Jamie Carragher has warned Liverpool that a defeat on Sunday against Man United can serve a long-term effect to their Premier League title defence
Defending champions Liverpool host bitter rivals Manchester United on Sunday in the Premier League.
A first Anfield victory exactly five years to the day since their last will see Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's Premier League leaders open up a six-point gap above the Reds.
Carragher believes Jurgen Klopp's men must prove they are the better team with a performance that puts United back in their place, else the rivals' title challenge could gather pace.
"I actually think it's a bigger game for Liverpool," Carragher said. "The onus is more on them.
The former Liverpool defender told Sky Sports: "I actually think it's a bigger game for Liverpool. The onus is more on them.
"If United got a result there, that's when the belief would come that they could win the league. I still think people think United may fall away and Liverpool have still got that edge, but if they won at Anfield that would send shockwaves through the Premier League.
"It's a game where Liverpool need to show they are the champions, they are the better team, get the result and also a performance that puts Manchester United back where they are."
Carragher also believes Liverpool will approach Sunday showdown exactly as they would any other game, irrespective of whether their defensive issues could leave them exposed to the threat United pose on the counter.
"I don't think Manchester United have ever really hurt Liverpool with the counter-attack at Anfield, like they have done against Manchester City in the past," Carragher said.
"There is no doubting the devastating effect United could have on the counter, especially with Liverpool's problems at centre-back and questions over whether Joel Matip will be back there.
"But I don't think Liverpool will change, if you look at their record at home, they have dominated for the last three years."