Rodgers expects peaceful United clash

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers expects this weekend's emotionally-charged contest with Manchester United to pass off without crowd problems.

The Barclays Premier League encounter at Anfield on Sunday will be Liverpool's first home match since last week's publication of an independent panel's report into the 1989 Hillsborough disaster. There have been widespread appeals to fans of all clubs to cease tasteless chanting about tragedies to have befallen their rivals.

Rodgers said: "Liverpool-Manchester United games are always very emotional. You add to that the findings of the last couple of weeks and it makes it even more emotional. First and foremost, we want to pay tribute to the families, the victims and the survivors. It is our chance to do that."

He added: "After the fight of the last 23 years, it is the very least we can do.

"There has been dialogue all week, there is respect in terms of the traditions of both clubs. We want this day to be remembered for the right reasons - before the game and the footballing reasons.

"A lot of work has been done and hopefully Sunday will pass off peacefully and well and we can talk about the tributes and football."

A series of tributes are being planned to commemorate Hillsborough prior to the match, including the releasing of 96 balloons to represent each of the victims.

A mosaic will also be displayed by supporters on three sides of the ground.

Kenny Dalglish, manager at the time of the disaster, is also expected to return to Anfield for the first time since his second spell in charge of the club ended in May.