It's that time of the year again, when England's 'Big 4' clash with each other. Indeed, this Sunday will be action packed for all football lovers and the result is likely to have a huge impact on who will eventually claim the Premier League title.
First up we take on Manchester United vs Liverpool.Yes, indeed the Reds vs the Mighty Red Devils live from Old Trafford. United come into the game on the back of 2-0 win against Bolton in midweek. Two sensational goals from United's goal machine Cristiano Ronaldo proved enough to sink the Trotters. Sir Alex Ferguson's team is well aware of the fact that they are now three points ahead of Arsenal.
The Gunners, meanwhile, have to travel to Chelsea to face the Blues at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea have not lost a single league match at the Bridge in over three years. This will motivate United to go on to defeat Liverpool and gain a possible six point advantage.
But Rafa's Reds will be no 'walkovers'. Liverpool have their very own goal machine in Spanish striker, Fernando Torres. Torres has scored 27 goals in all competitions for the Reds since his move from Athletico Madrid in the summer. Manchester United know that if they want to do the 'double' over Liverpool this season, then they will have to curtail not only Torres but Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard as well.
United's winger, Ronaldo has scored 33 goals this season, taking over the record of United legend George Best for most goals in a season. However, Ronaldo is not the only player that could cause problems for Liverpool. In fact, the likes of Rooney, Tevez, Saha, Giggs and Scholes could all cause problems to the Scousers.
Whatever the result is, the fans can be sure of some great football action when the two rivals meet. This game has all the makings of a classic. I think United are looking very strong and I do think that the Red Devils will gain another victory.
The second game on Grandslam Sunday will be contested between London rivals, Arsenal and Chelsea. Chelsea will be on home turf for the game and having not lost a single game at the Bridge in the league in over three season, they will be confident of coming away with all the points.
The Blues had an epic encounter with Tottenham Hotspurs in midweek. The final score from White Hart Lane was 4-4. Avram Grant's ambitions have been burned since defeat to Spurs in the League Cup Final. Arsenal know they need to get a result to keep the pressure on Manchester United. Fabregas,Adebayor and Co will be gunning for this game after being held to two consecutive draws by Wigan and Middlesborough.
Arsene Wenger has revealed Robin Van Persie is close to full fitness now and is expected to play some role in the game. Wenger's goal hopes however will be from Fabregas and the Togolese striker, Adebayor. Avram Grant will have a balanced squad to choose from including the likes of Anelka, Lampard, Drogba, Joe Cole and Ballack. The result of this game is very likely to make a difference to the Premier League race. I believe it will be an intense encounter but I back the Blues to grind out a 1-0 win at home.
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6 months ago
I think united will beat Liverpool, and then Chelsea and Arsenal will crown united champions as they draw at the Bridge. That will be 5 points. Too much considering United are on fire at the moment. The London Derby needs to produce a winner either way to keep the title race alive.
6 months ago
I'm going for United and Chelsea........and I can't believe I missed that game last night!!!! 4-4!!!!
6 months ago
i think united will win 2-0 with goals from tevez and vidic. and chelsea will win 2-1.
6 months ago
This will be a big test for Liverpool. While they handled Inter well, they did play a man up in both matches, and folks are saying Serie A is slipping. If they could draw at Old Trafford, they are the real deal. United have lost at home to Portsmouth (FA Cup) and Man City (Feb), but those don't have much weight in this match.
Arsenal have a little bit more momentum than Chelsea in the EPL, especially after the Blue's draw yesterday at Tottenham. Chelsea's last official loss at home was in the League Cup, October 26th, 2005, against Charlton. It was a penalty shootout.
Their last home loss before that, which was the last non-penalty shoot out loss at Stamford Bridge, was on February 21st, 2004...to Arsenal.
Hats off to the Blues for that home streak.
6 months ago
I misread a statistic. Arsenal DO NOT have more momentum in the EPL than Chelsea.
6 months ago
If Liverpool can weather then early storm at Old Trafford then I can really see them getting something on Sunday. They are arguably the most in-form team in Europe (of the last 4-6 weeks or so) and I think the longer the match remains level, the better chance they will have and they could even nick it, depending on if United go gung-ho attack chasing the win.
United have struggled a bit recently when they haven’t got the early lead – ie against Portsmouth and Man City and ended up losing these two. At Derby the goal took a long time to come but eventually did. Against a much better team, it probably won’t and United could easily get caught on the break.
Ferdinand didn’t give Torres a kick in the game at Anfield but this time Rio is doubtful with a back injury and United will rightly fear that if they give the Spaniard one chance, he will put it away.
I can’t really see the record going at the Bridge afterwards, although if Arsenal are dead up for it they could conjure up the spirit and performance that saw them dominate in the San Siro. Chelsea won’t roll over so easily though and will surely put up a fight. I think Chelsea need to win more and this will show as they grind out a narrow victory.
6 months ago
Tough one this. There isnt likely to be much good football played, this should suit Liverpool and Chelsea as i feel Utd and Arsenal have their main strenghts in attack. That being said UTD have only conceded 5 all season at home. Id love to see a Liverpool Victory but i cant see it being a reality. 0-0 or 1-1 is more realistic although i have a sneaky suspicion of 1 - 0 utd. Chelsea to beat Arsenal comfortably.
6 months ago
Liverpool all the way - Chelsea and Arsenal will draw....
6 months ago
I feel it will be a close game but games would end as home wins..both probably 1-0 or 2-1
6 months ago
liverpool iz da best
6 months ago
A very good point is raised that "So much praise is given to United’s attack that the fact they have the best defence in the country is overlooked.
Just 15 goals conceded in 30 league games is a terrific record and so much of that is down to the partnership between Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand. Vidic is so strong while Rio is playing the best football of his career."
-- got this great commentary, of all the places, from this The LAhore Tribune's 'sports' section. A good read though. Check it out http://thelahoretribune.com/sections/pakistan-sports/
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