John Barnes has admitted that Liverpool may place more importance on their clashes with Manchester United than their North-West rivals currently do.

During Liverpool's domestic dominance of the 1980s, United managed to record a number of victories over the Merseysiders.

However, with the Red Devils now one of the more dominant forces in the English game, Barnes has suggested that the roles may now have been reversed.

"I always fancy Liverpool to do well against Man United these days. In the old days I always felt that when we were winning the league, Man United were probably doing better against us, whereas now it seems like it is vice-versa," he told Sports Mole

"I don't know if that's because Liverpool are now giving more importance to that game and Man United are thinking about the league title so that game isn't as a big - I'm not sure."

The two teams will meet at Old Trafford in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.

Despite the fact that 21 points separate Liverpool in eighth and leaders United, former Liverpool winger and now-ESPN analyst Barnes believes that Brendan Rodgers's team are capable of picking up all three points.

"In the old days you'd talk about form and who is playing well and which team is doing well [but not now]," he added.

"United could probably outplay Liverpool and be more fluid in terms of the way that they play with more attacking options, but Luis Suarez could dribble around five players and score and then Liverpool could defend well.

"I think that Daniel Sturridge has come in at a good time and every is positive, particularly with Suarez playing up front."

Liverpool last won at Old Trafford back in March 2009.