All three hoping for a strong result against rivals…
Brazilian playmaker Coutinho, English forward Rickie Lambert and Ivorian centre-back Kolo Toure, all think a victory versus Manchester United could be the springboard we desperately need.
Here’s what they all told the official website:
Coutinho:
“We are, of course, disappointed by our Champions League campaign. However, this is in the past and now it’s time for us to lift our chins up as we have a massive game ahead of us this weekend. We have to do our best in the Premier League to achieve a good position.
“It’s a massive game,” he said. “Winning such big matches is always a good platform to improve the team’s confidence, especially if we do it through a good performance.
“It’s going to be a very important game for us to get past this week’s elimination and keep it going in the Premier League.
“This derby is like a big spectacle as Liverpool and Manchester United are two of the world’s biggest clubs. It’s going to be a tough game as always but I hope we can do well and win it.
“It’s a great derby and one in which there is never a favourite to win regardless of the venue.
Lambert:
“It’s perfect to get the team rallied up again and get us going again. Make no mistake, we’re hurting, but we’re confident we can win the game.
“United are doing well at the minute but it’s the old cliché that it doesn’t really matter who’s doing well and who isn’t with this one. It’s one of those games that can turn a season and hopefully that can be our kickstart.
“It’s something I’ve always watched. It has turned into probably our most important game over the years. It’s brilliant to watch the atmosphere and the intensity of the game.
“There’s a lot of respect but a bit of hatred as well. It’s everything we want in a game. Two good teams, two top clubs going head-to-head – it’s something I’m looking forward to. There’s something special about these games.”
Toure:
“It’s a massive rivalry between Liverpool and United. It’s definitely a really special game. I’m looking forward to it. We need to give everything.
“The team is getting better in the league and we just need to carry on doing what we’re doing – fight, work hard and give everything we have got in the game.
“This league is really tough. If you want to be near the top of the table, you have to be able to go away from home and win games.
“We showed that last season and this season we’ve done it as well. We’ll go and give 100 per cent, working hard for the three points. It’s a big game, but for us, the points are really important right now. We’ll work with our heart to get the points.”