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Liverpool v Manchester United Preview
Published by Ian John on October 23, 2009
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Sunday’s game between Liverpool and Manchester United promises to be one of the most hotly contested North West derbies in recent years. The backdrop for the contest for the two teams involved could not be more different. United, fresh from a fine Champions League win in Moscow, rested several stars ahead of the Liverpool tie and have almost a full strength squad to pick from to improve upon their excellent start to the season. For Liverpool, the midweek Champions League home defeat to Lyon was a shattering blow, but not as shattering as the news that both Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard may miss this game through injury. After four defeats in four games, manager Rafa Benitez knows that only a win will be enough to give his side any chance of league success.
For the visitors it is straight forward enough. A win for Sir Alex’s men will keep them at the top of the table and see Liverpool ten points behind. Sir Alex has an almost full strength squad to choose from for the game, with midweek absentees such as Wayne Rooney and Patrice Evra, expected to return to the side. Only Park Ji Sung remains unavailable for Sir Alex who will be delighted by the news that Owen Hargreaves is returning to full fitness. A strong start in the league and Champions League has given United a fantastic foundation upon which to build this season and few betting men would argue against them gaining some degree of revenge for the two league defeats Liverpool inflicted on them last season.
For the home team it has been a desperate few weeks. Defeat at Fiorentina was followed by similar defeats at Chelsea, Sunderland and at home to Lyon. Worse still, injuries sustained on international duty have robbed the reds of Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres who both look extremely doubtful for the game with United. Glen Johnson should be fit but Alberto Aquilani, who kicked a ball in earnest for Liverpool for the first time in a midweek reserve game, will probably miss out.
The fortunes of the two teams could not be more contrast. Defeat for United would be a minor issue. Not welcome but it would not undermine their title hopes. Defeat for Liverpool would put them 10 points behind the league leaders, after just 10 games, and would put manager Rafa Benitez under even greater pressure. Should Rafa gamble on the short term fitness of Gerrard and Torres, especially since his team seems so devoid of attacking ability without them? Or does he risk another damaging defeat in the hope they will return to inspire the team for the rest of the season? It’s a tough choice, but that is what he is paid a great deal of money to do.
So who will win? My heart says Liverpool, but every other fibre of my being screams that this will be a rather straightforward victory for United. As a Reds fan, and I do hope I am wrong, but I can see United winning this game, and winning it very comfortably indeed.
Image Courtesy of ***Alex Blue 04*** at Flickr.com
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Nabyl Charania on Sat, 24th Oct 2009 1:45 pm
Big game tmrw, chelsea won 5-0 today so the pressure is on.
Man Utd boss blasts ref, but who is to blame? | deciphersoccer.com on Mon, 26th Oct 2009 7:52 am
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