On Sky
After an enforced two week break due to a fixture clash, second-placed Liverpool return to Premier League action on Sunday afternoon with a mouth-watering trip to arch rivals Manchester United.
Courtesy of their form and current league position, coupled with United’s ongoing struggles, the Reds probably travel to Old Trafford as favourites for the first time in a very long time.
Brendan Rodgers‘ side are unbeaten in the Premier League during 2014 and currently sit 11 points and four places above the reigning champions.
United, now managed by former Everton boss David Moyes, have already been beaten on eight occasions this season, three more than the whole of the last campaign.
The Red Devils are even in danger of failing to qualify for the Champions League for a first time since 1995-96.
But victory over their biggest enemy could provide the perfect kick-start that the post Alex Ferguson era desperately needs.
Vital Quotes:
Rodgers: “We know it’s going to be a difficult game; every game involving Liverpool and Manchester United is a tough game.
“We actually played very well at Old Trafford in the cup game we lost [in September]. We’re going there with a greater belief and confidence at this stage of the season. It’s set up to be a really good game.”
Moyes: “As I said before there has been great rivalry between the two clubs. Liverpool are having a very good season. They’re our next game at home and we have to do all we possibly can to beat them.
“Every game of football is always important and any game that features Manchester United and Liverpool is a massively important game.”
Manchester United Team News:
United will be without defender Jonny Evans (calf) and midfielder Nani (hamstring), while striker Javier Hernandez (knee) is also a doubt. Brazilian right-back Rafael should be available after suffering a knock but either Phil Jones or Chris Smalling will cover if not. Despite recently announcing his signing for Inter Milan from next season, Namanja Vidic retains the captain’s armband but, like long-term centre-back partner Rio Ferdinand, he is no longer guaranteed a starting place. Danny Welbeck is pushing for inclusion after scoring against West Bromwich Albion and could replace Adnan Januzaj. Youngster Michael Keane has joined Blackburn Rovers on loan.
Possible Line-up
de Gea, Smalling, Vidic, Jones, Evra, Carrick, Fletcher, Fellaini, Mata, Rooney, van Persie.
Player to watch: Wayne Rooney
The boyhood Everton fan likes nothing more than beating Liverpool but his personal scoring record against the Reds isn’t a great one. Rooney has registered just four goals in the fixture despite featuring on over 20 occasions in league and cup since 2002. The 28-year-old had endured a difficult season with injury and speculation regarding his future but recently signed a new long-term deal and is now hotly tipped to become club captain from next season. His goals tally for the campaign currently stands at a distinctly average 13 but the England international has notched in both of his last two Premier League appearances.
Liverpool Team News:
Liverpool’s recent injury crisis has eased dramatically in recent weeks. Following closely on from the return of defenders Daniel Agger and Glen Johnson, Lucas Leiva (knee) and Mamadou Sakho (hamstring) are again involved in full training and available for selection. Both came through a match for the U21s unscathed but are likely to begin on the bench after the impressive 3-0 away win over Southampton last time out. Winger Raheem Sterling will be hoping for a recall after scoring from the substitute’s bench at St Mary’s and then impressing for England. Given the nature of the game though, Rodgers may well decide to stick with the calming central presence of Joe Allen. Elsewhere, left-back Jose Enrique remains sidelined with an ongoing knee issue which shows no signs of clearing up.
Possible Line-up
Mignolet, Flanagan, Skrtel, Agger, Johnson, Gerrard, Henderson, Allen, Coutinho, Suarez, Sturridge.
Player to watch: Daniel Sturridge
Sturridge’s phenomenal run of scoring in eight consecutive league games may have come to an end in the recent 3-0 victory over Southampton but the ex-Manchester City and Chelsea star is in the form of his life. Luis Suarez may still take the majority of plaudits but the 24-year-old’s return of 21 goals in 24 appearances this season is equally as impressive. A goal for England last week has also put Sturridge in the driving seat for a starting position at this summer’s World Cup where he is expected to partner United rival Rooney. The striker was this week named the official Barclays Player of the Month for February.
Match Facts & Stats
? Manchester United and Liverpool have contested 173 matches during their respective histories. United have the upper hand with 69 wins to Liverpool’s 59 and 45 draws. United have scored 238 goals in total compared to 225 by Liverpool.
? United have won the last six league and cup encounters at Old Trafford but all by just a single-goal margin (3-2, 2-1 or 1-0).
? Moyes’ men have already lost eight league game this season; three more than in the whole of last season. Four of those defeats have been at Old Trafford.
? Both sides are on decent league runs but whereas United have won two and drawn two of their last four, Liverpool have recorded four straight victories and their unbeaten run now stretches back nine games.
? Suarez and Sturridge have scored a combined 42 Premier League goals this season, 20 more than Robin van Persie and Rooney (22).
? van Persie does have six in his last seven against Liverpool however. The Dutchman will make his 250th Premier League appearance if selected.
? Liverpool’s tally of 73 goals is the most by a team after 28 games of a Premier League season. It is also more than the Reds have managed in any other complete Premier League season bar one; the 2008-09 campaign when they netted 77 times.
Ref Watch:
Mark Clattenburg is the official appointed to oversee this contest. The County Durham based whistle blower has taken charge of 31 games so far this season, showing 103 yellow cards and one red. Previously this season the 39-year-old refereed the Capital One Cup encounter between the two sides which ended 1-0 to United. Clattenburg, who also oversaw Liverpool’s 1-0 win at Aston Villa back in August, has been a part of the Select Group of Referees who oversee Premier League fixtures since 2004 and joined FIFA’s list for European and international games two years later.
Match Prediction:
Regardless of what some pundits and bookmakers might be saying, United still represent an imposing test and will back themselves to win most encounters. They have also shown some promising signs in recent weeks despite an appalling performance against Olympiakos in the Champions League. Neither side is particularly strong at the back, although both kept clean sheets last time out, so attention automatically turns to the high-quality attacks on show. This fixture could easily become a shoot-out and, if it does, on present form there should only be one winner; Liverpool. However, Moyes and his players will be doubly determined to kick-start their season and also dent ours at the same time. They really cannot afford any more slipups if a top four finish is still to be achieved but that could easily bring negative pressure, particularly if the crowd gets on their back. Hopefully, in addition to opposing teams, referees are also overcoming the intimidating nature of performing at the Theatre of Dreams and no dodgy decisions will interfere with the outcome!
Vital Liverpool predicts a 2-2 draw
Next Fixtures:
Liverpool – Premier League vs. Cardiff City at the Cardiff City Stadium on Saturday 22nd March 2014, kick off 3.00pm GMT.
Manchester United – Champions League vs. Olympiakos at Old Trafford on Wednesday 19th March 2014, kick off 7.45pm GMT.
So that’s what we think, how about you? Let us know your thoughts and predictions for the game below or vote in our poll to the right…
Click here to read our interview with a Man Utd fan
Click here to read former Red Mark Lawrenson’s prediction
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