Liverpool all set to keep their winning run

But Reds skipper Sami Hyypia warned there would be no room for sentimentality as Liverpool seek to extend their lead at the top of the Premiership. Hyypia, who replaced Redknapp as Anfield skipper, said: “We will be forgetting our friendships during the game and we will be more like enemies. But after the match I will shake his hand and be happy to be friends again.

“Jamie was at Liverpool for a long time and I am sure he will get a good reception from the fans because they still love him. I am pleased that he is fit again and that he is over his injury problems and can play football.”

Liverpool have been increasingly impressive this season and have not conceded a goal in four Premiership matches. Tottenham in contrast faltered last weekend with defeat at Charlton. Markus Babbel, who has spent a year out of the game after being struck down with the life-threatening Guillan-Barre syndrome, has been on the Liverpool bench for their last two matches and could feature tomorrow.

Spurs midfielder Steffen Freund, who shared a rehabilitation centre with Babbel, is hoping they will be able to meet again on the Anfield pitch. Manchester United are hoping injured duo Ruud van Nistelrooy and Nicky Butt, both missing from the Champions League win at Olympiakos in midweek, will be fit in time for the visit to Old Trafford of struggling Aston Villa. The match could not come at a worse time for Villa manager Graham Taylor, who was booed off the pitch after the defeat by Southampton on Monday.

Villa’s slide has been mirrored by that of Manchester City, who must try and turn things around at Birmingham. It is exactly the sort of game Kevin Keegan’s side must win if they are to avoid dropping straight back to the First Division. “We have got two very hard away games now against Birmingham and then West Brom,” City’s Israeli midfielder Eyal Berkovic said. “It is these type of games in which you have to battle and give 100 per cent.