Derby Day: Liverpool Need Points to Stay in the Race for fourth, United Must Win To Stay In The Title Race
Derby Day: Liverpool Need Points to Stay in the Race for fourth, United Must Win To Stay In The Title Race
By Dominic Vieira
Liverpool are out of the title race and will want to dent United’s title campaign this Sunday at Old Trafford
Manchester United vs Liverpool, 1:30PM (GMT) Sunday 21st March, Old Trafford
Probably the biggest derby in England; a battle between the two most successful teams in the country. Manchester United vs Liverpool promises to be a tough, intense, and aggressive match. There is a lot of history between the two sides and cities, which creates a diabolical atmosphere in the stadium. Also, it must be mentioned that the fierce rivalry is spurned on by clashes between the United firm “Red Army” against Liverpool’s “The Urchins” who contribute the environment of the day. Hopefully, that rivalry will only be demonstrated through the chants and support they give to their team. Both clubs have won the league 18 times and this year United have the opportunity of passing Liverpool’s record. Ferguson has dreamt for years of United winning the league more times than Liverpool; this season that dream can finally come true. In order for that to happen United must win tomorrow, but Liverpool is not an easy opposition to play against and they are focused on securing 4th place.
Liverpool thrashed Manchester United last year in an exhilarating game which ended 1-4!! A humiliating result for the home side, this season United need to set the record straight and seek revenge. When Liverpool hosted United at Anfield earlier on in the season, the home side won 2-0 and they have also won the last 3 games between the two sides. Liverpool are caught in a three way horse tie for fourth place and need to pick up points if they want to be playing in the Champions League next season. On the other side, Manchester United wants to win so they can stay in the race for their 19th league title, their fourth in a row. Both teams will field strong sides and are entering this match having won their past 2 games. However, Liverpool did play Thursday night (3-0 victory over Lille) and may not be as fit as United.
There will be two key battles on the field: Torres vs Vidic and Rooney vs Carragher. Fernando Torres recently returned from injury and has been sharp and scoring goals. Last season Fernando Torres destroyed Vidic and the Serb will need to play at his best. Luckily, Vidic and Ferdinand have finally started working well this season and are playing brilliantly together, the United wall will be strong. The last time United suffered a league goal at Old Trafford was in December. Also, in the last 3 encounters Vidic has always been sent off. Rooney is having the season of his life and has been deadly in front of goal. However, he does not have a big reputation against Liverpool and it is time to step up. Gerrard is always a man to watch on the day and his passion for this match is huge; Carrick better mark him close. Liverpool must be aware of United’s wingers and not give them room for creativity.
Ryan Giggs will boost the United squad with his return and is expected to sit on the bench, Rafael and Evans are still going to undergo last minute check-ups before the match. Wes Brown, Anderson, O’Shea and Michael Owen (former Liverpool idol) are all out injured. Hargreaves is no longer injured but is not match fit.
Liverpool will be without the Slovak Skrtel and Fabio Aurelio who played a key role in this match last year. Aquillani is an uncertainty for the day and Riera is missing the game through club discipline. Here are the expected lineups:
Manchester United (4-5-1): Van der Sar; Rafael, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra; Valencia, Fletcher, Carrick, Scholes, Nani; Rooney´
Subs(available) : Foster, Kuszczak, Rafael, Fabio, C Evans J Evans, Giggs, Gibson, Obertan, Diouf, Hargreaves, Park, Berbatov,
Liverpool (4-3-3): Reina; Johnson, Carragher, Agger, Insúa; Mascherano, Lucas, Gerrard; Babel, Torres, Kuyt
Subs: Cavalieri, Kyrgiakos, Spearing, Rodríguez, Benayoun, Ngog, Degen, El Zhar, Aquilani, Ayala, Pacheco
Prediction: Manchester United 2 – 0 Liverpool. It could be a draw, even Liverpool may win, but I can see United taking the 3 points today. It will be a close match and neither team wants to lose. United are competing for the title and Liverpool are fighting for 4th place. However, United are deadly at home and will seek revenge for the 1-4 hammering they received last year. Manchester United will have a fresher side tomorrow and know the importance of winning; a defeat will not help them. Rooney and Torres are the match deciders and deadly in goal, who gets the better chances may win the match. A derby which MUST not be missed.
