Former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso has talked up the importance of the Premier League clash with Manchester United at Anfield on Monday.
Alonso, who is now with Bundesliga champion Bayern Munich, played for Liverpool between 2004 and 2009, winning the Champions League during his time at the club.
The 34-year-old featured in a number of Liverpool v United rivalry clashes in that time and revealed it was always seen as the biggest game of the season for the Reds.
"I look out for most of the games," Alonso told Liverpool's website. "But this one especially because of how big it is, the build-up and what it means for both clubs to be successful after 90 minutes, to be the winners.
"It's so important for both teams. It's still early days in the season but it can be a very, very important game. That's a big one in terms of tradition and a big clash.
"Liverpool against Manchester United was our big game of the season, whenever they were coming to Anfield or whenever we had to go to Old Trafford, because the tension between the two crowds was so strong you could feel it on the pitch."
Alonso predicted an exciting match but refused to pick a winner in Monday's Premier League clash between the old rivals.
"These kinds of games, anyone can win," an on-the-fence Alonso said. "Maybe Liverpool are in a better position and maybe favourites, but it doesn't matter.
"United still have great players and a good team. This game is so important for them because they don't want the gap to be bigger.
"It's going to be a good one to watch."
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