Intrique

It’s no doubt one of the fiercest rivalries in English football. Fans from all over the world gather in anticipation of this blockbuster fixture. Players are pumped up while managers flex their thinking tactical caps, all gearing up for one of the most highly anticipated fixture on the English football Calendar, Liverpool versus Manchester United.

This season, both clubs have had decent starts to the new campaign. Manchester United has done well; collecting 10 out of a possible 12, with the only minor hiccup coming up against their plucky rivals from across the street, Manchester City. Sir Alex Ferguson will be pleased with the start they’ve had so far having won 3 out of 4 games, 2 of which were tough away matches at Everton and Newcastle. Liverpool has had a slower start but has remained unbeaten after tough trips to Middlesbrough and Tottenham. Rafa Benitez will be pleased with the input so far, 5 points from a possible 9. At this same stage of the season last year, Liverpool had only 4 points.

Many will agree that form will count for little going into matches of this altitude. Both teams will be up for it and both will equally have a good chance of coming up tops. History will be on the side of United, having won the 3 last meetings at Anfield. The corresponding fixture last season saw Wayne Rooney lash home a winner from outside the box, complimented by the howler from Jerzy Dudek. There is no doubt that Rooney can perform the same heroics again come this Sunday.

Injury problems have hit United of late. Gary Neville ruled out for a couple of months, Roy Keane out for a good 6 weeks and Gabriel Heinze the latest casualty hit, out for most of the current campaign. United will once again rely on Rooney and Van Nistelrooy to go for goals. Christiano Ronaldo and Park Ji Sung will provide the supply from midfield.

However, Keane’s absence could be a telling factor in the outcome of the game. The midfield battle is ever so crucial in big games. You can have the best strikers in the world in your team but if you don't have supply from midfield, there is only that much the strikers can do in the game. In Steven Gerrard, Xabi Alonso, Momo Sissoko and Didi Hamann, Liverpool possesses probably the best central midfield pairings in the premiership. Central pairing of Scholes and Alan Smith could find it hard against the Liverpool midfield.

Defensively, both teams are sound. United have conceded only one goal in the league so far, while Liverpool have yet to concede a single goal. Hyppia and Carragher will have to stand up strong against Rooney and Van Nistelrooy. This is perhaps United’s biggest strength coming into the game. It’s anyone’s guess who will spearhead the Liverpool attack this Sunday, whether or not the manager decides to play 2 up front or a lone figure with support from midfield.
Nevertheless, there is Djbril Cisse, Peter Crouch and Luis Garcia. Fernando Morientes will be missing, having hurt his groin during training.

No one should overlook the fact the Anfield is the venue. We all know what happened at Anfield last season. There were some astonishing matches played on the ground. 3-1 win over Olympiakos, 2-1 against Juventus, the controversial 1-0 win over Chelsea and the Mellor Magic 2-1 win over Arsenal. Buoyed by perhaps one of the best vocal fans in the world to date, Anfield will always be a tough venue for visiting teams. The Kop will be out in voice this Sunday and no one can know for sure the outcome of the game but one thing for sure, it’s going to be a cracker of a game.

Key Battles

Attack against Defense.
Rooney / Van Nistelrooy vs Hyppia / Carragher.

Hyppia’s pace will be exploited. Carragher will have his hands full trying to mark Rooney. This battle will probably swing towards Manchester United.

MUFC 1 LFC 0

Attack against Defense.
Cisse / Crouch vs Rio / Silvestre.

Crouch has been encouraging for Liverpool so far this season. Cisse has yet to find his scoring boots in the premiership this season. It will take more from the duo to trouble the united defense. This will be another edge for Manchester United.

MUFC 2 LFC0

Central midfield battle.
Alonso / Gerrard / Sissoko vs Smith / Scholes.

Liverpool will dominate the midfield. Keane’s absence will be sorely missed. No Butt and Phillip Neville, Manchester United lacks a natural holding midfielder and this could be a major factor in the outcome of Sunday’s game.

MUFC 2 LFC 1

Left against Right
Risse / Warnock vs Ronaldo / O Shea

It will be a close battle. Ronaldo will be active throughout. Risse and Warnock should do enough to nullify the Portuguese winger. Draw at this battle.

MUFC 3 LFC 2

Right against Left
Luis Garcia / Finnan vs Park Ji Sung / Giggs

Heinze’s absence will be a massive blow. There is thin cover at left back for United. Liverpool should have this edge in this area of battle.

MUFC 3 LFC 3

It’s going to be a close fight. Both teams are pretty evenly matched. In my opinion, the midfield battle will be key. Keane’s absence will hurt United. The Kop will be an added bonus. The home fans will most definitely prove to be the useful 12th player on the pitch. Despite losing the last 3 meetings with their rivals, Liverpool still have every chance to beat United.

It’s an intriguing encounter. May the best team win on Sunday.