Seventh-time lucky?

Liverpool fans are extremely unhappy about the prospect and, despite their continued European success, their regular failure to mount a serious domestic league challenge hangs above the club like a dark cloud.

8220;The fans are screaming out for it, the players want it and we need to deliver,8221; captain Steven Gerrard said this week. 8220;If we8217;re out of the race again come January or February, there will be a lot of unhappy people around here.

8220;The city will explode if we win the league, and I don8217;t want it to happen when I8217;m retired.8221;

Record to forget

In a boost to the hosts, Gerrard and Fernando Torres have both been passed fit. Gerrard, who has undergone surgery for a groin problem, and Torres, who had a hamstring strain, were not expected to return to action for another week. The club said on Friday they would be available for the lunchtime kick-off.

Liverpool have lost five and drawn one of their last six home league games against United and have not managed a league goal against them at Anfield for almost five years.

8220;Over the last couple of years we8217;ve gone into games against United and Chelsea very organised tactically 8212; defensive if you like 8212; and still lost 1-0.8221; Gerrard said. 8220;It8217;s important a few risks are taken to try to score that goal against these teams because it gives you such a psychological boost.8221;

Liverpool will hope Robbie Keane returns energised from his Ireland duties and ready to find the target for the first time following his move from Tottenham Hotspur.

Keane8217;s former Spurs strike partner Dimitar Berbatov is also set to feature in the game, making his debut for United after his deadline-day move. The pair equally shared 46 goals for the London club last season. Owen Hargreaves, however, is suffering tendonitis in his knee, and is in major doubt.

Manchester City, itching to start punching their new-found monetary weight following their takeover, face fellow arrivistes Chelsea at Eastlands.

Robinho, City8217;s shock acquisition from Real Madrid, is unlikely to play a full match as he was scheduled to be in action in Brazil against Bolivia on Wednesday but he might make a cameo appearance from the bench.

Chelsea boss Luiz Felipe Scolari said that Didier Drogba, who has not played since last May8217;s Champions League final defeat by Manchester United because of a knee injury, could be fit to play for 45 minutes.

Zola back in London

Meanwhile, Gianfranco Zola, one of the greatest overseas players to grace the English game during his seven years at Chelsea, was named as the new manager of rivals West Ham United. The 42-year-old signed a three-year contract.

8220;In my first experience in England I had seven wonderful years with Chelsea, and that is something I will never forget,8221; he told a news conference when he was unveiled as the new boss at Upton Park on Thursday.