Liverpool v Manchester United - Preview

One of the most bitter and intense rivalries in English football is back again for the third time this season, following two Manchester United wins. The game as ever is crucial, with Manchester United aiming for a 19^th league title (which would bypass Liverpool’s long standing record) but Liverpool will have a very real chance of putting possibly a hammer blow in United’s title hopes, given how they lost at Chelsea earlier in the week.

Liverpool have gone under a transformation of sorts over the season. A poor start to the season included being knocked out of the Carling Cup at Anfield by League Two side Northampton, being outplayed by today’s arch rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford in a 3-2 defeat before another dispiriting draw at home to Sunderland, all with only six points in six games in the Premiership.

Both Liverpool and United are level on 18 top-flight titles apiece and while Liverpool are out of the running (albeit looking good for a guaranteed Europa League spot) United aren’t certain to win the League – this is one of quite a few tricky away trips left, including an away trip to the Emirates amongst other things.

For all that Liverpool have made steady progress to climb into sixth in the table, it’s never been smooth. A 1-0 win over Chelsea was followed by a stuttering and lacklustre 1-1 draw with Wigan, and they were lucky to get through their last 16 tie in the Europa League, Sparta having good chances before they scored late on; At West Ham they just weren’t in the game at all and simply got going too late, which is a poor habit they’ve had this season, plenty of points being dropped because of it.  It should be noted that Liverpool raise their game for not only this, but other big matches; They’ve picked up seven points from their four league matches against Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea this season - more than any other club.

As far as team news is concerned, barring the injury of potential top class left back Martin Kelly (a major negative given Glen Johnson’s less than perfect record tracking back) things are looking good for Liverpool.

Record signing Andy Carroll has trained since Wednesday and is being considered for his debut after overcoming a thigh injury, and crucially Raul Meireles should recover from a knee problem. How he deals with Darren Fletcher is going to have a major effect on the game.

Suarez - Key for Liverpool's attacking threat. 

Manchester United are still in a very powerful position regarding the title race. Arsenal’s failure to beat Sunderland yesterday means that the gap is still 3 points and it’s seven back to Manchester City in third (two more to Chelsea).

Their away from has been extremely poor by their very high standards- Manchester United have finished level in eight of their 14 away league matches and their only two losses have come there – But they put in one of the best away performances seen this season ironically in defeat at Chelsea.

With Chelsea and United all going hell for leather to win it was a terrific game - but Ferguson will be concerned at how his side lost their way after imperiously controlling much of the first period.

Evra, Nani, Rooney and Hernandez all were imperious going forward after Chelsea’s early first half momentum petered out and created several chances, and more than one goal could have been scored in the first few minutes. Eventually the goal came in great style thanks a superb Wayne Rooney drive, but then the capitulations began.

Many were perturbed at United’s gung – ho play in London given that they usually play one striker up top against big sides but they were unlucky not to have it work and even if they do reverse to type, their counter attacking has been lethal this season, and it would be hugely encouraging to see “Chicarito” on from the start.

Chelsea took the lead through a contentious penalty and the hosts might have gone down to 10 men before United did - Brazil defender David Luiz was lucky not to receive a second yellow card for a blatant trip on Wayne Rooney, although with hindsight Manchester United were lucky to have him on the pitch.

The one massive hole in United is defensive worries. They had been coping with the absence of Rio Ferdinand quite admirably over the past few weeks, but the wheels really came off when the largely imperious Nemaja Vidic was sent off late on Tuesday night. This means that Luis Suarez and co will be able to attack an open defence, something that no team has had the chance to do this season in the Premiership. Johnny Evans is neither match fit nor buoyant with confidence after a shaky campaign and Wes Brown has faded out of contention for first team places until now.

Wayne Rooney - Was instrumental on Tuesday

As far as attacking options go, the ever motived Rooney comes into this game off an excellent performance at Chelsea on Tuesday, while Berbatov has notched a hat – trick against Liverpool at Old Trafford and is going to be hard to stop for the Golden Boot anyway.  On another note, it would be great to see Rafael play. He’s a top class left back in the making and his attacking forays will more than make up for any lapses in concentration or rises in temper.

Many will be taking on Manchester United with no fears given that they’ve only won 4 out of 14 away games this season but they put in one of the best away performances seen all year when going down 2-1 at Chelsea and are generously priced to make amends here. Liverpool have the opportunity to take advantage of an open United back 4 but have only scored six goals in six games since the beginning of February. And given the amount of tight games in the past few season (two of the last 4 head -to - heads at Anfield have been 1-0) back 1-0 to United as a cheeky saver. 

Advice

2 pts Manchester United to beat Liverpool (13/8 Betfred; 6/4 Paddy Power, Coral) 


0.5 pts 1-0 Manchester United (7/1 Totesport, Stan James)