Liverpool defenders Alvaro Arbeloa and John Arne Riise have praised the impressive partnership of Reds midfielder Steven Gerrard and striker Fernando Torres, warning Manchester United of their threat ahead of Sunday’s clash between the two teams.

Easter Sunday sees Rafael Benitez take his Liverpool team to Old Trafford off the back of seven successive victories, largely thanks to an unstoppable understanding developed between Gerrard and Torres.

Torres’ winner in Liverpool’s 2-1 victory over Reading at Anfield last Saturday was his 27th goal of the season.

Arbeloa believes Torres can continue his fantastic goalscoring run against the Premier League leaders on Sunday afternoon.

“I hope he does,” Arbeloa told the official Liverpool FC web site. “He scored against Inter away so why can’t he score at Old Trafford? He is a great player and he can do it.

“Fernando and Stevie are playing really well, scoring goals and have a good partnership. I think the Manchester United defenders will be really worried.”

Riise similarly has joined the mass of people in the world of football praising the exceptional delights that the in-form Gerrard and Torres show are displaying.

“Gerrard and Torres have a partnership like I’ve never seen before,” he added. “The two of them are in unbelievable form at the moment, both looking strong and both scoring goals.

“I wouldn’t say I’m surprised with the way Torres is playing because we knew he was a top striker, but sometimes it can take a while to settle in English football. He hasn’t needed time at all. I know for a fact that defenders hate to play against him because he’s so quick and so strong.

“United will definitely be worried about us because we’re the form side at the moment, but at the same time we have to respect them because they are a top side also.”