Giggs predicts tough battle

MANCHESTER United midfielder Ryan Giggs feels the club have their work cut out to remain ahead of Liverpool.

United's title success last season was their 19th, eclipsing Liverpool's long–standing record.

The Old Trafford club had trailed by 11 when Liverpool won their 18th league crown in 1990 and veteran Giggs now wants to build a big lead over the Merseysiders.

United are in contention to win the Barclays Premier League yet again – they currently trail leaders Manchester City by just two points – but Giggs is bracing himself for a tight home battle with Liverpool tomorrow.

The 38–year–old said: "They're a club similar to us with massive history.

"We're the two most successful teams in the country, so we know we've got to play well to get anything from any game against them.”

The champions are facing a stern test of their credentials in February.

Tomorrow's game comes after Sir Alex Ferguson's men needed to battle back from 3–0 down to claim a draw at Chelsea last week.