Adam - Reds Reaching Peak

Charlie Adam claims Liverpool have yet to play to their true potential this season, but hopes they will scale those heights against Manchester United.

Kenny Dalglish's side have made a steady start to the 2011/12 campaign and headed into the international break on the back of a morale-boosting derby victory over Everton.

Next up for the Reds is a visit from arch-rivals Manchester United, with the reigning Premier League champions and current table-toppers due at Anfield on Saturday.

The fixture tends to bring the best or worst out of those on show, with a pressure cooker environment separating big-game performers from the rest.

Adam will get his first taste of an emotionally-charged atmosphere this weekend, following his summer switch from Blackpool, and he is confident that a new-look Liverpool side is ready to face the challenge head on.

"I still don't think we've played as well as we can but that happens when you bring in so many new players," said the Scotland international.

"We've shown glimpses of being a very good side. Hopefully we can continue that on Saturday. It is a massive game for the supporters and a massive game for the players.

"We know it's going to be difficult and we have got a lot of new players in our squad who are still gelling together.

"It's not about sending out a message, it's your own pride and performance being at this club.

"We have to win every game at this club and that's our challenge.

"We have had a couple of bad results but we have reacted in the right way.

"There's no bigger test than Man United at home and if we can win it, it will be a big confidence boost for us."

Adam will be at the very heart of the action at Anfield, possibly with fit-again club captain Steven Gerrard alongside him, and he admits the outcome of Saturday's clash could rest on who comes out on top in the midfield battle.

"The key normally in these games is the midfield," he told the club's official website.

"If you can get a grip of the game in midfield then I think you can win the match.

"Over the years gone by we have had some terrific performances, especially last season at Anfield when we beat them (3-1).

"So the midfield will be key and also you need somebody up front who can score you goals and we have certainly got that (in Luis Suarez).

"We are confident going into the game and hopefully come Saturday we can get the three points."