Manchester United V Liverpool: The Breakdown

Tomorrow will see Manchester United and Liverpool once again do battle; Old Trafford the backdrop to what will no doubt be a very spicy affair.

The home side will be eager to avenge their recent FA Cup exit at Anfield and keep chasing neighbours city at the summit of the Premier League, while the visitors need to keep pace for fourth.

What do the teams offer on a position by position basis though, and crucially who has the advantage?

Goalkeeper

One is world class, while the other certainly has the potential to be despite all the negative reports.

Liverpool’s season so far has been built on a resolute backline and goalkeeper that simply don’t concede too many.  Pepe Reina has become a real fan favourite during his time on Merseyside; there’s no doubting his current place amongst the Premier League’s best. 

He has experienced unbelievable highs and lows during his Liverpool career, and that’s just at Old Trafford, but as always he will be a tough nut to crack tomorrow.

David De Gea is expected to start from the home side, which is arguably the flip side of the coin.  The young Spaniard has received widespread criticism this season, but some can see the potential despite some sticky moments.

From set pieces De Gea could once again get bombarded, as at Anfield in the recent FA Cup tie.  His inability to deal with crosses and free kicks is well known, while the stat that only two keepers in Europe’s top five leagues conceded more from long range in the 2010/11 season shows another flaw.

His slight frame is a problem, but at only 21 years of age, despite the above points, Manchester United’s coaches can no doubt mould him into a world class goalkeeper.  Just think of that last minute save at Chelsea, or his heroics at Anfield earlier in the season in the reverse fixture for just two examples of the promise he shows.

Defence

As in the FA Cup recently, United will see more of the ball which could ease some pressure on a Defence that has looked shaky.

Without the talismanic Nemanja Vidic it has looked a tad makeshift at times this season, which has given their opponents hope.  The three conceded at Chelsea will give the visitors some belief, at Old Trafford though, and in such a big game, you would expect a very composed performance.

The Liverpool Defence has been largely lauded this season; conceding only three less than their Manchester rivals in the Premier League though.

Martin Skrtel and Daniel Agger have looked solid, while Jose Enrique has also been praised since his arrival from Newcastle United in August.  This will, however, be a very different Manchester United to the one that was defeated not so long ago.

Meaning this could present a whole new set of problems, particularly in the shape of Wayne Rooney who is fresh off the back of a two goal display last weekend at Stamford Bridge.

Midfield

Overhauled by Kenny Dalglish in the summer but not having the desired effect.  Charlie Adam, Jordan Henderson and Stewart Downing arrived for over £40m, but have so far not fired on all cylinders.

There’s a distinct possibility that a five man midfield could be utilised in an attempt to stifle and frustrate United and hit with pace on the break when in possession.  If that’s the case, you would expect Craig Bellamy to be starter, especially after his heroics of the last few weeks.

The home side on the other hand will have to use the ball much better than they did Anfield when Liverpool’s defence looked composed.  Antonio Valencia has received credit in the last few weeks and possesses the skill to turn a game in an instant.

Love him or loathe him though, it is Nani who has been missed. He may frustrate by holding on to the ball or hitting a wayward pass from time to time but he scores and assists aplenty. 

Valencia (8), Ryan Giggs (8) and Nani (7) all have more assists to their name in this season Premier League than Liverpool’s highest, Charlie Adam with six.

Attack

It has been widely reported that Liverpool have struggled for goals this season, despite the chances largely being there.

If a counter attacking policy is used it would make sense to start to the returning Luis Suarez, although Kenny Dalglish could be reluctant to hand him his first start since his ban in what will be such a cauldron of hate.

Andy Carroll has shown promise in recent weeks and could be a good target man to hold the ball up, while everyone knows the sheer effort and passion that emanates from Dirk Kuyt.

The home side, however, do hold the advantage in this department with Danny Welbeck and Javier Hernandez vying for the right to partner Wayne Rooney.

It has been the former that has enjoyed a stretch in the side so far this season, however, after his goal scoring appearance from the bench on Sunday the Mexican could be given the nod.

Rooney is currently joint third with Sergio Aguero in the goal scoring charts, and would love nothing more than to get one over on his rivals.

Just in case that’s not enough, last season joint top scorer Dimitar Berbatov is also in reserve.

Overall

It has the potential to be an exciting affair, despite both sides being relatively evenly matched.  That being said, ties between these two do have the habit of throwing up something unexpected.

United are notoriously hard to crack on home soil, and in two big away games this season Liverpool have suffered heavy defeats.  Going down 4-0 to Tottenham Hotspur and 3-0 at Manchester City.

Although Liverpool have more away wins thus far in 2011/12, they have also suffered all five league defeats on the road.

Both sides could do with the win but I believe it's too close to call and will plump for a score draw, but what do you think?