United warned of duo's form

Arbeloa hails Torres and Gerrard ahead of Old Trafford clash

Last updated: 20th March 2008

Fernando Torres Steven Gerrard Liverpool

Gerrard and Torres: Arbeloa backing

GRAND SLAM SUNDAY

Watch the Premier League title race unfold live on Sky Sports 1 and HD1 on 23rd March.

First up Manchester United entertain Liverpool, kick-off 1.30pm, followed at 4pm by Arsenal's trip to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea.

Coverage of Grand Slam Sunday gets under way at 1pm.

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Liverpool's Alvaro Arbeloa believes Manchester United's defence should be 'worried' at the thought of facing Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard.

Torres has been a revelation since he joined The Reds from Atletico Madrid for £26.5million last summer, netting an incredible 27 goals so far this campaign.

Gerrard, meanwhile, has formed an impressive understanding with the Spaniard, with the duo running riot in Liverpool's last seven victories.

And ahead their encounter against league leaders Manchester United, Arbeloa is sure that Gerrard and Torres can help Rafa Benitez secure his first win at Old Trafford.

Worried

"Fernando and Stevie are playing really well, scoring goals and have a good partnership. I think the Manchester United defenders will be really worried," he told the club's official website.

"The game is really difficult but we have confidence in ourselves because we are playing really well now. We need to win and we'll go to Manchester with this mentality.

"My team-mates are happy and have a lot of confidence. Our performances over the last seven games have been really good and I think we can now go to Old Trafford and win.

"For the players these derby games are really important. These games are different than normal games, you really have to fight for every ball."

United's Cristiano Ronaldo has been in equally blistering form, but Arbeloa believes Liverpool have enough defensive quality to deal with The Red Devils' attacking threat.

Secret

"There is no secret to stopping Cristiano," he continued. "He's playing well and scoring goals, so it's very difficult. It's something for the team. The team has to defend very well together to stop these kinds of players.

"You worry a little bit when you're going to be up against Ronaldo, (Carlos) Tevez and (Wayne) Rooney because they are fantastic players - but that's my job.

"We have big defenders here like Carra (Jamie Carragher), Sami (Hyypia) and Fabio (Aurelio). They are great defenders, so I can sleep well."