18 Yard Box has a look at the clash between the oldest rivals of the Premier League and predicts the outcome.
Come Sunday the 13th, 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 2nd
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 1st 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 3rd
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 2nd
most no.of forward passes, 2nd 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
18th position in Gameweek 5,
its been a fight to revival for Brendan
Rodgers and his men as they find themselves 8th 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 5th
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 7th 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 2nd
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.
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| 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 Ghosh
Rishav is a writer for 18 Yard Box.
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