Masch: Duo can stun United

Javier Mascherano has backed Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres to inspire another famous win at Old Trafford after the duo fired Liverpool into the Europa League last eight on Thursday.

Gerrard opened the scoring against Lille with an early penalty before Torres hit a brace to take his tally for an injury-hit season to 17.

The Reds have now recorded consecutive victories following a disappointing reverse at Wigan and the first leg loss in Lille.

Mascherano believes the return to form of Torres has been key to turning things around ahead of Sunday's trip to United.

"Not too much has changed," he told Liverpoolfc.tv. "Maybe we are more clinical than before and Fernando is back.

"Everyone knows his partnership with Stevie is really good for us and now we can look forward to a very important game on Sunday. We'll try to win for us, for the supporters and the club.

"We still have to improve and we can improve. The good thing against Lille was not conceding any goals, another clean sheet for Pepe."

Liverpool have won their last three games against Alex Ferguson's men, including an unforgettable 4-1 triumph in Manchester last season.

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"1-0 would be enough this time!" said Mascherano. "We know we'll get a really difficult game because they're playing well, but it's a different game to the others because it's a derby.

"We'll need to show character and stay calm."

Liverpool will hear on Friday who they will face in the Europa League last eight, with Valencia, Benfica, Atletico Madrid, Hamburg, Wolfsburg, Fulham and Standard Liege making up the draw.

Mascherano added: "There are difficult teams in there. All of them have showed why they are at this stage.

"Any team from now until the end will be difficult. If we want to be in the final we need to continue improving and try to take another step up."