Morientes, who completed his 6.3 million pounds ($11.85 million) move from Real Madrid [Images] after passing a medical on Thursday, is well used to high-octane occasions, having faced Barcelona and Atletico Madrid for Real, not to mention appearing in four European Cup finals, the World Cup and European Championship for Spain.

But the close confines of Anfield, where there will be a baying pack of Manchester United supporters anxious to spoil the welcome party, and the usually frenetic nature of the fixture will nonetheless be something of an eye opener for the experienced 28-year-old.

KEENLY CONTESTED

Liverpool coach Rafael Benitez says Morientes "has the mentality" to go into what is always one of the most keenly contested games in the Premier League programme.

Throughout the 1970s and 80s United did their utmost to deflate the ever-inflating Liverpool balloon as their north west rivals collected sackfuls of domestic and European trophies.

Since then the boot has been on the other foot and it is the Liverpool fans, starved of the league title for 15 years, who desperately want to spoil United's slender chance this term.

The arrival of Morientes will lift Liverpool, who have been over-reliant on their midfield for goals since Michael Owen [Images] moved in the opposite direction to Real at the start of the season.

Particularly pleased about the deal is Milan Baros, the Czech front man who hopes to quickly build a profitable partnership with the Spaniard.

"Fernando is terrific in the air, just like Jan Koller," Baros said, recalling the partnership with his Czech international team mate.

"Jan and I have been superb for the Czechs and I believe Fernando and I can prove just as successful in English football."

Liverpool are fifth on 37 points, seven behind third-placed United. Arsenal [Images] are second on 48 with Chelsea clear on 55.

TOOTHLESS UNITED

United began the season with a glut of strikers but injuries and suspensions have left them struggling for firepower at times and they have looked a little toothless as their last three games have ended goalless.

Alan Smith is likely to join Wayne Rooney [Images] up front at Anfield with Ruud van Nistelrooy [Images] still out injured.

Chelsea's last goalless draw in the league came back in September against Tottenham Hotspur and the two London [Images] rivals meet again on Saturday, both in very different shape from those early days.

Both clubs have found their way to goal since then, Chelsea romping clear with 43 goals scored and only eight conceded while Spurs are on a run of seven wins in 10 games with strikers Jermain Defoe, Frederic Kanoute and Robbie Keane all in hot form.

However, their eight-game unbeaten run faces the ultimate test, even at home, as they seek to end an extraordinary 15-year, 29-game winless league run against Chelsea.

Bolton host Arsenal and while Sam Allardyce's side drew 2-2 at Highbury in September their confidence has been severely undermined since then and the champions will expect to win.

Fourth-placed Everton visit sixth-placed Middlesbrough on Sunday.

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