Gerrard out to dent Man Utd hopes

Watch more of the interview... Football Focus
Sat 3 March, from 1210 GMT
Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard admits the chance to dent Manchester United's title hopes will add "extra spice" to Saturday's clash (KO 1245 GMT).

United's Premiership lead could be cut to six points if they lose and Chelsea beat Portsmouth in the 1715 GMT game.

"It adds an extra spice to the game," the midfielder told Football Focus.

"Although there are only three points at stake, the game means that extra bit more and we would love to get three points from it."

Liverpool have not won a league match against United at Anfield since November 2001 and Gerrard is determined to change that poor run of form in what he calls a "massive fixture".

"We are obviously going to give everything we have got to try and change that record. That hurts deeply."

But the all-action midfielder knows United will be a tough side to overcome and, despite the talents of Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo, has cited their defence as a key factor in their success.

He added: "You have to admire the way that they are playing at the moment. They're defending really well and that's what people forget.

"Everyone talks about the attacking players like Rooney and Ronaldo, who are world class players and playing really well at the moment, but you have to give credit to the keeper and back four for keeping clean sheets.

"Also the manager as well. He still has that hunger to take them to the top and you have to take your hat off to him."