Player Battles: Gunners v/s The Reds

18 Yard Box looks at three key battles on the pitch that might change the game.


Two teams, both of whom seem to have left their glory days to the past, battle to get back to the same stage. As the race for the Champions League place hots up, this battle comes at a very crucial period of the season.  Arsenal play Liverpool at the Emirates and here we look at the key battles that will decide the tie.

Thomas Vermaelen v/s Luis Suarez

Even though the Dutchman at Old Trafford hogs all the right headlines, Suarez has been incredibly good this season. After Michael Owen did it years back, Suarez is the first liverpool striker to have scored more than 20 goals at this stage of the season. Luis continues to silence a lot of his critics with his performances on the pitch. Brilliant in turning, picking up balls from the deep, running at the defence and scoring long rangers, Suarez has everything in his kitty to trouble the Arsenal centre backs. But having said this, Arsenal have got the better out of him in the past two occasions. Thomas Vermaelen has had a strange season. Ever since he has been handed the captain's arm band, he has had an on off performance. When good, he has been very good and when bad, he has been waytoo average. The crucial thing from an Arsenal perspective is, he is getting the consistency and performances back. The lunging tackles, last minute interceptions and a huge header of the ball, Vermalen's dynamism is hugely required and he might be key to stop Suarez This would have been a close contest but with the kind for form Suarez is in and with Vermaelen coming back from an injury, the Liverpool hitman is the favourite in this contest comfortably. However, Vermaelen has been getting the better out of the Uruguayan international and this could ultimately boil down to who has more will to win the tie.

Olivier Giroud v/s Daniel Agger

The Frenchman is running riot in the opposition defence off lately. 4 goals in 2 games has seen him be the leader of the Arsenal attack. His excellent hold up, a decent running speed and a steel-like left foot has seen him score 13 goals in Arsenal colours in only his first season. When he came, many doubted but ever since his early barren spell for the Gunners, he has never looked back. However, he will be against a quality defender and his real test will be then.  Daniel Agger has been Liverpool's best defender so far. Great in heading and tackling, the defender has all the characteristics of making a Premier League great. However, his form has dropped but when at his best he can break up the best of attacks. Liverpool will look at this talisman to help solve their defensive problems and solve their inconsistancy.  The two gentlemen will have a close encounter between them when they take the field on Wednesday night. Form backs Olivier Giroud whereas experience of having more Premier League games under his belt backs Agger. Giroud might just lose out here when it comes to outrunning his opponent. However, his menacing headers needs to be kept under check. All in all it is a tough one to to call and they might end the night on equals

Jack Wilshere v/s Steven Gerrard

The prodigy meets his idol. 2 players who define their clubs. Fan favorites, they carry their emotions on their sleeves and ask for no quarter or give an inch. Leaders, orchestrators and some times carrying the whole team on their backs, this fight gets as intense as possible. Jack Wilshere has come back and how. People tend to forget he has come of an injury after 20 months and it seems as if it never happened. The passion and the never say die attitude that defines him makes him cut above the rest. With a more advanced role in the set up, Jack has shown his creative side with aplomb. Getting his burst back, Wilshere's eye for picking out a perfect pass and his ability to run at the defence with such ease has left many in awe. However, inexperienced still, Wilshere needs to keep his head cool when he goes against the Stevie G. The student still has to learn alot. Steven Gerrard is Liverpool. He is there everywhere. He gives it all every single game and and he is the driving force for a Liverpool team which continues to look up to him everytime. In this game he goes against a player, who has himself admitted Gerrard to be his idol. Gerrard, in his prime used to torment the defence. But now his job is to sit back and others to the talking on the field. A true leader on the pitch, Steven Gerrard's eye for a 'Hollywood Ball' has been the one to watch out for everyone when he steps on the field. This is to close to call but for once one may feel that the prodigy may out shine his illustrious idol.

The game has a lot of sub plots as well but in the end the game could well hinge on who has a greater hunger to win. Time will tell.

Written By,
Vinay Prabhakar and Rishabh Ghai

Also read our the preview of the match by clicking here.

Rishabh is a writer for Goal.com India, International (all English editions) and an Editor and writer for 18 Yard Box .

Vinay is a writer for 18 Yard Box.

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Arsenal v/s Liverpool: Preview

18 Yard Box has a look at the mega mid week clash between the two EPL giants.

The Reds, 7^th in the league, visit the Emirates midway through a patchy and inconsistent league season for both the teams.

In the previous September fixture at the Anfield, new signings Lukas Podolski and Santi Cazorla had led the Gunners to a commanding win, assisting each other in either half. Abou Diaby returned as a rock in the midfield and picked up the match ball. Barring a clumsy Mertesacker challenge on Suarez and an unmarked Agger, the strong Gunner defence did nothing wrong and kept a clean sheet. Post that match however, the two teams were afflicted by the bane of inconsistency. With just one loss being the difference between the two, the match will surely be a cracking one between the erstwhile giants. For each of them, the fixture marks a relatively testing time domestically and on the European circuit.

18 Yard Box's Abhishek has a look at the clash and determines the outcome.

Signings and Injury Update

Arteta (maybe) and Vermaelen return whereas Glen Johnson also makes a comeback

While Arsenal have predictably made no signing in the January window, Liverpool have got Daniel Sturridge to share Suarez’s burden. They have also brought in Inter Milan’s Brazilian midfielder Coutinho. With Arsenal going through all sorts of phases, from insipid to sublime, the aura of unpredictability hangs around the Gunners. Both teams have major relief in terms of the players returning from injuries. Captain Vermaelen and his deputy Mikel Arteta (not 100%) are set to return to duty after missing 1 and 4 matches respectively. With Abou Diaby also fit, Arsenal’s defence has lesser worries as of now, barring Bacary Sagna’s recent indifferent form. Liverpool meanwhile see Glen Johnson’s return.

Arsenal

Considering their power packed performace against West Ham in the league recently, this should be an easy game for the gunners. Although the previous encounter saw Gunners taking 3 points, the clash, in reality, was not as easy. Liverpool will be wounded by their shamful FA Cup exit at the hands of Oldham and the Gunners will have to be weary of the Liverpool firepower.

Strengths

He poses a major threat to the Liverpool defence.

Arsenal has its strength right in the heart of the midfield. Santi Cazorla, Jack Wilshere, Mikel Arteta, Aaron Ramsey (as against WHU), Abou Diaby (if fit), may not be names that generate awe all the time, but going by their performances, this is a midfield to die for. Add the left flank chemistry of Podolski and Gibbs, and we have a really strong set of providers. Up front, Walcott seems determined to justify his wish to be a striker while Frenchman Giroud grows in confidence, providing key passes, lofted balls and devastating power with his left foot.

Weaknesses

Bac needs to get back in form

While the left flank has been quite outstanding for the Gunners, the same can’t be said for the right flank. Bacary Sagna isn’t in his true self, while Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has failed to impress like last season. Theo Walcott too has shown a tinge of selfishness, which becomes notable in losses. Giroud is good up front but only in fits and starts, when he deals in 2s and 3s. The defence is not a weakness in the truest sense, but it has not showed the same promise that it showed at the start of the season. But perhaps the biggest problem is inconsistency. One can never be  sure which Arsenal will turn up for a game: the one which drubbed the Reds 2-0 and put seven past Newcastle or the one that lost at home to Swansea, unable to contain Michu. The malaise has been such that Arsenal have also put in radically different performances in 2 halves of the same game as was seen against Chelsea.

Importance of the Win

 A win will take the Gunners to 5^th place provided Everton lose or draw, boosting their Champions League place fight. Any other result will no doubt hamper their chances. The Londoners must take the initiative if they are to participate in the elite competition for the 17^th time in succession.

Liverpool

Considering the playing style that Rodgers is trying to enforce at Anfield, not much differentiates the 2 teams. The same show of grit when under dire circumstances, spirited efforts even in losing causes, blips against teams from lower divisions, it is quite the same story.

Strengths

The deadly duo could wreck havoc in any team's defence

Former Ajax man Luis Suarez has been the one player in the team every opponent is wary of. With clinical displays in front of the goal, he has relished the service from the midfield. Young star Raheem Sterling has impressed right through the season. The addition of a striker like Sturridge has filled, at least temporarily, the void in the Reds frontline. Gerrard and company have recovered well from Liverpool’s worst start to a season since 1962, and are surely looking more assured of themselves and the new passing style that Rodgers has brought.

Weakness

The two need to get their rythm back

Oddly enough, inspite of having top class defenders in Daniel Agger and Skrtel, the defence is a big worry for Liverpool. Jose Enrique was giving his all on the field, and he had the penchant for a foray upfield too. But injury to him has certainly been a severe blow to the defence, which has conceded 28 times in the league. Against Oldham, simple regulation crosses were not handled with. Add to it their inconsistency, and there is another team which is uncertain about itself during matches. No wonder, the Reds have managed to hold champions City, Chelsea and Everton but also lost to the likes of relegation threatened Aston Villa. Moreover, inspite of their transfer window signings, Liverpool’s attack without Suarez, if he gets injured, won’t inspire the same confidence, notwithstanding the presence of Sturridge.

Another department which concerns the Reds is that of the goalkeeping one. Where Reina has been performing poorly, Bradley Jones isnt having the time of his life either. A costly error from the young Jones costed Liverpool the game against Oldham. However, Reina too has let in too many goals for his repetua and rumours suggest that he could be on his way out.

Importance of a win

A win will take the Reds level with Arsenal on points, though they won’t change positions. A top-4 finish looks unlikely for them this season too, but a win is a win, and against old foes Arsenal it might just revive their season.

The Final Verdict

On paper the younger Arsenal teams seems to be a nudge ahead of Liverpool. A 2-1 scoreline in their favour seems probable, but so does a spirited draw between the two. A close game could with plenty of chances being created is on quite on the cards.

Written By,

Abhishek Karandikar

Abhishek is a writer for 18 Yard Box.

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Mid Season Review: Chelsea

18 Yard Box completes the Premier League series of the mid season reviews by looking at the Blues.

FA Cup and Champions League winners Chelsea had set their sights on retrieving the league title they last had won in 2009-10. They also strived to bring in younger players to replace their aging team. While stars like Drogba have proved to be as yet irreplaceable, Chelsea instead have gone and packed their midfield with diminutive attacking stars like Hazard, Oscar and Marin. However, they are still short of the striker who can fuel their aspirations. They have been good in quite a few games together, but losses in form have been in clutches of games too.

Title Chances

Chelsea made a strong start to the season with a 9 game unbeaten run in the league. First season flop Torres too was among the goals and assists. The dip in form that followed the home defeat to Manchester United has put the title- challengers in 3^rd place, 11 points adrift of the leaders. United have a 5-points cushion over second placed City and the task for Chelsea to catch up with either is difficult, but not impossible. So, it is still too early to write this spirited team off.

Woes

Torres has been nothing short of woeful

Chelsea’s woes this season were initially oddly in their defence. The Blues let in 21 goals in the last 10 matches in all competitions under sacked manager Di Matteo, not suitable for a defence that couldn’t be broken down by teams like Barcelona last season. The 3 mid-fielders Hazard, Oscar and Mata, with their superlative attacking prowess, did not cover their fullbacks when under attack. This made the overall formation very narrow, and teams with strong wingmen easily exposed this chink in Chelsea’s armour. In fact, this defensive frailty saw them relegated from the Champions League to the Europa League. The string of terrible results then brought forth Chelsea’s biggest woe, which lay in the confines of the boardroom. Using his much maligned ‘hire and fire’ policy, Abramovich further unsettled the team, bringing in new manager Rafa Benitez. While the Blues have put in good performances under the new management, a significant new problem is Eden Hazard’s flagging form. The Belgian is surely an important cog in Chelsea’s wheel and this is sure to be a cause of concern for the new manager. Chelsea’s midfield is often found lacking aerially, especially during setpieces. This though, could be attributed to the relatively short heights of the midfielders.

Tactical Overview

Much can be expected of the holy trinity

While Di Matteo stuck to his formation, Benitez has experimented quite a lot. Recognising the attacking instincts of the midfield trio, he has moved Hazard wide on the left, started Moses on the wings to provide space while launching attacks and also to help launch counter-attacks. He put David Luiz in the DM position, played Mata behind the striker in 4-4-1-1 formations, gave the midfielders added defensive duties and also played Torres a bit deep, or even a bit wide at times. That has given him 7 goals in 11 games. Oscar was also paired with Lampard against Leeds in a pivot position. A majority of the experiments have shown good results with the team recording 8-0, 4-0, 3-0 victories and a hard fought 2-1 win over the Gunners. What is alarming for the fans is that the aging legend Lampard’s place in the team is no longer indispensable. The veteran’s departure from Stamford Bridge is imminent with their being no new contract offered to him. The addition of Demba Ba has given Torres competition and the Chelsea attack now has a new dimension.

18YB suggests

In this section 18 Yard Box suggests the players that could help Chelsea strengthen themselves. (These players need not be linked with the club and are purely suggestions)

Marouane Fellaini

Could he be a replacement for Super Frank?

Chelsea need a hard-working, physical, and tall entity in the midfield. And this 6’ 5” Belgian in the central midfield with the same attacking flair could prove to be a master-stroke. He could in fact be an excellent replacement for the outgoing Lampard, with his box-to-box play, ball holding and finishing. Moreover Fellaini would also be cheap by Chelsea standards, with a £22 million release clause. Fellaini himself has indicated his wish to move away from Goodison Park and will be a wonderful option all over the midfield.

Andre Schurrlé

The German is being linked once again with the Blues

The Blues went in for Schurrle during the summer but they couldn’t persuade Bayer Leverkusen to part with their star man for only £16 million. However, the 22-year-old is said to favour a move to the Premier League and he would complement the forward line perfectly as well. A bid in excess of £20 million and the German international could well be heading to Stamford Bridge. This is important even after the Ba move as Chelsea do not have a proper back up, should either of Ba and Torres get injured.

Radamel Falcao 

Remember his three against the Blues?

After he ripped the Blues apart in the UEFA Super Cup, Falcao is on the wish-list of possibly every team that can afford his £48 million price tag. And Abramovich is not known to back out when given the chance to take the best. Though there have been reports linking the Columbian to Santiago Bernabeu, Manchester City, PSG and a move to Italy, a move to Chelsea won’t be too far-fetched either.

Luke Shaw 

The 17-year-old Saints’ left-back has shown plenty of promise this season. With Ashley Cole considering a move to PSG (after his 1 year extension expires), Chelsea could end up battling for Shaw with Arsenal.

Written By,
Abhishek Karandikar

Abhishek is a writer for 18 Yard Box.

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Player Battles at the Emirates: Gunners v/s Citizens

In the second blockbuster of Sunday night, Arsenal entertain Manchester City in what seems to a mega important clash.

Although the game between the two EPL giants will be played between 11 men, it just takes some battles on the pitch to turn the game in the favour of the eventual winners.

18 Yard Box brings to our readers three such battles which can turn the game around its heels. Take a look.

Theo Walcott v/s Vincent Kompany

The 23 year old Gunner contract rebel has been their best player on the pitch so far. Naturally a winger, Theo Walcott’s desire to play in the central role is such that he wouldn’t sign a new contract until this is guaranteed by his manager. But he faces his toughest test against the Belgian centre back when he takes the central due to the absence of Olivier Giroud due to an injury. The pacey centre forward will be a difficult man to mark for the City captain as his runs might create confusion in the City the defense. However, his hold up play might be where Komapany might enjoy dominating as Walcott is not known for keeping the ball well. Having a height incomparable to that of Komapany’s, Walcott might struggle against Kompany’s physical strength. The only place where the English international could exploit Komapany is the off the shoulder runs which he could make thereby running clear off the defense and facing the keeper one on one. At present Walcott clearly seems unprepared to go against such a kind of defender and there seems to be only one winner in this contest and that is Vincent Kompany.

Jack Wilshere v/s Gareth Barry

The Arsenal number 10 has been in prime form after his coming back from an 18 month injury spell.  Finding his ‘burst’ yet again, he has been Arsenal’s linchpin in attack linking Cazorla with Arteta. Marking him will be a tough test and this test might be faced by the English international Gareth Barry. The English midfielder might come into the team, thereby filling the void left by the departure of Yaya Toure to the AFCON. However, the former Aston Villa man has failed to translate any kind of form he had at Villa Park ever since he was transferred to the Etihad. Jack Wilshere’s clever turns, change of space and an eye for a precise pass will trouble Barry a lot and he could find himself caught in no man’s land at times. If not on his toes, Wilshere might prove to be the difference this time around. Barry has a double headache of keeping not only Wilshere at bay but also keeping Cazorla at arm’s length of the City defense. This double task might just be too much for Barry to handle.

Edin Dzeko v/s Thomas Vermaelen

Edin ‘supersub’ Dzeko has been City’s saviour so far this season. Scoring at the death, Dzeko’s contribution to City has won them games from a losing position. Initially not a favourite at the Etihad, the Bosnian starlet has made a niche in the starting 11. However, he will be against the Arsenal centre back Thomas Vermaelen on Sunday and will face a stern test against the Belgian defender. Initially poor but now stern, the Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen has failed to lead his team from the front. Taking his time to find his feet again, he is now ready for any kind of challenges. As he goes against the 26 year City man he must be aware that its not only the height which will be the issue but his off the shoulder clever runs which will be picked out by David Silva quite often. The Belgian will need immense help for keeping Dzeko under control and this should be provided by Per Mertesacker.  At this point, the duel is too close to call but with a little smartness the Arsenal captain could stop the Manchester City goal machine.

Written By,

Rishabh Ghai

Rishabh is a writer for Goal.com India, International (all English editions) and an Editor and writer for 18 Yard Box .

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Arsenal v/s Manchester City: Preview

18 Yard Box has a look at the second Super Sunday clash between the Gunners and the Citizens.

The second of the block buster games this sunday features the defending champions Manchester City traveling to the Emirates to take on an Arsenal squad playing catch up yet again. 

18 Yard Box has a look at the clash and determines it outcome.

Arsenal

5 games without a defeat after the Bradford infamous game, Arsenal have appeared to have deliverede just been the kind of response the distraught fans would have asked for. The worries remain that Arsenal couldnt beat an average Southampton team in the league and ended up surrendering a lead at Swansea resulting in a FA cup replay.

Arsene Wenger has been busy sorting out his 'own home' and has been falling short again in bringing in quality in the transfer market with the 'Theo' situation stretching too long. 

Strengths

Theo Walcott might start in the centre with Giroud a doubt

Arsenal can score. Unlike last year they seem to be able to score from a lot of sources which means the options are more diversified unlike last season where it seemed the only goals scored seem to come of the left foot of a certain Dutchman. The midfield trio of Cazorla, Wilshere and Arteta seem to be finally getting into grip the way to play with each other and that can only mean good things for the Gunners. 

The much maligned defense in reality has been excellent being the team that has conceded the least number of goals this season. The likes of Per Mertesacker have been consistent and has been the rock in the Arsenal defense this season. The Steve Bould effect surely can be seen. Moreover, Kieran Gibbs looks excellent when he gets forward and will be the man to watch out for as he will make overlapping runs behind the City defense.

Weakness

Will they click?

Theo Walcott and Bacary Sagna, two integral players of the squad seem to be having their awkward moments way to frequently. The contract saga not with standing, Walcott continues to blow hot and cold, what with a hattrick against Newcastle and then gone missing in the subsequent games against Saints and the Swans. Sagna who had been among the most consistent Arsenal players, appears to have lost pace and the crosses never seem to reach the intended target. 

The manager's continued faith in Ramsey and Gervinho (not available due to AFCON) has baffled a lot of the Arsenal faithfuls. Oxlade Chamberlain has not played as well as he did last season and Arsenal seem to lack quality in the wings.

To add to this, Arsenal's midfield have been far too incosistent. At times they play scintillating football but at times they look lost. Arsenal are in dire need of a game changer.

Manchester City

7 points behind, training ground bust ups, no new signings so far in the transfer window, injuries and players leaving for the African Nations cup. This doesnt make for a good reading if you are a city fan right now. 

Mancini needs to get his players sorted soon otherwise they might just come short across an unpredictable Gunners squad.

Strengths

Will he strike again?

City, after the loss at home to United, have come back with a bang and have continued winning at home and losing only once on the road against Sunderland. With Dzeko getting more starts, Tevez and Silva pulling the strings on the attacking front, Zabaleta and Kompany being rock solid in the defense, City continue to be among the teams to beat in the league. When the season moves towards the second half, the team which has the better bench strength and the mental  attitude of not giving up, end up triumph, city should know it all to well. 

Weakness

He will be dearly missed

No Aguero, no Toure brothers, no Nasri, City will find it tough without these players. Kolarov is the only one likely to make it back to the team for the Arsenal game and that means City will suddenly be short of personnel. The players who won the league last season dont seem to ignite the same kind of passion to this campaign so far. Even the normally reliable Joe Hart and David Silva seem to be having a stop start season. With Mario being as volatile as ever, City suddenly seem to be short of fire power with only Dzeko being the player who can play lone striker upfront.

The defense not look too assured with City being guilty of letting in cheap goals against smaller teams. City, who started brilliantly, have looked vulnerbale and this might bring about City's downfal.

Tactical Overview

Who will prove to be the master tactician?

City will probably play 4-5-1 or maybe even 4-4-1-1, with Dzeko leading the line and Tevez playing behind him. With Barry and Milner in the midfield, City would use the hard working men to cut the threat of the free passing midfield of the Gunners by stifling them for space. 

Arsenal on the other hand need to ensure that without the physical presence of Yaya Toure, the midfield will be bossed around by the more skillful of their players. The likes of Wilshere and Cazorla could have a field day if Arsenal can up the pace of their play. Walcott will again get to play at his favorite position upfront (Giroud is 50-50) and will have a chance to prove his credentials yet again.

The Final Verdict

Its been 37 years ( since 1975) since City came to Arsenal and beat them. With the key members missing, that doesnt seem likely to happen but a mounting deficit is not easy to cover and that may push City to play a bit more positively than they usually do when they come to the Emirates.The 2 teams produced one of the best games of this season when they met at Ettihad which resulted in dead heat between the teams.This too can be expected to produce the same.

An open game with Arsenal creating loads of chances can be on the cards. City will thrive on their counter attacking prowess. 

Goals in this one, with Arsenal to nick it by the odd goal in 3.

Written By,

Vinay Prabhakar

Vinay is a writer for 18 Yard Box.

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Player Battles at the Devil's lair: Manchester United vs LiverpoolYard

18 Yard Box has a look at the battles on the pitch which could decide the outcome of this all important clash.

Come ‘Super’ Sunday, Manchester United would be all set to face their arch-rivals Liverpool in what appears to be one of the most eagerly awaited fixture of the Premier League. With Liverpool still trying to find their grip on the proceedings of the league, Manchester United looks quite sure of running away with the title no.20. This clash promises all that a well-fought out football match can bring-excitement, drama and classy football. With both sets of teams bragging of their prized assests, it would be a feast for the world of football as the exceptional sets of individuals lock horns in Old Trafford.

18 Yard Box's Rishav Ghosh analyses the epic player battles ahead of the mouth-watering encounter.

Robin Van Persie v/s Daniel Agger

Stakes are high for this high-profile encounter as both these prized footballers take to the pitch on Sunday afternoon. Robin van Persie has been enjoying the time of his life after his move to Manchester United from Arsenal last summer and his frequent goal-scoring has pushed him higher into the top spot of this season’s goal scorer’s list. Daniel Agger, the talismanic Danish defender, has not been up to his original game but his man-guarding skills at the back has proved vital, time and again. Even though Agger got the better of the Dutch forward in the previous leg of this fixture and even in the Euro 2012 group-stage game, van Persie has improved ever since and it would be a tough job to stop this goal-scoring machine. However, considering form, Robin van Persie has got an even hand on Agger and might as well come out on top of this duel.

Jonny Evans v/s Luis Suarez

Luis Suarez, the Uruguayan international has been scoring goals at will this season and has been responsible for almost half of Liverpool’s overall goal tally this season. Going into the match,  he stands a good chance of adding to his goal tally against United’s leaky defence. Jonny Evans,the strong talismanic Irish defender has been the only strong link in the United backline and the duel between him and Suarez is the one to look out for. Suarez with impeccable dribbling skills had given Vidic a headache, couple of seasons earlier and Evans would be on guard to prevent the same from happening this time around . Meanwhile,  Evans has really improved in the past seasons and his pace coupled with his good defending skills might prove worthy against the spent Liverpool side. Going into the match, given Suarez’s class act in shoving aside defenders, Jonny Evans would have a hard time against the Liverpool forward with Suarez most likely to end up on top of this duel.

Michael Carrick v/s Steven Gerrard

A Manchester United-Liverpool match calls for experience, consistency and stability in the heart of midfield and cometh the moment,cometh the ‘men’-Michael Carrick and Steven Gerrard.  Michael Carrick has been the most under-rated midfielder in the United ranks and he has been proving his worth this season with match-winning performances in every single match. Holding the ball, wrestling back possession, providing dead ball passes to forwards, Michael Carrick has been everywhere and at the age of 31, this might be the start of an era-an era of domination in the heart of Manchester United’s midfield. On the other hand, Steven Gerrard, heralded as the best midfielder of England in the past decade, has really stepped up to his team’s help this season playing major roles in Liverpool’s revival period. With his role similar to the that of Michael Carrick, he has been credited to starting the move in most of Liverpool’s build-up plays. Gerrard has been quite good playing as the holding midfielder but there have been several occasions he has lost possession in vital areas leading to goals-a negative that Gerrard would like to avoid. This duel would be closely fought one but going by form, the impetus is on Michael Carrick and Steven Gerrard, the most consistent player in the Liverpool ranks would need to step up his game to end up on top.

Written By,

Rishav Ghosh

Rishav is a writer for 18 Yard Box.

Also read our preview on this match by clicking here.

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Manchester United v/s Liverpool: Preview

18 Yard Box has a look at the clash between the oldest rivals of the Premier League and predicts the outcome.

Come Sunday the 13^th, a fire would re-ignite, the fire of England’s one of the most bitterly fought rivalry-Manchester United vs Liverpool. Over the past few years, controversies both on-field and off-field has given impetus to the already-heightened rivalry.

Manchester United

Sitting pretty on the top of the Barclays Premier League table, 7 points clear of city rivals, Manchester City, Sir Alex Ferguson and Co. would definitely be on the guard against Liverpool hoping not to repeat last season’s antics. Giving away a lead of 8 points to concede the title last season, United would be gunning for 3 points as 2^nd placed City face Arsenal, a yet another tough encounter on the cards. Sir Alex Ferguson, the master tactician, would be hoping to pull off another win after registering their 1^st win in Anfield after 5 long years. 

Strengths

Coming from a shoddy 2-2 draw away to West Ham United in the F.A.Cup 3^rd round encounter, United would be looking to come back with a win. With Robin van Persie, Tom Cleverley and Michael Carrick hitting prime form this time of the season, Sir Alex would be hoping they continue with this run. Robin van Persie has been the main-stay in the forward line rescuing the team from dire straits almost every match. Notching up 16 goals and providing for 6 other goals in 18 games, United would look to him for breaking down opposition defence. Tom Cleverley has been quite good this season taking the midfield responsibility on his shoulders. 4 goals,4 assists and a passing percentage of 90.4%,he is an ideal replacement to Paul Scholes who seems most likely to retire by the end of the season. Michael Carrick, experienced and highly under-rated has really stepped up his game this season with the 2^nd most no.of forward passes, 2^nd only to Andrea Pirlo. He also has a successful pass percentage of 91.9%,a really remarkable figure.

Will he extend his goal tally?

Weaknesses

Even though United has been scoring at will (notching up 54 goals in just 21 matches), they have been letting in goals at ease conceding (28 goals and keeping only 5 clean sheets). The main reason for this is the ‘leaky defence'. Rio Ferdinand hasn’t been up to pace this season and players have been running and dribbling past him at ease. Jonny Evans has been a strong link in the defence but he too hasn’t been able to cope up with the players’ pace. Nemanja Vidic hasn’t been able to get back to his prime after returning from his prolonged knee injury. Rafael and Evra have been good going forward but poor when defending crosses. Antonio Valencia has been poor this season with his performances not upto the ‘No.7’ mark. His crosses have been wayward and his hesitation to cross early often times resulted in loss of possession. With Wayne Rooney ruled out by Sir Alex, the support-striker baton would most likely be passed on to Shinji Kagawa, who hasn’t been impressive since coming back 

from injury.

He needs to get back in form

Liverpool

After a poor start to the season, dropping down to as low as 18^th position in Gameweek 5,

its been a fight to revival for Brendan Rodgers and his men as they find themselves 8^th in the league standings, 7 points clear of UEFA Champions League qualification spot and 21 points clear of their match rivals. Having managed a scrappy 2-1 win over 5^th division team Mansfield Town in the FA Cup, Liverpool would be hoping to improve their game against Manchester United and move forward in the league table. Having lost to United in this leg last season following the Suarez-Evra row, Liverpool would surely look to get back at Sir Alex’s side.

Strengths

After a poor start to the season, finally things have start to fall in place for Liverpool. Their prime forward, Luis Suarez, is enjoying the time of his life, scoring almost every other game. Having scored 15 goals and assisting another 3,he is the best forward option Rodgers has at this moment. All hopes would be pinned on Suarez who has been responsible for almost half of his team’s goal this season. Raheem Sterling has been quite a revelation this season been picked up at this tender age for the England squad. After a year of struggling, Stewart Downing has finally made his name in the squad playing consistently in the past few matches. Daniel Sturridge has been an important addition to the squad and we might get to see him in action against United. The evergreen Steven Gerrard has been the main figure in the Liverpool midfield lately, scoring 4 goals and assisting 8 and a passing percentage of 86.2%,not bad for a holding midfielder.

Suarez is snapping at RvP's heels

Weaknesses

One of Liverpool’s primary concerns have been their defending and on most occasions, their goalkeeping. The defence partnership of Agger and Skrtel hasn’t been top-class. Poor defending and lack to mark players has made Liverpool concede 26 goals this season. Reina hasn’t been particularly impressive, doing petty mistakes, misplacing passes often and conceding unnecessary corners leading to goals. Rodgers has been forced to use experience in the form of Jamie Carragher at the cost of pace. Carragher being slow, many forwards get the opportunity to beat the former English centre-back in pace. Moreover, Jose Enrique has been good going forward but has been rough while defending, tackling roughly in dangerous areas. Brendan Rodgers should really get their defensive act together against United’s bombarding attacking display.

He needs to up his game

Importance of a win

The stakes are high for this highly anticipated match and a win would be on the  minds of both the managers. The win would not only ensure 3 points but also the bragging rights. Brendan Rodgers’ side has been under-performing this season and a win might liven up their spirits.3 points would move Liverpool to the 7^th spot, provided West Brom lose their match away to Reading. Meanwhile, Sir Alex Ferguson would take this opportunity to extend his lead at the top of the table as 2^nd placed City faces a strong task away to Arsenal.

The Final Verdict

Its a tough fight on the cards but it promises to be a high scoring encounter as both team’s defence are far from satisfactory this season. However, going into this match, Manchester United has the upper hand. Having already ousted all the big teams like Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea and even Liverpool earlier this season, Sir Alex Ferguson’s men would take to the Old Trafford pitch, full on confidence and hungry for 3 more points. Odds are stacked against Liverpool in this crucial away match and they would need a special performance from their captain Steven Gerrard to cancel out United’s domination.

Who will be the master tactician on the day?

Come Sunday,who would have the bragging rights ? Brendan Rodgers or Sir Alex Ferguson ? It remains to be seen.

Written by,
Rishav Ghosh

Rishav is a writer for 18 Yard Box.

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