The Rivalry Continues with a new Chapter this Sunday

So here it is. One of the biggest rivalries in world football will play out on Sunday with Liverpool travelling to Manchester to take on their arch rivals. No other fixture on the calendar is more important than the date Liverpool travel to Old Trafford. It’s not just a football rivalry with the rich history both clubs have, but also it’s a city rivalry with both being geographically close. The hatred from both sides comes from the belief of being the best, so the atmosphere on Sunday will be hostile and intense. However looking at the English football landscape at the moment, the tables look to be turning.

Manchester United being successful is all I’ve ever known. Their dominance of the English game was driven by Sir Alex Ferguson. With his retirement being announced last May, David Moyes took the helm. There was no question that the changing over of managers would be difficult but no one would have predicted the demise of Manchester United. Being out of both cups, out of the title race and almost certainly out of the Champions League, it’s not something the fans at Old Trafford have been used to. I believed that the writing was on the wall last year and were fortunate to win the league. However Moyes can do better with those group of players.

With confidence low at Old Trafford, Liverpool will be hoping to take full advantage being in the rich vein of form they are in. Having not lost in the league since Chelsea last December this game will arguably be the most difficult away game since that defeat. Although Liverpool are eleven points clear in the league table, United will no doubt raise their game for this local rivalry. I believe if Liverpool are to win the game, there are two things they have to do. The first one is to win the midfield battle. It is well documented how United’s midfield is slow and lethargic so Liverpool have to press them high up the pitch and force them into errors. Liverpool have to play with a fast tempo. This is why I feel again Joe Allen will again play in a midfield role with Phillipe Coutinho dropping to the bench. The second thing Liverpool must do is use their pace. United’s defensive age profile is quite old and have being conceding lots of goals this season. It is vital that Liverpool can get Daniel Sturridge one on one with Ferdinand and Vidic with the form he is in. With Sterling and Suarez in support, United will fear the three pronged attack.

I believe this will be a tough game for Liverpool to win. Local rivalries take a journey of their own. It’s a must win as Chelsea play on Saturday night and could open a ten point lead at the top. I’d Love to see Liverpool win, but I believe this game will end in a draw.

Steven Gerrard and Anderson getting to know each other in 2007

Sheer Determination and Class has Liverpool Back in the Race

Henderson was outstanding last Saturday

Steven Gerrard ecstatic after his last minute penalty at Fulham

It’s been a massive five days for the Premier League title race. The total unpredictability of the Premier League has made this year’s season the most exciting in recent years with four genuine contenders for the crown. Liverpool were considered as rank outsiders a week ago however two wins with different performances and results going their way have bought them well into the chasing pack.

It started last Saturday when they hosted Arsenal at Anfield. They were four nil in front after twenty minutes and eventually won the game 5-1, which is regarded as one of the most impressive Liverpool performance in recent memory. What impressed me about the display was the relentless pressing of the ball and the cheetah like pace on the counter attack. They gave Arsenal no time to settle on the ball which made the likes of Ozil, Wilshere and Carzola look average at best. Jordan Henderson was like a terrier snapping at the heels of his midfield counterparts. What was satisfying for me was the form of Raheem Sterling. The wide man scored two goals and caused constant problems for the Arsenal defence. There is no doubt is form dipped last season after an impressive start but his performances this year have improved greatly and have become more consistent, which has made him an outside bet to make Roy Hodgson’s England World Cup squad in Brazil this summer.

Last night’s result against Fulham was not as appealing on the eye but just as important as the win against their rivals. They came from behind twice which shows immense character within the squad. Daniel Sturridge scored another goal which takes his tally to the season to nineteen. Phillipe Coutinho also scored which rounds off his impressive displays of recent times which is a big plus. Gerrard’s penalty in the dying moments of the game shows the luck maybe with the Merseysiders.

However one major problem has been the conceding of sloppy goals which could see Liverpool fall short. Kolo Toure again made a poor error in the early minutes of the game which makes one think how long they can get away with these errors. It’s the FA Cup this week and another clash with Arsenal awaits. Liverpool will go into the game at the Emirates Stadium full of confidence in what should be a very close game.