Allen Hamilton
What: English Premier League
Who: Liverpool (6th; 39 points) vs Manchester United (1st; 60 points)
When: Sunday 6th March, 2011, at 13:30 UK time
Where: Anfield, Liverpool, England
Birthday Boy Set to Celebrate in Style?
Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish turned 60 on Friday and the sense of goodwill that rippled throughout the club as the day dawned was evidence enough, if any were still needed, of the healing and unifying effect of the Anfield legend since he succeeded Roy Hodgson. Dalglish strutted his stuff in front of the Kop before many of his current squad were even born, but although time has made the Scot’s limbs weary and his reactions a little slower, it cannot dent the aura surrounding the man known to Liverpool supporters simply as "the King".
And this aura has galvanised the players at Dalglish’s disposal. A 3-1 defeat at West Ham United last weekend left the club just about where their current ability says they should be, sixth, behind big spending opponents who will be hard to dislodge. But moments of glory are still within Dalglish’s grasp this season, and while the Europa League is a more long-term objective, the prospect of sending a message down the East Lancs Road is a mouth-watering one.
There is no love lost between Dalglish and Sir Alex Ferguson, with the Liverpool boss famously remarking to reporters "you’ll get more sense out of her" as he walked past the United boss post match in 1988 cradling his baby daughter.
Dalglish will spy an opportunity on the pitch though, with more relish than a press room quip, as United are weakened defensively and coming off the back of a bruising defeat away at Chelsea. Luis Suarez will be given a role to play against a backline with no real experience of facing the wily Uruguayan. The prospect of a returning Andy Carroll too should cause alarm within the United ranks as a dream debut could be the story already written. "Whether he’s involved on Sunday or not – I’m sure Fergie would love to know, but we don’t know", said Dalglish when challenged over the former Newcastle man’s participation.
Keeping the Title Train On The Rails
Having lost at Chelsea in, for Sir Alex Ferguson, very controversial circumstances, the last thing the United boss needs is a loss at arch rivals Liverpool. While Chelsea may be so far behind as to not be worth losing sleep over, Arsenal loom worryingly on the horizon and the Gunners’ title run-in could ensure it is advantage Arsene Wenger. Defeat to Liverpool, with Chelsea still to play, will keep Ferguson up at night, but luckily his side have proven their resilience time and time again.
With centre back Nemanja Vidic suspended and Rio Ferdinand looking unlikely to return, Ferguson will have to place his faith in Chris Smalling and Wes Brown. And while Brown is a veteran of United-Liverpool wars, Smalling is a relative newcomer who, after conceding a penalty against Chelsea which ultimately caused his side to lose the game, will be tested in the heat of battle yet again – Ferguson will pray he is not found wanting.
A good performance from Smalling therefore, is most certainly a pre-requisite of any United victory, and luckily for the youngster, his boss does have faith in his ability, beaming: "We are very pleased with his performances. It’s an outstanding contribution he’s made. But, do you know, I expected him to do well. I had no doubts about him." Ferguson’s judgement is set to be tested to the limit.
Overlooked however, but equally important, is Ryan Giggs. Ready to make his 607th league appearance for United, Giggs is a calming influence over his team-mates. His sharpness, or lack of, after coming on from the bench against Chelsea, could be an important factor in this duel.
Recent form
Liverpool:
Sparta Prague 0-0 Liverpool (17/02; Europa League)
Liverpool 1-0 Sparta Prague (24/02; Europa League)
West Ham 3-1 Liverpool (27/02; Premier League)
Manchester United:
Marseille 0-0 Manchester United (23/02; Champions League)
Wigan 0-4 Manchester United (26/02; Premier League)
Chelsea 1-0 Manchester United (01/03; Premier League)
Key absences
Liverpool: Daniel Agger (doubt); Andy Carroll (doubt); Raul Meireles (doubt); Martin Kelly; Jonjo Shelvey
Manchester United: Nemanja Vidic (suspended); Patrice Evra (doubt); Rio Ferdinand (doubt); Michael Owen (doubt); Anderson; Owen Hargreaves; Jonny Evans; Antonio Valencia; Park Ji-Sung
Players to watch
Liverpool – Luis Suarez: The Uruguayan is still finding his feet in the Premier League, but already looks sharp and deadly in front of goal. Suarez will be largely an unknown quantity for United and his quick feet and even quicker footballing brain can cause havoc amongst the Old Trafford outfit’s backline. A fierce competitor, Suarez can also be expected to put his foot in and not give an inch in this fiery derby.
Manchester United – Javier Hernandez: The little Mexican striker was not expected to have a big impact in his first season at Old Trafford, but the player nicknamed "Chicharito" has simply excelled. Clever runs, spinning off defenders into space and a cool head in front of goal, all add up to a very promising young talent. Hernandez could well be United’s real threat as Wayne Rooney takes much of the attention up front.
Match Prediction
While Manchester United may not be coming into this one at full strength and there are very real concerns about their defence given the confirmed absence of Vidic and likely absence of Ferdinand, Liverpool do not kick off in the best of form. The Reds defeat at West Ham was an eye-opener and the extent to which Dalglish’s feel-good factor and the home derby roar will urge them forward remains unknown. Nevertheless, form has always served as an unreliable indicator for such fierce derby battles. United would take a draw, but Liverpool can edge it, with Suarez finding the back of the net. Liverpool 2-1 Manchester United.
For top betting tips and a wide range of markets and odds on Liverpool v Man Utd don’t forget to visit Valuechecker.co.uk.
