Liverpool FC vs. Manchester United: Preview, Team News, Prediction
The last time Manchester United came to Anfield, they expected to take three points from the Reds. However, they were met with a different side than the one they defeated 1-0 in their previous meeting in January during the first game under Kenny Dalglish as their then-interim manager.
They were met with a different mentality from Liverpool, as a newly acquired Luis Suarez picked the Red Devils apart and helped Dirk Kuyt to a hat trick in what looked to be a 3-0 rout of the defending league champions, before Javier Hernandez squeaked out a consolation strike at the death to prevent an otherwise perfect day from finishing in a clean sheet for Pepe Reina.
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Saturday October 15th, 2011, will see the Red Devils return to Anfield for the third meeting between Kenny Dalglish and Sir Alex Ferguson since the Liverpool legend took the helm for his second managerial career in Red.
Both managers are even at the moment in their renewed rivalry. Although Dalglish claimed in his pre-match press conference on LFC.tv that it was not about a him-vs-Fergie scenario, there is no doubt it will be a heavily talked about topic post game. Daliglish's statement follows:
""We've got an opportunity to reduce the gap, and it's up to us to take it.
"They are a fantastic team, a hugely successful football club, and we know it's going to be a very difficult game. But I think they'll look at it and think exactly the same thing.
"I don't have any individual contest with Fergie. It's the football clubs who play. We don't play anymore. We can't really influence it other than in the build-up and preparation for the games. The most important thing for us is how we compete as a team on the pitch."
"
The storylines for the match have been all across the web and Bleacher Report this week, and it continues to be the most anticipated match of the Week 8 EPL schedule.
One of the major speculative thoughts surrounding the match is if Steven Gerrard will return to the starting lineup for the Reds.
His last full match for Liverpool was the 3-1 defeat of United, and after six months of injury, he finally looks set for his return to full match fitness. And it could not be a better time.
Liverpool will need their captain and all the leadership they can get on the pitch if they expect to be able to repeat their success of last season.
Despite the Red Devils' sensational form, they were unable to hold onto a draw once this season with Stoke City. Liverpool suffered the sting of defeat against the Potters in the weeks before United were stopped from making a breakthrough.
On the Manchester United side, it is unknown what effect Wayne Rooney being banned from the three games of the Group Stage in the European Championships will be. It will either light a fire in him to make this his best season with United in his career, or it could throw him into a funk similar to his disappointing form last year.
Following the debate over the status of two of the biggest stars in the match, the return to health of Nemanja Vidic is also on the bubble for the match.
The United captain and best defender has been missed, but not as much as many would have thought, given the unanticipated superb form of both Phil Jones and Chris Smalling.
While Vidic's return would be a major boost for the Red Devils, it is hard to think he would be ready to slot into the defense that has learned to function so well in his absence. It would also be a selection crisis for Ferguson, as he would want his most solid central defender on the pitch. But who gets sacrificed?
Phil Jones has been a sensational chance creator from the back with his marauding runs, while Chris Smalling has scored some crucial goals this season, showing that he is just as capable a right back deputy as Jones. So there is really no perfect answer to Ferguson's dilemma.
Back to Liverpool's situation, they have added a potentially lethal super-sub in Craig Bellamy on their bench. The Welsh international was the spark that led to Andy Carroll's goal in the Merseyside Derby, and he will most likely have at least a 30-minute role to play for the Reds.
Charlie Adam will probably make the lineup, even though Dirk Kuyt might be the better choice, given his history against United. The former Blackpool midfielder was a huge part of the Seasiders near-success against the Manchester giants last season, and he was a target for the Red Devils and Sir Alex Ferguson, who was and is a major fan of the Scottish international.
With so much still to be debated in the case of Liverpool vs United, this tie is certainly enough to get any fan from either side ready to go.
Liverpool have a huge opportunity to make a statement for their season if they can come away victorious. Their inconsistency this season needs a solid result that is well-earned, and if they can defeat the table toppers, they certainly deserve a little more credit.
To his credit, Kenny Dalglish still is working out the kinks of his updated squad, but he certainly has more pieces to add to the puzzle. Sir Alex likewise will want his side to continue to reassert their dominance in the league with a strong away victory.
This is perhaps the most anticipated Northwest Derby in years, and if the Reds can pull off a victory, it should legitimize their candidacy for a Champions League place. If not, then they will be ruled only capable of the Europa League, despite there still being 30 games left over after the match.
If United come away victorious, they continue to lead the league and remain the favorites to repeat once again for their 20th championship. However, Liverpool can put a target on the back of the Red Devils for Manchester City if they knock them off, and they can put the ball in the Citizens court when they take on Aston Villa in the afternoon fixtures.
Match Prediction: Liverpool 2 - 1 Manchester United
Predicted Lineups
Liverpool Starting XI: Pepe Reina, Martin Kelly, Jamie Carragher, Martin Skrtel, Jose Enrique; Lucas Leiva, Charlie Adam; Steven Gerrard, Stewart Downing; Andy Carroll, Luis Suarez.
Manchester United Starting XI: David De Gea, Chris Smalling, Rio Ferdinand, Phil Jones, Patrice Evra, Ashley Young, Ryan Giggs, Anderson, Nani; Wayne Rooney, Danny Welbeck.
Players to Watch: Luis Suarez, Steven Gerrard, Ashley Young and Wayne Rooney.
For more covereage you can check out these additional articles on Bleacher Report.
Liverpool FC: What Victory over Manchester United Would Mean for the Reds - Thomas Atzenhoffer
Liverpool FC : Starting Lineup, Formation Against Manchester United - Nabeel Khokhar
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