Liverpool host United in first ever European clash between the two sides

Jurgen Klopp put his Liverpool players through their paces ahead of what he has described as 'the mother of all games'.

Liverpool's players looked in high spirits as they put the final touches on their preparations for the club's first ever European showdown against rivals Manchester United.

Christian Benteke, fresh from the late controversy at Selhurst Park at the weekend, Daniel Sturridge and Joe Allen were among the players who trained with a beaming smile on their face ahead of the must-win match.

Daniel Sturridge (centre) and Joe Allen (left) look in buoyant mood as they train ahead of Thursday's match

German tactician Jurgen Klopp (centre right) and his coaching staff address his players on Wednesday

Roberto Firmino will be hoping to follow up his strike at Crystal Palace with a goal against Manchester United

Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge covers up his face with a snood in an attempt to keep warm at Melwood

Former Manchester City midfielder James Milner is a major doubt for Thursday night's clash at Anfield due to a virus.

The England international was sent home from the training ground in order to stop the illness spreading to his team-mates.

German tactician Klopp will be hoping to exact revenge on opposite number Louis van Gaal for the first time during the current campaign.

Van Gaal holds a 2-0 lead over Liverpool this season following Manchester United's victories at Old Trafford and Anfield.

Their most recent meeting, which took place in January, saw the Red Devils come away from Anfield with three points thanks to a 78th-minute goal by Wayne Rooney.

Klopp, speaking at his pre-match press conference, said of their most recent meeting: 'Maybe we didn’t play absolutely the best but we did enough to win. Sometimes it’s like that.

'They’ve won the last four between us but it means nothing – it would mean more if they were much better and had much more quality but it’s pretty close.

'I'd say we’re both in a good moment. OK they lost their last game but there has been a lot of pressure on Louis van Gaal and Manchester United and they handled it really well and they came through.

'I said after draw I was really happy, not because I think it’s really easy but because it’s exciting and I didn’t know it was the first time Liverpool have played Manchester United in Europe. It’s a great tournament.'

Martin Skrtel, Dejan Lovren and Emre Can stretch before the training session on Wednesday afternoon

The Brazil international has his eyes firmly fixed on the ball as he positions himself to bring it under control

Jordan Henderson and a clean shaven Adam Lallana stretch their legs by taking part in a running exercise

Liverpool and Belgium goalkeeper Simon Mignolet dives down to his right-hand side during the session

Christian Benteke will be hoping to make the headlines for the right reason after the recent controversy

Reds full back Jon Flanagan (centre left) will be hoping to feature against United after impressing at Palace