Allen Hamilton
What: English Premier League
Who: Liverpool vs Manchester United
When: Saturday 15th October, at 12:45 UK Time
Where: Anfield, Liverpool, England
More Than Three Points
Liverpool’s target this season may be very different from Manchester United’s, but the subplot will remain as it has for almost every year since the Merseyside giants last won the title: Win to help dent United’s Premier League charge. For this reason, the clash between the top flight’s two bitterest rivals will go beyond simply the awarding of three points.
Kenny Dalglish is acutely aware that the last time his new-look Liverpool side met one of the Premier League’s big boys, they suffered a 4-0 drubbing. That afternoon at White Hart Lane, Liverpool failed to turn up against Tottenham Hotspur. Should the same happen here then Dalglish would begin, in private at least, to express real concerns about the unit at his disposal. For the Scot, the battle with his countryman in the opposition dugout, Sir Alex Ferguson, will be fierce, though Dalglish has done his best to play down that confrontation.
"I don’t have any individual contest with Fergie", insisted the Liverpool manager. "It’s the football clubs who play. We don’t play anymore. We can’t really influence it other than in the build-up and preparation for the games. The most important thing for us is how we compete as a team on the pitch."
Liverpool have stuttered at times this season, but crucially have a number of players who are well capable of rising to the occasion. Dalglish is certain to give them a rousing team-talk to do just that as he remains, despite words to the contrary, desperate not to come up short against Ferguson.
The Defeat That Hurts More Than Any Other
In theory, Manchester United should not be too concerned about the trip to Anfield. The Red Devils sit on top of the Premier League and, while a defeat would be a blow, it is not one which could not be recovered from or be entirely unexpected. Fierce derbies can be lost, just as they can be won, and it would be no sign of a downturn in form.
But football is not theories and defeat at Anfield would hurt – really hurt. In fact, defeat here could have a knock-on effect on United’s next few games, which includes the Manchester derby next weekend. Sir Alex Ferguson has been in football long enough to realise this and will have impressed upon his charged the importance of getting a positive result against Liverpool and also cutting out the defensive issues which saw three goals conceded against Basel in the Champions League.
And Ferguson is desperate to keep his ship sailing along nicely by playing down striker Wayne Rooney’s red card for England against Montenegro, an offence which has resulted in a three-match ban for the striker. "Obviously he will be disappointed. It was one of these, how do you put it, reflex actions by the boy. He’s been tackled and he’s reacted. He’s got that fiery temper, which to my mind is not the worst thing in the world."
The United boss will hope Rooney turns that fiery temper into goals against Liverpool at Anfield.
Recent form
Liverpool:
Brighton 1-2 Liverpool
(21/09; League Cup)
Liverpool 2-1 Wolverhampton Wanderers (24/09; Premier League)
Everton 0-2 Liverpool
(01/10; Premier League)
Manchester United:
Stoke City 1-1 Manchester United (24/09; Premier League)
Manchester United 3-3 Basel (27/09; Champions League)
Manchester United 2-0 Norwich City (01/10; Premier League)
Key absences
Liverpool: None
Manchester United: Tom Cleverley (doubt); Chris Smalling (doubt); Rafael da Silva; Nemanja Vidic (doubt)
Players to watch
Liverpool – Steven Gerrard: Liverpool’s midfield talisman looks set to return from a long injury layoff for this clash and could well be a key figure in the game. Gerrard will certainly be fresh after a prolonged break, but the question instead centres over just how match sharp he will be. The midfield will be a crucial area and tackles will be sure to be flying in. Gerrard must dominate the middle of the park.
Manchester United – David de Gea: Question marks have been raised over whether the young Spanish shot-stopper is capable of filling the retired Edwin van der Sar’s shoes. De Gea has already made his fair share of mistakes at Old Trafford, yet has undoubted potential. Anfield though looks set to test De Gea’s mental strength just as much as his agility, reflexes and presence.
Match Predicition
A game that really could go either way. Liverpool must ensure they turn up for this clash as a repeat of their display against Spurs would lead to certain defeat. Pushed on by the home crowd, the Reds should put in a performance full of energy and Manchester United must ride the early storm that is sure to come. Ferguson’s men may not be capable of doing that, but they are capable of scoring themselves. Liverpool 1-1 Manchester United.
The encounter between Liverpool and Manchester United is the one of the most awaited clashes of the English Premier League season and the odds are tight. Will Sir Alex Ferguson’s men get the better of their North West rivals? Visit OLBG and check out the best prices, tips and other bettors’ opinion to help you place a winning bet this weekend.
