Liverpool midfielder Adam Lallana is expecting a few more twists in the tale with just nine games left of their Barclays Premier League season.

A recent run of improved form has seen the Reds surge up the league table in their search for UEFA Champions League qualification, but despite being unbeaten since December, the £25-million summer signing is not expecting an easy run-in.

That starts this Sunday, when Liverpool face up against fellow top-four challengers Manchester United. Though the Reds come into the game on the back of a five-game winning streak, United pose a tough test with threats such as Angel Di Maria, Wayne Rooney and Falcao in the side, and Lallana knows that overcoming that test could be a huge morale boost.

"Psychologically, it's massive for us, because if we win we go above United and we get a foot in the top four," Lallana said. "But it's not all decisive on this game, there are still another eight games after.

"There are constantly going to be twists and turns, I'm sure. Tottenham and Southampton are still in and around the fight as well, so they are going to want to be picking up points to make it almost three teams out of six getting into the top four."

The Reds have turned a new page since Christmas, taking 32 points from an available 36, winning 10 of 12 league games, and Lallana believes a culmination of things have contributed to their turnaround. 

"A combination of all of the players settling in and the manager finding the system that seems to have suited us. We have got vital players back fit and we have just turned the corner.

"We have not looked back since, but we have got another tough game coming up at the weekend. I'm sure it's going to go down to the wire.

"We're in a good place at the minute and are just going to look to keep building on what we've achieved, and hopefully we'll squeeze into the top four come the end of the season."

Lallana also hailed the impact of Reds' boss Brendan Rodgers, who worked hard to bring the ex-Southampton skipper to Anfield last summer.

The Northern Irishman adopted a 3-4-3 formation a few months ago, which has helped spur Liverpool onto an exceptional unbeaten run.

"He (Rodgers) is a very good manager and great to work with," he added. "Tactically, he's very clever. He changes things; at half-time against Swansea, we changed a couple of things and it seemed to have an immediate impact on the game, because we didn't see much of the ball in the first half.

"That was a big call from him and it proved to be a success because we went on and got the win. He has done that on a few occasions this year. 

"It's a team effort - everyone has combined, everyone is pulling their weight and it is showing with the success we're having on the pitch."

Lallana is one of those who has put the team's needs ahead of his individual needs. The midfielder has taken up a wing-back role in recent weeks, but insists that he has no problems playing in an unnatural position.

He said: "Once you're in the thick of the game and up to the pace, it's not that difficult changing position.

"It's probably more difficult if you start in a different position; the pace of the game in the first half an hour is probably where the game is at its highest speed.

"But I've enjoyed the experience of different positions. It's a system that allows players to be versatile. It is the same with Raheem, he has played four or five different positions in it as well.

"That's one of the strengths of the formation we have been playing."

The Reds' comeback has been led by stand-in captain Jordan Henderson recently, who has played a vital part in their last three wins - scoring three excellent goals and notching an assist too.

Lallana had plenty of praise for his team-mate, who looks likely to receive the armband full time when Gerrard leaves later this year. 

"He's still only 24," he continued. "Having worked with him closely at Liverpool, he has definitely got the attributes to be a successful captain.

"He (Henderson) has proved when Stevie has not been fit or not playing that he has got the qualities and attributes to lead the team.

"It is quite natural; I wouldn't say it is something he works on in being a captain, it's something that you just kind of grow into. We all look up to him because he is a very respectable player and lad."