The England centre-back, 28, was a spectator when the sides last clashed on Merseyside in February last year.

It proved an unhappy day all round for United, who fell to Peter Crouch's solitary goal to crash out of the FA Cup and saw striker Alan Smith carried off with an horrific broken leg.

But for Ferdinand the day was memorable for the rare chance to watch the fierce rivals fight it out from the Anfield stands - where he was given a hot reception by the Reds fans.

"We got pelted with obscenities and coins and stuff, but it was a great atmosphere, it was something that will stay with me forever," he told Sky Sports News.

"It was brilliant to be in the stands but I would much rather be playing and get the three points out on the pitch."

He added: "Anfield is a good place to go, their fans are very vocal, but you can say that about every other club in the league, to be honest."

Ferdinand did not need the Liverpool faithful to remind him of the intensity of the derby.

And he believes that Saturday's lunchtime kick-off will provide an even more red-hot atmosphere for a game that seems to become more keenly contested every year.

Ferdinand said: "It's not far (between the cities), there's great tradition between the two clubs, great rivalry.

"I think it's getting enhanced each year and the media make a big thing of it - the players feel that, the fans feel that.

"It's usually a great atmosphere and it's one we're looking forward to.

"It's a massive game and we want to get a good result - fingers crossed we can go there and put on a better show than last time we went there."

As well as having the potential to have a major impact on this season's Barclays Premiership title race, Saturday's game should also see a little piece of history made.

If Ryan Giggs plays for the league leaders, he will become only the second player in United's history to make 700 appearances for the Old Trafford club, after Bobby Charlton.

But Ferdinand is more concerned with the implications for the two-horse race between his club and Chelsea for Premiership glory.

If United claim victory at Anfield they will move 12 points clear of the west Londoners, who do not kick-off until the evening when they travel to Fratton Park to face Portsmouth.

But while Ferdinand admitted it would be a psychological advantage to go so far clear of the reigning champions, he is keen to point out that nothing will be settled this weekend.

"Mentally it would be a massive advantage but we are not thinking about any team other than ourselves," he insisted.

"If we can win it will be great, if we don't it's not the end of the world, but the three points are what we are looking for."