Liverpool's media boot room believe they will see the true character of Rafa Benitez's players this Sunday against Manchester United.

Benitez knows victory against United would go a long way to silencing his critics while dispelling a growing theory that Liverpool rely too heavily on Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres.

Former Liverpool striker John Aldridge underlined the significance of avoiding a fifth straight defeat by saying: "How the season unfolds could hinge on this game.

"You can tell confidence is low but this is where you find out about them."