Gerrard talks up Liverpool chances

LIVERPOOL skipper Steven Gerrard is surprised Manchester United are as low as third in the Premiership but believes his side have nothing to fear at Old Trafford tomorrow.

Gerrard accepts that Liverpool are underdogs in a crunch clash that could dictate whether they qualify for the Champions League or not.

And he is no doubt more than aware that United's fans would like nothing more than to see their team destroy the European dreams of their rivals.

Gerrard said: "Everyone has been a little bit surprised to see United where they are because for the last 10-12 years they have been so successful and always been at the front, and any team that finishes above United usually wins the league.

"So it has been a little bit strange to see them third, but I am sure just like us they will want to improve on their league form next season."

Fourth-placed Liverpool are an embarrassing 21 points behind United after picking up just one point from their last nine.

They are desperate for points to keep up their faltering bid for the fourth Champions League place and a win at Old Trafford would be a huge boost.

Gerrard said: "I do not believe we have anything to fear. We have proved over the years that we can match Manchester United and we can also beat them.

"We are going into the game underdogs because of our current form and because we are the away side. But we have nothing to lose, we will go to Old Trafford and give them a run for their money," he said.

And Gerrard has again hit out at critics of boss Gerard Houllier, who have doubted what seems to be the Liverpool board's decision to stick with the Frenchman for next season.

Gerrard said: "He's my manager, obviously he believes in me and he made me captain and I have got to show him support and so have all the rest of the players."

Gerrard who made a very public display of support for Houllier by jumping into his arms after scoring against Levski Sofia in March again gave his backing to Houllier yesterday.

But the England midfielder accepts the right of the Anfield fans to show their anger at the current position.

He added: "We have got to try to pull out for four good results in the four remaining games. There is a lot of pressure on the manager, but that is the same for the players as well, we deserve to be criticised.

"You expect criticism Our form has not been very consistent and over the last few games, especially the home ones when we are expected to win, we deserve to be criticised in certain ways. But some of it has been unfair as well," he said.