Japan's new prime minister, Yoshihiko Noda, has indicated that he will make a new attempt to remove the biggest obstacle in Japan's military relations with America, a stalled agreement over relocating American marines in Okinawa.
Liverpool have the added incentive of knowing victory may just put an obstacle in the way of United's attempt to claim a record 19th title and overhaul their own record - although that will not register for a second in the minds of Dalglish and his players.