How is Jose Mourinho likely to approach the game? Who will be in the visitors' starting line-up? And which player do Manchester United fans see as Liverpool's main threat?

Ahead of the Reds' much-anticipated clash with their arch-rivals at Anfield on Saturday, we spoke to United supporter Ian Farrow to get a comprehensive lowdown on the opposition.

Read on for the view from Old Trafford...

First, can you sum up what this fixture means to you?

I can sum it up in one word: Pride. 

It's obviously one of the most historic and fierce rivalries in world football but for me this game is the north-west derby. Local bragging rights are up for grabs, and personally I have several close friends who are Scousers so losing is not an option. In my opinion, it's as big as El Clasico, bigger than the Old Firm and it's certainly still a more important rivalry than the one we have with City.

Despite the games with them usually carrying more weight in terms of the league, Liverpool home and away are still the first fixtures that every United fan will look for in the calendar. It's weird to think that it all started with a ship canal but it's a feud that has been stewing for so long a lot of United fans probably don't even know why they don't like Liverpool. They just don't.

Tell us a bit about your feelings ahead of this trip to Anfield. Are you confident? Excited? Nervous?

I'm more confident going into this game than I can remember ever being in recent years. We're flying at the moment and a big game like this is exactly what we need to propel us even more. Not that there needs to be any more incentive than the game itself but I read that if we win, 22 points would be our best points tally after eight games of a Premier League season and I think that is a record Mourinho would love to have under his belt. That said, there are always nerves that it could go horribly, horribly wrong which is what makes it one of the most exciting but tense games of the season.

As you've said, United’s early-season form has been impressive, but does this game represent the biggest test of your campaign so far?

Yes and no. In terms of quality of opposition, management and tough grounds to go to then obviously this is our biggest test so far. But when you look at our record last year, it was those underwhelming home draws against mid-table teams that really cost us any plausible title challenge so I feel those recent games against Everton and West Ham were big tests too, which we passed with flying colours.

Mourinho has a reputation for prioritising keeping things tight at the back in this type of fixture. What do you think his approach will be on Saturday?

I think he'll prioritise keeping things tight at the back! Everyone knows what to expect from Mourinho in these sort of games. He's happy to concede possession, invite the opposition on and wait for a counter attacking opportunity. That's why he plays with so many pacy midfielders. He's done it time and time again at every club he has managed and it's worked for him. Ultimately he might get criticised for being too cautious or boring but if we come away with a point he'll be extremely satisfied and immediately think about winning the next game. I'd love it if he set us up to completely overpower you and take the game to you but I can't see it happening. I expect Herrera to start and stick to Coutinho like glue. 

Marouane Fellaini won’t be able to play due to an injury he picked up on international duty. How big a blow would that be, particularly with Paul Pogba and Michael Carrick also sidelined?

Fellaini has proved important in big games and with Pogba out we really could have used Maro's height and strength to win those midfield battles. However, I think Matic is capable of doing that on his own and Herrera will be tearing about like a terrier so I think we'll be OK. What we lose in physicality and aerial threat we gain in technical ability and killer passes through Ander.

How will United line up, then?

Mourinho may spring a few surprises but I would expect us to be set up as a 4-2-3-1: De Gea, Valencia, Bailly, Jones, Young, Matic, Herrera, Mkhitaryan, Mata, Rashford, Lukaku.

What have you made of Liverpool so far this season?

You seem to be exactly how you have been for the previous couple of seasons: Very dangerous attacking players who can cause nightmares for other teams but also a defence that can be got at and a midfield that maybe lacks that steel that Gerrard used to provide. I think Milner could be a solution for you, actually, but he hasn't played much this season.

Who do you class as our dangerman? 

Mane would have been a huge threat to us and one I genuinely think we would have struggled to contain as he's electric. With him injured, obviously Coutinho is the one to watch. He's a little magician and could win the game with a moment of sheer brilliance or a free-kick.

Finally, your score prediction?

Obviously I would love to be cocky and say 3-1 United but I think we could be in for another draw. I'll go 1-1.