Kenny Dalglish believes Liverpool can beat Manchester United in derby

The former Liverpool legend expects Jurgen Klopp's side to edge past Manchester United on Saturday.

Jose Mourinho
Reuters

Kenny Dalglish expects Jose Mourinho to "park the bus" at Anfield on Saturday - but the Kop legend is backing Liverpool to find a way past it.

The Red Devils take on their great rivals on Saturday in a much anticipated clash.

Also read: Arsene Wenger says 'it is possible' Arsenal could let Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil leave in Janaury

"You would always expect Liverpool vs Manchester United to be a tight game," said the former Liverpool player and manager.

"Last year, when United came to Liverpool, Jose Mourinho parked the bus. But it wasn't just the one bus, I think it was a couple of double deckers he put there. That's not to give him stick in any way, it was very difficult for Liverpool and [Zlatan] Ibrahimovic nearly got a late winner."

According to the Metro, Dalglish said: "I think United will come and set up quite defensively, but at the same time they have fantastic frontmen in Marcus Rashford, Romelu Lukaku and Anthony Martial. They're really exciting players going forward.

"I think Jose will try to make sure the pressure is on Liverpool, but the pressure is on everyone when it comes to a game like that."

Last season's encounter ended 0-0 with many left frustrated with Mourinho's focus on keeping a clean sheet. "Hopefully it's not the same as last year, 0-0. That wasn't a very entertaining game," Dalglish told BetStars, as reported by Liverpool Echo.

"I'll go 2-1 for Liverpool, but maybe I'm making a judgment call with my heart and not my head. At the moment, United are playing very well and Liverpool haven't had the breaks. But their luck is bound to change at some time or other and hopefully it will be this week."

It's been a mixed start to the season for the Reds, who find themselves seven points adrift of pace-setters United and Manchester City.

Jurgen Klopp has been criticised for failing to rectify Liverpool's defensive issues but Dalglish remains bullish about the club's prospects with the German coach at the helm.

"I think he's a perfect fit for the football club," he added.

"I think he can relate brilliantly to the fans and the fans can relate to him. I think we're moving forwards and upwards since he's come in. He may be criticised for the goals he concedes but his philosophy has always to score more goals than the opposition so I think that's what the fans want to see."

READ MORE