United will receive a Reds backlash, predicts Carragher
JAMIE CARRAGHER insist Manchester United will face the wrath of a wounded Liverpool side on Sunday as the Reds look to end their worst run of form in 22 years.
Boss Rafael Benitez came under fire from some sections of the Liverpool fans as the side slumped to their fourth successive trot and sixth of the season against Lyon in the Champions League on Tuesday night.
Next up for the under-fire Reds is the crunch visit of United at Anfield on Sunday but Carragher, who took over as skipper from the injured Steven Gerrard on Tuesday, believes a clash against the champions is just the tonic for his ailing side.
“Beating Manchester United could be just the boost we need, we always bounce back because that us what we are about. We’ve got a lot of fight and character and will want to show that against United, particularly after what happened against Lyon.
“We’re going through a tough patch but we’ve been through them before and we’ll bounce back, there’s no doubt about that. It’s always a great game against United, and that could be what we need – if we win it will give everyone a massive lift.”
Benitez is likely to be without captain Gerrard for the visit of United on Sunday, but full-back Glen Johnson believes both he and striker Fernando Torres will be available to give the side a welcome boost.
Johnson, who missed Tuesday’s game wiath a groin strain, said: “It is a lot better today, I think I will be alright for Sunday. We haven’t tested it today, just soft tissue work and massage, but it seems a lot freer than it did yesterday.” Of his team-mates, Johnson added: “I think Nando might be alright for Sunday, but I am not too sure about Stevie.”