Liverpool's Gerrard relishes Man Utd challenge

Liverpool's Steven Gerrard comes on as a substitute for team mate Charlie Adam during the Barclays Premier League match against Everton at Goodison Park. (FILE)

Published Monday, October 10, 2011

By Staff

Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard may not be assured of a starting place when they take on arch rivals Manchester United on Saturday.

Gerrard has made a couple of substitute appearances following a long-term groin injury and is relishing the prospect of leading the Reds out.

However, former Sunderland midfielder Jordan Henderson who came to the Kop for £20 million is equally determined to deny Gerrard a starting place.

Henderson himself has a battle on his hands not only from fit-again Gerrard but also from Dirk Kuyt to secure a place the line-up despite scoring a fine goal at home to Bolton before later finding himself benched for the recent Merseyside derby at Everton.

The England youngster is still trying to establish himself as a first-team regular, with Stewart Downing, Charlie Adam and Lucas Leiva likely to be certainties to face the reigning Premier League champions at Anfield.

Kenny Dalglish opted to use Kuyt against Everton, and the Liverpool manager is unlikely to change a winning formula this season.

Gerrard's return makes Henderson's involvement even less likely, but the former Sunderland man does not see himself becoming sidelined.

"Hopefully not. I'm not really worried about that, it's part and parcel of football," Henderson told Sky Sports News. "Obviously Stevie's a massive player for Liverpool and he's going to play as many games as he can.

"But I need to concentrate on what I do, work hard in training, and when given the opportunity I need to take it and stay in the team.

"The derby's a massive game and every player wants to play in it, so of course it was disappointing not to start [at Everton], but the team did brilliantly and I was fortunate enough to come on.

"Hopefully I'll start the next one."

Liverpool can move within three points of United with victory at Anfield. Last season's corresponding fixture saw the Reds triumph 3-1 thanks to a Dirk Kuyt hat-trick.