United began a hugely important week in the worst possible manner, going down in controversial fashion at Chelsea on Tuesday night. The after-effects of the defeat will be felt for some considerable time given Sir Alex Ferguson must face an improper conduct charge at some point during the month. But with Arsenal now within striking distance again, United could do without dropping more points on Merseyside. And Fletcher believes the sense of injustice around the Red Devils camp needs to be put to positive use. "You could not have a better game to get the frustrations of Tuesday night out of our systems," said the Scotland skipper. "It is a weird thing to say about a match between Liverpool and Manchester United but if anything it has become even bigger because of what happened at Stamford Bridge. "There is a lot of disappointment because we never seem to get the rub of the green down there. "We have to bounce back quickly and get all our focus and energy on Liverpool." With £35million new-boy Andy Carroll set to make his debut, the hosts have plenty to occupy their minds. However, a visit from United is always a special occasion, especially with the old enemy aiming to complete a record 19th league title triumph. "It is part of football rivalry that there might be more incentive from stopping us achieving stuff than what they can do themselves," said Fletcher. "Liverpool are a proud club with a great tradition. They certainly won't want to relinquish the record to us. "However, we are going there to get our title challenge back on track so it is not as though we are lacking an incentive to win." United have lost on their last two trips to Anfield, although they did come out on top in the previous three meetings between the sides, which were all played at Old Trafford. The usual hostile atmosphere is guaranteed, although Fletcher feels it is something to be embraced rather than feared. "It is an interesting experience," he said. "Yes, it is going to be intimidating but it is a great atmosphere. "You have to try to relish the pressure rather than be daunted by it. It should bring out the best in the players." That task is made slightly easier by the impossibility of picking out specific chants amid the heat of battle, although Fletcher knows anything positive for Liverpool will be seized upon by the Kopites. "It a blur of noise," he said. "Any corner or throw-in, or even glimpse of a chance for Liverpool, draws crazy cheers from their supporters. "It is something you have to try to block out." Unless Rio Ferdinand makes a rapid recovery from the calf injury that has kept him on the sidelines for a month, United will be without both their first-choice central defenders. Nemanja Vidic's suspension is expected to mean a third league start for Wes Brown, although it would be possible for John O'Shea to slot in alongside Chris Smalling and Rafael to take the full-back berth. Up front, both Ryan Giggs and 20-goal Dimitar Berbatov would hope to be involved as United look to maintain their advantage at the Premier League summit. "You want to be top at this stage of the season," said 27-year-old Fletcher, who signed a new four-year contract extension yesterday. "You want to have it in your hands. You don't want to be relying on anyone else. "That is what getting back to winning ways on Sunday would do. "It is still in our control and we want to keep it that way through until the end of the season."
