What: English Premier League
Who: Liverpool vs Manchester United
When: Sunday 1st September, 2013, at 13:30 UK Time
Where: Anfield, Liverpool, England
Big Test For Reds
The two most successful clubs in English football history clash on Merseyside as Liverpool host Manchester United at Anfield. Liverpool have begun the season with great promise, coming through their first two matches against Stoke and Aston Villa with maximum points. It will be a different proposition altogether however when their historic rivals and defending Premier League champions come to town.
This will be the first big test of the season for Brendan Rodgers’ side and there is a sense of real anticipation around Anfield as to how Liverpool will match up against the league’s elite teams this season. With Liverpool undergoing a period of inconsistency over the last few seasons, they will be keen to face Manchester United now, considering that Sir Alex Ferguson has retired and a new era with David Moyes at the helm has started.
Liverpool have shrugged off the drama surrounding Luis Suarez recently and have been solid in their opening two matches, though there have been some rough moments and they have had some good fortune. Nonetheless, Reds supporters will be buoyed by the team’s start and a win against Manchester United would send an early warning that Rodgers’ men are serious about challenging high up the league table.
Challenging Start To Campaign
As soon as the fixture list was rolled out for the new campaign it was apparent that new Manchester United manager Moyes would face a baptism of fire. An away visit to Swansea was followed up by a home match against Chelsea and then another massive game against Liverpool. The defending champions were convincing in defeating Swansea on the opening day of the season and last Monday’s 0-0 draw against Chelsea was deemed a decent result all things considered, with Moyes’ men looking the better side on the night.
All in all it has been a solid start for the new man in charge, however he will continue to face questions week in and week out with regard to Manchester United’s performances and results. The club’s inability to sign players in the transfer window has been slightly concerning and the hope is that a few new recruits can be brought in before the deadline.
One source of good news for fans is that Wayne Rooney looks set to stay at Old Trafford. The 27-year-old put in a fine performance against Chelsea and the belief is that he will remain a Manchester United player. If Moyes can keep the pressure off him and the club during such a tough start to the campaign then Manchester United surely will be challenging for the title once again.
Liverpool:
Liverpool 1-0 Stoke (17/08; Premier League)
Aston Villa 0-1 Liverpool (24/08; Premier League)
Liverpool 4-2 Notts County (27/08; League Cup)
Manchester United:
Manchester United 2-0 Wigan (11/08; Community Shield)
Swansea 1-4 Manchester United (17/08; Premier League)
Manchester United 0-0 Chelsea (26/08; Premier League)
Key absences
Liverpool: Aly Cissokho, Joe Allen, Kolo Toure (doubt), Sebastian Coates
Manchester United: Rafael (doubt), Javier Hernandez (doubt), Nani (doubt), Darren Fletcher, Wayne Rooney
Players to watch
Liverpool – Phillipe Coutinho: The skillful Brazilian has given Liverpool another dimension since joining the club back in January. The 21-year-old may have struggled to make an impact at Inter Milan, but he has developed into a player of real importance for Liverpool. His ability to find team-mates with precise through balls and his trickery either on the flanks or behind the forwards has made the Brazilian a huge hit at Anfield. Having already stated his desire to stay at Liverpool for a number of years, the stage is set for Coutinho to make a name for himself in England and in the process add to his solitary cap for Brazil.
Manchester United – Danny Welbeck: The forward looks a genuine goal threat under new boss David Moyes and his importance will take on added significance against Liverpool due to the absence of Wayne Rooney. Welbeck has what it takes to be Manchester United's answer to Daniel Sturridge and could swing the contest in the visitors' favour if he can find his form.
Match Prediction
One of English football’s great rivalries, there will be no shortage of tension and drama when these two lock horns at Anfield. Both clubs enter the match in decent enough form. For Liverpool, supporters must be overjoyed with two straight league wins to start the season, though against Manchester United they will have to raise their performance level even more. Manchester United looked the stronger side against Chelsea, but had to be content with a 0-0 draw at home after disposing of Swansea 4-1 in their opening league match. Home advantage could play a key role in this match; though look for Manchester United to perhaps hold on for a point. Liverpool 1-1 Manchester United.
