Friday 20 March 2015 12:34, UK
Dietmar Hamann believes Liverpool will beat Manchester United, have the momentum to finish in the top four and could even challenge Manchester City for second place.
Liverpool remain the only Premier League side to remain unbeaten in 2015 ahead of the visit of United for the Sky Live Super Sunday clash.
After a disappointing start to the season, the Reds were beaten 3-0 at Old Trafford in December, but the match saw Liverpool put in a much-improved showing despite the result, and they have since built on that performance and are now on the verge of a top-four spot.
And with only nine games to go, Hamann believes Brendan Rodgers’ men are primed and ready to secure Champions League football next season, with a second-placed finish not beyond them.
"Liverpool have just got this feeling of invincibility about them. You just can't see them getting beat," Hamann told Sky Sports News HQ.
"What Liverpool are doing at the moment is finding a way of winning games. They defend well, don't concede many goals, their 'keeper, Simon Mignolet, has been transformed.
"They are the team with the momentum to take them into the top four.
"They lost 3-0 [at Old Trafford] but played well. Brendan has stuck with his guns, played three at the back, with Emre Can a transformed player, and they have a got a much better balance.
"Earlier in the season, they did not threaten enough but Raheem Sterling has done well there. Daniel Sturridge is not back to full fitness yet, but he is getting there.
"They are a threat to the teams above them, apart from Chelsea. The Manchester clubs and Arsenal will be looking over their shoulder now."
Clashes between Liverpool and United have always been tightly contested, with these giants of the English game often facing off at the top of the table.
However, the title is all but out of reach for both sides, and now a top-four finish is the aim - a challenge Hamann insists is as tough as the pair’s top-of-the-table clashes of years gone by.
"It has always been a big game," Hamann added.
"Years ago these games were for the title, but now it is for a top-four finish, which is just as big with all the money involved.
"We all know how important it is to get in the Champions League, and both clubs need to get there.
"United have been on a good run themselves without playing well. Having said that, they put in one of their best performances of the season at the weekend (against Tottenham), without Angel di Maria.
"Marouane Fellaini linked up well with Wayne Rooney. Michael Carrick being back makes a massive difference.
"It will be a tight game, but the form Liverpool are in, I fancy Liverpool to beat United on Sunday.
"It will be a special atmosphere and hopefully the fans can lift the team over the line."
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