players ahead of Sunday’s game on Merseyside.

“We took Wayne off with 20 minutes to go, which was perfect for him,” he said. “He wanted a game. He didn’t need it but he wanted it, and we were happy to let him play.

“We’ve got a big game on Sunday, it’s a massive game. Manchester United and Liverpool derbies are always that way. The players who are at home are getting good training sessions in readiness.”