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
Liverpool FC 2013/2014 