Smalling: The Rivalry Is Greater This Season

Chris Smalling believes the rivalry between Manchester United and Liverpool is in even sharper focus this season because of the proximity of the two clubs in the Premier League table.

United welcome Jurgen Klopp’s side to Old Trafford for Saturday’s lunchtime showdown, which pits second against third.

After four successive draws against Liverpool, Jose Mourinho’s men will be looking for a victory which would consolidate second spot and open up a five-point gap over the Merseysiders – with just eight league games left to play.

Smalling, who could play in his 14th match for United against the Anfield club, believes the fact the two giants are battling to finish in the same position means the game will be as intense as ever.

“I think there’s always that rivalry, but even more this year,” the defender told MUTV. “We’re a lot closer in the table than we’ve probably been for a while. The fact that we’re so close gives it an added intensity.”

The 28-year-old added that the Old Trafford faithful could play an important part in United’s quest for a crucial victory, which our no.12 acknowledged is always the biggest match of any season.

“I think it is still the one for most fans, be it young or old, because that rivalry of battling for titles has been there for so long,” he said. “When you meet fans in the street and in shops, everything is just heightened because of the intensity and the rivalry.

“They can definitely be the difference – you saw that against Chelsea. I think in certain moments in this game, we’re going to need those fans to push us like never before. I think everybody is on the same wavelength about how big a win is.

“It’s a long time until you play them again, so you need to get those bragging rights.”

Liverpool, who qualified for the Champions League quarter-finals in midweek, boast the second highest scoring attack in the league this season and the Premier League’s leading scorer in Mohamed Salah.

Smalling believes United are aware of the threat Liverpool’s frontline can pose but pointed to the fact they were unable to score in October’s goalless draw at Anfield in the reverse fixture. The centre-back also insists the team will be looking to cause the visitors problems of their own.

“They’ve scored a lot of goals this year, but we kept them quiet at Anfield,” Smalling added. “I think the fact that this game is at home means we’ll be in the ascendancy and on the front foot. It’s a case of keeping them quiet and having them worry about all of our attacking players.”