Reds can dish out the Blues

The victory over Chelsea was magnificent and everything about that win – the performance, the passion, the tempo – was spot on.

They did not let the Londoners relax and were just like a rash all over them, so I am confident that the Reds can maintain their impressive league form to keep the pressure on Jose Mourinho’s men.

There are two other reasons why I think the red half of Merseyside will be celebrating on Saturday.

Rafa Benitez’s side suffered one of their worst defeats of the season at the hands of their neighbours and they will be anxious to banish that memory.

And, secondly, the Blues’ most potent weapon, Andrew Johnson, is out with injury.

Because of that, I expect David Moyes to pack his midfield and defence to try to strangle the threat from Steven Gerrard and Xabi Alonso.

The derby may see the return, at least for part of the game, of Momo Sissoko.

The young midfielder had been impressive prior to his long-term injury and, when he is in the line-up alongside the other two, it represents the strongest midfield combination in the league.

As we all know, derbies can be one-offs, with the form book often going out of the window.

When I played, you could guarantee that there was an extra edge to the battle with Scousers on both sides.

Things have changed, but the passion remains, and if the Reds adopt the attacking formation of last night then they should prove too strong for the Blues.

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the views or position of Liverpool Football Club.