The rivalry between the two clubs has become so intense that since the 1964 transfer of Phil Chrisnall from United to Liverpool, no player has been transferred directly between the two clubs. Though Paul Ince, Peter Beardsley and more recently Micheal Owen have played for both clubs but played for another team in between.
Manchester United go to Liverpool this weekend having not won there since December 2007, something the defending champions would like to change. The last ten fixtures at Anfield make better reading though with 5 United wins, 4 Liverpool and a solitary goalless draw. One draw in 10 fixtures shows that this is a result fixture, more often than not. United have the best Premier League record of any club against Liverpool, with 20 wins and 67 points.This is the 21st league meeting as managers between Kenny Dalglish and Sir Alex Ferguson (Ferguson leads by seven wins to five). Last season two players scored a hatrick each, Berbatov & Kuyt and only one is assured of a place in their respective teams match day squads ( Im not talking about the starting eleven). Lastly there have been four penalties awarded in the last five Premier League meetings between the two.
Players to look out for in the Liverpool camp is definately Luis Suárez, Steven Gerrard (whom I expect will play) and Luis Enrique. United players to look out for is definately Wayne Rooney, Anderson and Nemanja Vidic (whom I expect will play). It does not look as if Liverpool have missed the talismatic captain (I sometimes thought where would he fit in) but you can believe he will improve their squad. Suárez vision and tenacious win at all cost attitude is one reason he already has 4 goals this term and if memory serves he ran United ragged back in March. Though Anderson has had a stellar start to the season his performances against the so called Top Five still needs to convince me and nothing like a derby to see if its so.Vidic will be a welcome return as United have only kept one clean sheet in their last five (in all competitions).
We know both teams are littered with youth, class and experience Nani, Adam, Chicharito, Downing, Reina, De Gea, even though my fantasy league team only boast Rooney & Enrique, these six I foresee shaping the way the match could go. If Anderson cant hold his own in the middle, like in the Basel match or Enrique can't look after Young it might be a long afternoon for one of these teams.
One thing is for sure though, all eyes will be on Anfield come 13:45 Saturday the 15th October 2011.
My prediction 2-1, no need to ask which team
Jade Christopher Bentley Adams (JCBA)
Sources -Wikipedia
- Eurosport
Comments
Post a Comment