18 Yard Box builds up to one of the most awaited clashes of the season.
Sunday will see what is England’s, if
not the world’s fiercest and evenly-fought club rivalry re-ignite as Liverpool
host Manchester United at Anfield in a lunch time kick off. This one though, will certainly be
a bit different due to the recent expositions of the tragic Hillsborough
disaster in 1996 which have charged up the emotions. The entire footballing
world, United included, have graciously come forth in support of Liverpool F.C.
at such a time, which is always nice to see.
There is also the small matter of
the Suarez-Evra racism debacle from last season which went overboard when the Uruguayan
refused to shake Evra’s hand in the league match at Old Trafford. What followed
were incessant feuds and comments in the press, the departure of Kenny Dalglish
from the helm at Liverpool (replaced by Brendan Rodgers), United’s from the
helm of the league, and here we are.
But come Sunday the focus will be on football. 18 Yard Box's contributor Medha Ghai covers the clash from every angle and also predicts the outcome.
Liverpool
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| Sterling can provide the stir to liven up the atmosphere |
The home team come into the game on
the back of a decent 1-1 draw at Sunderland. A poor League form which has seen Liverpool pick up just 2 points in their four encounters can go worse if they fail to turn up the heat against United. Brendan Rodgers' plans have hit a dead end and he may have to conjure something different to come out as victors.
Strengths
Looking at the last game against a
solid Sunderland side, the second half was a heartening one for Liverpool fans
to watch. 66% domination of possession and creation of several goal-scoring
opportunities, cohesion in midfield and fluidity in attack characterized a very
good display from the Reds. Suarez, who
has come under criticism for not putting away his chances, got his goal in a
game that Liverpool probably just deserved to win. Youngster Raheem Sterling
has come in for a lot of praise from all corners of the club and is an exciting
prospect. The likes of Gerrard and Allen have called for patience as Rodgers’
puzzle seems to slowly solve itself, his system settling in. Players are slowly coming to know their roles in the team and the team looked well drilled against a resilient Sunderland side.
Weaknesses
Defence, individual errors and
lapses at the back, have cost Liverpool dearly against the likes of West Brom, Man City and Arsenal. Any such mistakes will undo all efforts on Sunday. Pepe Reina is
another surprising weak link. His form has been shaky and a few costly errors
have seen the Spaniard’s confidence take a dip. Against a star-studded United attack,
the smallest error at the back will be punished. Agger and Skirtel will have to be on their toes stop the United goal scoring machine- Robin Van Persie. Moreover the full backs will have their task cut out to stop the searing pace attacks by the skilled United wingers.
Manchester United
United will travel to Anfield on the
back of a tricky 1-0 win Galatasaray in Europe. The clean sheet and big goal margin against Wigan last weekend, including goals
for new boys Buttner and Powell, were a much needed oiling for the wheels of the title chasing machine. The return of Robin Van Persie to full fitness will boost the United camp as they still await Rooney's comeback.
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| Van Persie's form will be the key for United |
Strengths
Attack. Surely, it has been one strong
point of United’s games so far this season. Since the opening day defeat at
Everton, United’s attack has been growing in stature and menace. With Wayne
Rooney’s gash keeping him out, a certain talisman Robin Van Persie will be
leading the line for United. Arsenal fans will recall his sweet volley that
fetched 3 points for the Gunners at Anfield last season. Alexander Buttner’s
gut-busting display combined with Paul Scholes goal at the weekend,
completing a remarkable 700 games, will boost Sir Alex’s options.
Weaknesses
Defensive frailties have refused to go
away for United. Bullied by Fellaini on the opening day and sloppy performances
against Fulham and Southampton have seen United leak quite a few goals,
especially from set pieces. Vidic and Ferdinand still seem far away from the
partnership that shut out attackers across Europe in 2008. There is one question that looms large. Who will start in
goal: acrobatic De Gea or the reliable Lindegaard? Main man Wayne Rooney’s
thigh gash looks set to rule him out. Moreover Sir Alex will have to rethink his strategy of starting Nani as the Portuguese has been the weaklink of the 19 time title winners.
Importance of a win
Both teams need the 3 points just as
much as the other. For Liverpool, it will be a huge boost to the club and fans
if they can rack up the first 3 points of the season against bitter rivals,
United, against the backdrop of extreme emotion. Considering how narrow the
margins were last season, United need the points to slot into the top 2 as we
enter the stretch towards the first 10 games of the season. A good run of form
now will be a huge boost to both clubs. The stakes are quite high For one its the question of shutting up their noisy neighbours and for the other its a matter of getting their lost glory back.
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| Matters will have to be resolved on field |
The Final Verdict
A high scoring contest can be on the cards and these kind of games usually create upsets. However predicting such games can be a
nightmare. Liverpool have yet to get off mark whereas on the other hand United have hit the ground running (except for the Everton disappointment). Off recently the Anfield has been a happy hunting ground for most teams as Liverpool have let their once upon a time fortress crumble. United start as favourites to put the tie to bed. Liverpool look the weaker side going into the contest but Allen's midfield control coupled with Suarez's technical ability might earn Liverpool a draw.
Written By,
Medha Ghai
Medha is a contributor for 18 Yard Box.
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