Liverpool V Manchester United Preview: Premier League Football

Liverpool v Manchester United

Sunday 25 October 2009, Anfield

Kick-Off: 14:00

Liverpool

Rafa Benitez has seen better days heading into this Liverpool vs Man Utd match, and speculation of sacking the Spaniard boss has circled the media following four straight defeats suffered by the Reds.

Liverpool have injuries to their two key players, Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres, though the level at which they have performed in recent weeks is alarming, and ahead of a titanic Liverpool v Man Utd clash, Benitez’s ship could be quickly sinking.

Through nine games played in the league, Liverpool have now lost four games, already twice as much as they had lost all of the 2008/09 season.

But the problems don’t stop there.

After Tuesday night’s loss in the Champions League at home against Lyon, Liverpool face an uphill climb to qualify for the knockout stage, having won one and lost two of their opening three matches in Group E.

One positive note for Liverpool is that Xavi Alonso’s replacement in midfield, Alberto Aquilani, came through a midweek reserve match without problem. While he is almost certain to miss the match against United, it is still something for the struggling club to look forward to.

Good news ahead of this Liverpool v Manchester United clash sees Fernando Torres nearing a return. If the Spanish striker were fit in time for the match, the Reds would receive an invaluable boost to their chances.

Manchester United

While it's all struggles at Liverpool, Manchester United have been enjoying themselves, as everything seems to be going right for Sir Alex Ferguson’s men.

Following a shock defeat to Burnley in August, Man Utd have a near perfect record in all competitions with a 2-2 draw against Sunderland representing their only blemish.

The club have now marched to the top of the Premier League and find themselves sitting pretty in the Champions League after a 1-0 victory over CSKA Moscow made it a perfect three for three for Man United.

Patrice Evra should return for the Red Devils and though Wayne Rooney’s likely absence can be viewed as a setback, the team have performed well without their star striker.

Antonio Valencia, who scored the winner in Moscow on Wednesday, has shown signs of progressing into the player United fans hoped he would be as he has lifted his play in recent weeks. The Ecuadorian winger will no doubt be hoping to shine in this crucial Man Utd v Liverpool meeting.

Prediction

Last season's Liverpool v Man Utd meetings saw the Reds win both fixtures.

Liverpool - Man Utd at Anfield was 2-1, whilst the reverse fixture at Old Trafford saw Liverpool post an extremely memorable 4-1 crushing of United.

Given their current form, it is relatively safe to say that a repeat of the 4-1 victory at Old Trafford is highly unlikely this weekend.

With all the drama surrounding the club in recent weeks, this match could prove very important psychologically for Liverpool.

A win, or even a positive draw against Man United could be the springboard that the side need to get back into contention in both the Premier League and Champions League competitions.

A loss to arch-rivals Man Utd in front of their home crowd, however, could be a crushing blow to Liverpool's already-weakened mentality.

Manchester United have to be considered favourites coming into this match, but with a great deal riding on the outcome on Sunday, Liverpool will have to hope that they have what it takes to salvage some kind of result at Anfield.

Liverpool v Man Utd Prediction: Liverpool 1 - Man Utd 1

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And read our other Sunday previews: West Ham vs Arsenal and Manchester City vs Fulham in the Premier League. Plus Barcelona vs Zaragoza in the Spanish La Liga.