Hansen on Liverpool v Man U

Manchester United's defeat at Chelsea makes losing at Liverpool - never the most welcoming of arenas for Sir Alex Ferguson and his players - unthinkable.

If Sir Alex was taking positives from Tuesday's 2-1 loss at Stamford Bridge, they will focus on a first 45 minutes that was the best I have seen them play this season. Ferguson will believe if United replicate that form at Anfield on Sunday it will be good enough to come away with something.

It was followed, however, by a second half, in which United lost their grip on the game in a manner that would not have happened under other Ferguson teams that have won Premier League crowns.

Many things have changed in football over the last 30 years but one thing that has stayed resolutely the same is that away form dictates title campaigns. You win titles with your away form and United's has been unimpressive as they have dropped 22 points, hence the fact that the championship race is still wide open.

United saw decisions go against them at Stamford Bridge but a look back over their form this season reveals they have also had the benefit of similar situations.

They won 2-1 at West Bromwich Albion but could have had Gary Neville sent off when he brought down Graham Dorrans. They got a good draw at Tottenham but when they won 3-2 at Blackpool they were fortunate when Rafael brought Luke Varney down in the penalty area with the score 2-0 but referee Peter Walton did not give the spot kick.

United lost at Wolves and even when they won 4-0 at Wigan last Saturday they were under the cosh for the first 20 minutes and Wayne Rooney should have been sent off for his elbow on James McCarthy.

This is all part of winning titles. Not many teams have claimed the big prizes without enjoying some luck along the way with decisions, but it all underlines the uncertainty of United's form away from Old Trafford this season.

Now they face one of their sternest tests of the season; in front of The Kop and against a Liverpool side showing encouraging signs under Kenny Dalglish despite their loss at West Ham United on Sunday.

Liverpool have the added incentive of knowing victory may just put an obstacle in the way of United's attempt to claim a record 19th title and overhaul their own record - although that will not register for a second in the minds of Dalglish and his players.

Certainly, United must not lose. Arsenal have the easier run-in and of course the two teams meet at The Emirates on Sunday 1 May. While I do not think United's season will go into freefall if they are beaten by Liverpool there is always the possibility that self-doubt could surface.

That said, what no-one can doubt about this United team is the inner strength that has seen them through a season when they have not hit the heights. It is this resilience that sets them apart. They fight all the way and have a team spirit that serves them well in tight situations.

The other major blow at Chelsea, aside from defeat, was the sending off of defender Nemanja Vidic, who now misses the game at Liverpool. I make no secret of my admiration for United's captain - he is a magnificent defender who has been sensational for them this season.

Chris Smalling has done incredibly well in his short spell in the time, but how Ferguson would love Vidic alongside him on Sunday. Smalling is a real talent in the making, but he is inexperienced and, with Rio Ferdinand still out, you could now be looking at a United back four of Patrice Evra (if he's fit), Smalling, Wes Brown and John O'Shea.

They are decent players but I regard the defensive triumvirate of Vidic, Ferdinand and goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar as the best combination of its type in the last decade. You could make a strong case for John Terry, Ricardo Carvalho and Petr Cech at Chelsea, but I would go with that United trio.

United will need to be very strong mentally as well as physically at Anfield with Ferdinand and Vidic out on Sunday and no doubt this is something that will encourage Liverpool.

Liverpool's season hardly hinges on beating United but there is little doubt they will be as desperate as ever to do so. It will increase the feeling of optimism engendered by Dalglish since he returned, even after losing to West Ham.

There is much work to do, that much is obvious, but they had produced a run of clean sheets and decent results before last Sunday and there is a different atmosphere about the place these days - although Manchester United always brings out great fervour from Liverpool's fans whatever the situation.

Andy Carroll, Liverpool's record £35m buy from Newcastle United, has yet to make his debut because of injury, but there is talk of an increased temptation for Dalglish to turn to his height and sheer physical presence to prey on United's under-strength rearguard.

This speculation is understandable but let me assure you Dalglish will only play Carroll if he is fully fit. He will not take risks and why should he? As he said, he has signed Carroll to serve Liverpool for the next few years, not gamble on him when he is not fully fit for the sake of one game.

Luis Suarez will be another key figure on Sunday. He is quick, hard to handle, gets goals and loves to turn defenders in dangerous areas, although he was quiet at West Ham.

Liverpool and Dalglish will have their sights firmly set on victory on Sunday. The picture for United is even bigger because it takes in the Premier League title - and this is a game they cannot afford to lose.

Source: BBC Sport

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