Liverpool vs. Manchester United: Predicting the Reds Starting XI

There is not a game bigger for Liverpool's young season than their clash with Manchester United on home soil.

Last year, the Reds managed to blank Sir Alex Ferguson's side 3-0 courtesy of a Dirk Kuyt hat trick in front of the Anfield Faithful.

So far this season, Liverpool have been a picture of ups and downs in consistency. One game they will look great and then the next, they will totally crumble.

It can be blamed on new players in the squad for only so long. The return of Steven Gerrard into the side has been widely anticipated and it is hoped that he will help solidify the squad from top to bottom.

No matter who ends up making up the starting side for the Reds, they have to get the job done. Otherwise, the papers will be absolutely ruthless as will the critics of how far Liverpool are yet to even go.

Pepe Reina

Pepe Reina, yes this is perhaps the most boring slide in any Liverpool lineup prediction. So much of me wanted to say Alexander Doni just to mess with people.

RB: Martin Kelly

While Glen Johnson is expected to make his return to the starting lineup in the coming weeks, he is still not believed quite ready to step into the first team yet.

Martin Kelly continues to be solid on the right ride, but he will be in for a challenge in a half against Ashely Young, who has been sensational this season.

RCB: Jaime Carragher

Old, reliable Jamie Carragher will be the anchor at the back for the Reds as always.

Although he has lost a step or two, he is still the brains behind the defensive unit and he is always marshaling his surrounding teammates.

His experience in high pressure matches like the Manchester United one will be a bonus for those around him.

LCB: Martin Skrtel

While Martin Skrtel has become a questionable first choice option this season with many feeling it is time for him to move on, he still is the most seasoned center half available aside from Carragher.

Sebastian Coates may not be ready for this match at the moment but he is more than ready to start working his way into the side on a more consistent basis.

LB: Jose Enrique

Jose Enrique continues to look like the most consistent of the new summer signings for the Reds and he will need to be up for anything as he faces off against Nani.

He was caught struggling with the pace of Kyle Walker against Tottenham and could again have some trouble tracking the Portuguese winger.

However, there is not a more physical and injury proof option and Enrique continues to improve by the week in the EPL.

DM: Lucas Leiva

Lucas is the one midfielder that could perhaps be expendable to make room for Steven Gerrard.

I still feel he will make the side just for his work ethic, but he needs to make some effective first tackles this match or United may get too many chances in front of the box.

CM: Charlie Adam

Charlie Adam should retain his place in the side. He had a great effort from range against Everton and he is the best midfielder to choose from other than a fit Steven Gerrard.

He has been inconsistent in open play and needs to keep from giving the ball away in the build up to allow the Reds a chance to counter attack in transition.

RM: Steven Gerrard

Steven Gerrard had one of, if not the best, seasons of his career as a right sided midfielder.

Although it is unlikely that he will be played on the right, he could be highly productive with his ability to make cutting runs into the box and be out wide enough to provide service into the box.

LW: Stewart Downing

Stewart Downing is the preferred choice on the left and as the only dedicated wide player, he will most certainly be involved for the Reds.

If he is proving ineffective in the second half, I look to see him substituted out in favor of Craig Bellamy.

ST: Andy Carroll

Andy Carroll's goal against Everton will more than likely have seen him book a place in the Manchester United match.

He has proven effective in matches against teams from Manchester with his brace against Manchester City at Anfield to come to mind, but this is the Red Mancunian side and not the Blue and a different team altogether.

ST: Luis Suarez

Last season in this fixture, Luis Suarez turned the United defense inside out with his foot skills. He will have to be prepared to do just that again this season.

While the match against the Red Devils last season was a major fixture, this season it could mean so much more to the Reds than the majority of matches they have had in the last few seasons.

Conclusion

It will be a mountain to climb if Liverpool can find a way to take down the league leaders.

However, a victory here could solidify their credentials as Champions League deserving while a loss and even worse, a decisive loss, could render their ego's bruised and their expectations even more damaged.

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