Match Preview: Manchester United Vs Liverpool
Date, time and coverage: Sunday 1 September (kick-off: 13:30 BST/6:30 P.M IST). The match is live in the UK on Sky Sports and you can follow it via ManUtd.com’s live blog and MUTV Online’s radio commentary.

Form guide: United head to Merseyside on the back of Monday’s goalless draw with title rivals Chelsea, the first Old Trafford match of the David Moyes era. That stalemate was preceded by a 4-1 victory over Swansea City
and the champions would love to replicate that impressive away
performance at Anfield. Although it won’t be easy against a Liverpool
team that has claimed maximum points thus far from matches with Stoke
City and Aston Villa, making them one of just two teams to hold a
perfect record in the Barclays Premier League.
Ins and outs:
Wayne Rooney should retain his starting place after impressing on
Monday, while Ashley Young could also get the nod following his
encouraging cameo. Rafael and Javier Hernandez are still unavailable
through injury, while Nani is also likely to miss out. Martin Skrtel
will return for Liverpool, though Brendan Rodgers is probably without
Kolo Toure, Joe Allen and Aly Cissokho after all three suffered injuries
during Tuesday’s Capital One Cup win over Notts County.
Betting: Official partners bwin have United priced as narrow outsiders at odds of 2.75, with Liverpool at 2.50 and the draw at 3.50.
There is plenty of value in the half-time/full-time market, especially
if you fancy an epic Reds comeback. You can back the Liverpool/United 31.00.
Last meeting: In what was billed as a battle of the
strikers between Robin van Persie and Luis Suarez, the Dutchman came out
on top to help United triumph at Old Trafford. Van Persie fired the
opener before supplying the cross from which Nemanja Vidic doubled after
the break. Daniel Sturridge halved the advantage, though United were
comfortable 2-1 winners.
Manager: Brendan Rodgers
is confident his senior players will not be affected by Tuesday’s
120-minute cup clash when United visit Anfield on Sunday. “We've got
plenty of recovery time now for the players,” he told Liverpool’s
official website. “That was the idea - that I could put some of the
senior guys in knowing there was enough recuperation period after the
game, and obviously to give our young players good experience playing in
a competitive game. They'll all be fine, they'll recover well and we'll
be excited now looking forward to that game on Sunday.”
Star man:
After joining from Chelsea last January, Daniel Sturridge established
himself as one of Liverpool’s primary attacking weapons by scoring 12
goals by last season’s end. Maintaining that momentum, the Manchester
City academy graduate has picked up where he left of, netting four goals
in just three games this term. United’s defenders must monitor this
predatory striker.
Sub-plot: As a former Everton
manager of 11 years, David Moyes knows all about local derbies with
Liverpool and the Scot will undoubtedly draw on that experience this
Sunday.
Did you know? Although clashes between the two sides
are often tight, only one of the last 50 encounters has ended in a 0-0
draw. Meanwhile, each of the last four fixtures has ended with a
scoreline of 2-1.
Quote/unquote: “I can’t wait
for the game. Ever since I’ve been at the club, coming through the
under-9s to 15s, 16s, youth team and reserves; no matter what the
situation is, it’s massive. Obviously we’ll want to go there and win but
it’s going to be another intense game and I think the whole club is
really looking forward to it.” – Danny Welbeck
Whistle-blower:
Andre Marriner will be in the man in the middle at Anfield. United fans
last saw him during last March’s 2-1 win over Reading in the FA Cup.
Interestingly, in the Premier League, he awarded five red cards in his
last five outings last term.
Rivals watch:
Manchester City host Hull City Tigers in the midday kick-off on Saturday
before Arsenal face North London neighbours Tottenham on Sunday.
Chelsea aren’t in action due to their participation in Friday’s European
Super Cup.
0 comments: