Man Utd need Anfield win to open gap of 12 points

LONDON, March 1 (Reuters) Manchester United seek to intensify the pressure on Premier League title rivals Chelsea, who kickoff more than four hours later, by opening up a 12-point lead with victory at Liverpool on Saturday.

United, bidding for a repeat of their Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League treble of 1999, face a tough task at the home of their bitter rivals.

Third-placed Liverpool, the 2005 European champions, have not conceded a goal at Anfield in nine league outings and are unbeaten at home this season.

United, though, can draw encouragement from an outstanding record on the road, having won 10 and drawn two of their 14 away games in the league this season.

It is likely to be a classic example of an immoveable object meeting an irresistible force.

Liverpool suffered two heavy home defeats by Arsenal, conceding a total of nine goals, in early January but both came in cup fixtures where manager Rafa Benitez selected weakened teams.

Benitez, who will try to defend a 2-1 lead at home to Barcelona in their Champions League first knockout round second leg on Tuesday, faces a delicate selection dilemma.

By resting players against United he risks a repeat of the Arsenal defeats and the end of his team's proud home league record.

LILLE CLASH But Benitez also knows he will need a full-strength side to eliminate European champions Barcelona three days later.

United, fresh from securing their place in the FA Cup quarter-finals with Tuesday's replay win at Reading, also have a Champions League clash to prepare for.

Alex Ferguson's men hold a 1-0 lead going into their home game with French club Lille.

Liverpool kick off against United at 1245, four and a half hours before Chelsea visit Portsmouth.

The league champions are expected to be without captain John Terry after the England skipper was concussed after being kicked in the face during Sunday's League Cup final triumph over Arsenal.

If Liverpool win at lunch time, a victory for Chelsea would cut United's advantage to six points, with the Londoners having a game in hand.

Chelsea also entertain United at Stamford Bridge on April 15.

Elsewhere, fourth-placed Arsenal host Reading while third-bottom Charlton Athletic travel to bottom club Watford and Aston Villa visit Fulham.

Wigan Athletic also meet Manchester City, Newcastle United face Middlesbrough and Everton play Sheffield United.

On Sunday, West Ham United entertain in-form Tottenham Hotspur and Blackburn Rovers travel to Bolton Wanderers.

REUTERS DH RK0752