Reds target early goal to stall United charge

Liverpool defender Fabio Aurelio believes they can beat Manchester United on Saturday - if they score an early goal at Old Trafford.

Liverpool beat Real Madrid 4-0 on Tuesday and were inspired after Fernando Torres's 17th minute opener and Auerlio reckons they must now do the same in this weekend's showdown if they are to earn the three points they need to keep the title race alive.

The Brazilian said: "The win over Real shows that it makes a big difference to score early goals. We have struggled to do that in the Premier League and we certainly need to do that on Saturday.

"We have had problems against the big teams in the past. But this season has been different, we have beaten Chelsea twice and beaten United, our troubles this time have been against the smaller teams at Anfield.

"Saturday is a good opportunity to show that we have overcome our problems against the big teams.

"We need three points, nothing else will do, and I hope that we can show we can beat another top club. Just like we have done twice now against Real Madrid."

And boss Liverpool Rafael Benitez knows the midweek success will give his side an extra edge going into the game.

He said: "We had confidence before the European match about the game at United, and the victory will only increase that.

"It is a different game in a different competition, but at least we will go to Old Trafford in the best frame of mind."