Patrice Evra has described Manchester United's annual meetings
with Liverpool as the biggest club matches in the world.
There is little doubt the fierce rivalry between England's two most
successful clubs generates a passion rarely matched
elsewhere.
Amazingly, the Anfield outfit's present 16-season drought - during
which time they have seen Sir Alex Ferguson's men win eight
championships - has only fuelled the intensity of their individual
meetings.
"Manchester United against Liverpool is the biggest club game in
the world," said Evra.
"It is pretty big in France when PSG play Marseille but nothing
like this.
"The atmosphere is really special. People come up to you in the
street saying 'Come on Pat' because the result is so
important.
"Everyone is desperate for us to win and the noise as the game
kicks off is incredible."
Evra's only experience of facing Liverpool is a positive one given
he was part of the United side which defeated Rafael Benitez's men
in the Premiership last season thanks to Rio Ferdinand's
injury-time header.
"This is our second really big game of the season and we have to do
better than we did in the last one," said Evra of the Arsenal
defeat.
"It is far too early to say we are going to win certain
competitions. But at the moment things are looking very positive
and we must continue that by beating Liverpool.
"They are a hard team to play against, with a lot of good, strong
players. But we have to be ready for them and be mentally prepared
because every game is a big one at this club."
Evra will hope to keep his place even though Gabriel Heinze is
almost over the hamstring strain he sustained against Newcastle
earlier this month.
Ryan Giggs should be available after being ruled out of Tuesday's
Champions League win over Copenhagen with a virus.
Skipper Gary Neville is also expected to be involved after a recent
calf injury, which could be good news as Ferdinand is a doubt after
jarring his neck prior to the Copenhagen encounter.