Carragher may need to lead the team in the absence of Gerrard and Torres [GALLO/GETTY]

Last season's runners up now sit seven points adrift of the three-time defending champions United.

The Reds are also coming off two league losses in a row as well as a misfiring European campaign.

Not even Europe is providing salvation for manager Rafa Benitez, following a second straight loss in the Champions League on Tuesday, leaving the club in danger of missing out on the lucrative knockout phase.

Miserable start

Not since 1987 has Liverpool endured a four-match losing sequence and it is
being left to stalwart defender Jamie Carragher to rally the battered team, who could again be without the dynamic, but bruised, duo of Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres on Sunday.

"Beating Manchester United could be just the boost we need, we always bounce back because that is what we are about,'' Carragher said.

"We've got a lot of fight and character and will want to show that against United, particularly after what happened against Lyon.

"We're going through a tough patch but we've been through them before and
we'll bounce back, there's no doubt about that.

“It's always a great game against United, and that could be what we need - if we win it will give everyone a massive lift.''

While United have also experienced a sluggish start to the season, Alex Ferguson's side has still managed to eke out victories and lead Chelsea by a point.

The Red Devils are also on course for the Champions League knockout stage,
preparing for Sunday's trip to Anfield with a third straight win at CSKA Moscow even after leaving Wayne Rooney, Ryan Giggs, Patrice Evra, Darren Fletcher and Park Ji-Sung to rest back in Manchester.

Michael Owen made a late cameo from the bench in the 1-0 win in Moscow and
the former Liverpool striker will be hoping for a rare United start at the club that turned him into one of the world's top players as a teenager.

Hostile crowd

There could be a hostile reception awaiting Owen, who needs to improve his scoring form to force his way back into the England team.

"I am human. I would prefer people to sit down and recognise what you did for them and for the team in years gone past,'' Owen said.

"But I am pretty realistic as well and now that I am playing for their archrivals.''

Both teams are looking for a record 19th league title, a year after United matched Liverpool's haul of 18.

Second-place Chelsea can put the pressure on United with a victory over Blackburn on Saturday after losing at Aston Villa last weekend.

Salomon Kalou's two goals helped revive the Blues on Wednesday as they moved to the verge of the Champions League knockout phase by beating Atletico Madrid 4-0.

"It's good to get confidence back by winning, and everyone gave his best today and we have the result in the end,'' Kalou said.

"After the disappointment of last week (against Villa) we had the opportunity to show it was a mistake.''

Tottenham, who are two points adrift of Chelsea, are also in action on Saturday, hosting Stoke. Fourth-place Arsenal are at West Ham on Sunday.

Portsmouth travel to Hull on Saturday chasing a second win of the season that could lift Paul Hart's side off the bottom of the table.