Manchester United vs. Liverpool: Date, Time, Live Stream, TV Info and Preview
This season's first meeting of the two most successful clubs in English football boasts a startling role reversal. The last campaign saw Liverpool dominate behind the goalscoring and creative genius of Luis Suarez. The Reds finished second, while United went from defending champions to seventh under David Moyes.
But since Louis van Gaal replaced the out-of-his-depth Scot this summer United have enjoyed a revival. Van Gaal has overcome a stuttering start, along with an avalanche of injuries, to steer United into third place.
By contrast, the post-Suarez Liverpool languish ninth in the Premier League. A slew of summer signings have failed to shine, something's that's increased the pressure on manager Brendan Rodgers ahead of the trip to Old Trafford.
TOP NEWS
Madrid Fines Players $590K 😲
'Mbappé Out' Petition Gaining Steam 😳
Star-Studded World Cup Ad 🤩
Before a more in-depth preview, here's all of the schedule and viewing information:
Date: Sunday, Dec. 14, 2014
Time: 1:30 p.m. (GMT) / 8:30 a.m. (ET)
TV: Sky Sports 1 / NBCSN
Live Stream: Sky Go. / NBC Sports Live Extra.
Preview
The contrast in attack currently defines both teams and will more than likely settle this game. United are overloaded with talented forward players.
Chief among them is striker Robin van Persie. A truly world-class finisher, the Dutchman is steadily returning to his best form.
Van Persie has hit three goals in his last two matches, including a brace to beat Southampton away from home. As if Van Persie's upturn in form wasn't enough for Rodgers to worry about, he'll also have to contend with the threat posed by Wayne Rooney.
At least that star-studded pairing won't have the benefit of supply from Angel Di Maria. Van Gaal confirmed the mercurial winger will still be sidelined with injury, per the club's official Twitter feed:
However, it's not as if United are lacking for playmakers. Van Gaal can still call on Juan Mata, another player experiencing a revival in form, as well as Ander Herrera.
That duo may even have the chance to create chances for Radamel Falcao. During his pre-match press conference, Van Gaal suggested the prolific Colombian goal-getter could return for this game, per ESPN FC writer James Brewin:
"Falcao could make a return this weekend.
He is not fit enough to start a game yet. He needs to play 45, 60 or even 90 minutes in the second team, but I haven't been able to do that because I needed him on the bench when James Wilson missed the Hull game and Wayne Rooney was injured for the Stoke game. You have to be fit. That's why players have to play in the second team, like Falcao, in spite of his name.
"
With this level of firepower available, United will have too much for a Liverpool side unable to be anywhere near as potent going forward. Rodgers is paying the price for gambling that Mario Balotelli's temperament issues were behind him.
He's also suffering due to thinking Balotelli and Rickie Lambert were sufficient to replace Suarez. In fairness, that problem has been compounded by Daniel Sturridge's lengthy injury issues.
Rodgers has to find a way to craft a credible forward threat. His best ploy would be to surround target man Lambert with his ample number of attacking midfielders.
One player who could be vital in that plan is Lambert's ex-Southampton teammate Adam Lallana. Injuries have blighted the early stages of the gifted playmaker's Anfield career.
But the 26-year-old remains keen to help Liverpool escape the mire. He's so keen in fact Lallana is ready to play through the pain of two cracked ribs, per Liverpool Echo reporter James Pearce:
"Adam Lallana is expected to be available for Liverpool's trip to Manchester United on Sunday – despite being hampered by two cracked ribs.
...
Liverpool had sought to keep it quiet to prevent Lallana from being targeted by opponents.
He had a pain-killing injection to enable him to start against Sunderland last weekend.
"
If Lallana is joined by Philippe Coutinho and Lazar Markovic, he can cause problems for a United defence often undermined by its own injury woes. The Red Devils' rearguard will have to cope without England international Chris Smalling, per ManUtd.com writer Mark Froggatt.
Against a patchwork group, attack may be the best form of defence for Rodgers' men at Old Trafford.
Predicted Final Score: United 3-1 Liverpool
It's difficult to believe a struggling Liverpool side will get anything against a suddenly revived United team. The Red Devils are winning without playing particularly well. That's an ominous sign for the rest of the Premier League.
Van Gaal's United squad boasts the best attacking talent in the division. Once things click, United will be a serious player in this season's title race.
The Red Devils will start to show those credentials by making comfortable work of Rodgers' floundering group.
