Manchester United vs. Liverpool: Key Takeaways from Brendan Rodgers' Presser

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers is "sure" a new contract will be negotiated for Raheem Sterling.

The Reds manager spoke ahead of his side's Premier League trip to face rivals Manchester United. Liverpool are currently seven points behind the Red Devils and face added pressure after dropping out of the Champions League on Tuesday.

Although Sterling has posted an indifferent run of form recently, the 20-year-old winger continues to be at the centre of Liverpool's success. John Cross of the Mirror has previously linked the player with a move to Real Madrid, but Rodgers has played down speculation the youngster will move on.

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Ian Herbert of The Independent and the Liverpool Echo's James Pearce provided Rodgers' quotes:

While it's positive news to hear Sterling is likely to stay, supporters are likely to be split by Mario Balotelli's return to fitness. Rodgers confirmed the enigmatic Italian could make an appearance against United, per Herbert:

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Pearce also highlighted a defensive boost for the visitors: 

Kolo Toure recently captured Liverpool's Player of the Month award, as noted by the club's social media feed:

Just six Premier League wins from 15 matches ensures pressure is growing on Rodgers. The Champions League failure has galvanised calls to see him sacked. Football pundit Duncan Castle believes Liverpool are already searching for alternatives, as told to B/R UK's Ryan Bailey: 

Former Liverpool striker Stan Collymore also suggested the Fenway Sports Group management have tried to remove Rodgers on multiple occasions.

"I heard two weeks ago that John Henry has tried to sack Brendan Rodgers a couple of times already," wrote Collymore in his B/R UK column. "He was persuaded not to by Ian Ayre and a couple of club legends, who were sought out for their counsel."

Defeat to United would rank among the most painful for Liverpool supporters. Louis van Gaal's team are yet to truly impress and played poorly against Southampton, but they have put together five consecutive wins.

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Victory for the away side could signal an important turning point, providing the confidence to push for that all-important Champions League place. Perhaps Balotelli's potential return can spark Liverpool into life, much like he did during Manchester City's famous 6-1 victory at Old Trafford in 2011.

Rodgers will hope Sterling can replicate his performance from last season's corresponding fixture. He tormented United in a central role during the 3-0 win which saw Steven Gerrard net two penalties and Luis Suarez grab the third.

Both sides have changed dramatically since then. The fortunes of each, however, are easily tipped by one result.