Manchester United vs Liverpool: Racism Drama Overshadows Vital Game for Reds

Luis Suarez knows what is in store for him when he visits Old Trafford this weekend.

The recently-reinstated Liverpool star was suspended for eight games on charges of racist comments toward Manchester United defender Patrice Evra, and the two will reportedly shake hands at the coming match.

It will be great to put an end to this nasty situation once and for all, but it is not the only important matter associated with this match.

The Reds are currently seventh in the Barclays Premier League table—four points below fourth-place Chelsea—and cannot afford another loss with only 13 league tries left on the schedule.

United, Manchester City and Tottenham have pulled so far ahead that Liverpool and the two clubs ahead of them, Arsenal and Newcastle, are all chasing Chelsea for fourth.

With so much being made of the Suarez-Evra situation, it is easy to forget how important this match really is.

Liverpool beat the the Red Devils only a few weeks ago in the fourth round of the FA Cup. Suarez was still banned for that showdown.

The Reds will need a similar performance to top Sir Alex Ferguson's side this time as well.

Not earning full points—which has been their problem for much of the season—will doom this club.

Liverpool has more draws than every club but Aston Villa.

This weekend at Old Trafford isn't just about another meeting between two rivals or the end of an ugly situation. This showdown between two of the most storied clubs in English soccer has a huge bearing on the rest of this season.