The English Premier League will serve up another spicy encounter on Saturday, with Liverpool the visitors at Old Trafford. You don’t need telling the importance of this fixture, and what it means to both sets of fans. The football, at times, isn’t the greatest, but neither side will be found wanting in the areas of aggression, passion and intent.
There is always an edge to these games, borne out of the famous historic rivalry between the 2 English powerhouses. This season, however, has seen the run-up to matches being dominated by the Evra-Suarez saga. Everyone has their own opinion and enough has already been said by both camps, although sadly, most of it has been inflammatory. Given the time and opportunity, yours truly would like to weigh in with his 2 cents as well –
“Time to move on guys, the game is bigger than all of us”.
With that out of the way, time now to focus on the Key battle zones and head-to-head matchups.
Key Battle Zones
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De Gea : It's not his kicking that is the problem
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United Defense
Normally, you wouldn’t have to scrutinize the Man United rearguard. After all, it wasn’t too long ago that Van Der Sar went on a clean sheet spree. Titles have been won on the solidarity of the back 4 as well.
But here we are, questioning the reigning champions’ backline. Injuries and suspensions have ravaged the squad, and the new goalkeeper(s) have had to play with a less-than-sturdy defense in front of them. With Suarez raring to go and Carroll looking in good touch, things could get very messy for De Gea and co.
Liverpool attack
Here’s a stat for you – Liverpool have failed to score in 8 of the 24 league matches this season. That’s the highest percentage (33%) of the current top 10 teams. Even the likes of Wolves and Blackburn have done better.
And as easy as it is to point the finger at the likes of Downing and Adam, it’s the strikers that have let Liverpool down. Carroll has flattered to deceive and Suarez has been more wasteful than any of his teammates. Time to right a few wrongs for the Uruguayan, and he couldn’t have asked for a better place to do it.
Head-to-head matchups
Gerrard and Adam vs. Giggs and Carrick
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No news on Liverpool and United would be compete without this photo.
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Sir Alex usually prefers this midfield pair for the big games, and barring a late injury or two, Giggs and Carrick should retain their places from last week’s game against Chelsea. Between the two of them, Giggs and Carrick don’t put in a lot of running. They both like to sit back and refrain from pressing the man with possession.
Newcastle exploited this recently during their 3-0 win, and that was with a midfield of Cabaye and Tiote. Dalglish could do a lot worse than look at the highlights of that match.
Suarez/Carroll vs. Evans/Ferdinand
Regardless of who starts, Liverpool should be looking to attack the United centrebacks. Whether it is with long balls up to Carroll or short passes for Suarez to run onto, only time will tell.
This season, Demba Ba has given a blueprint of how a big striker should play and Carroll should be looking to do the same. Ferdinand has lost his mojo and Evans has always been suspect against physical strikers. Add in a keeper who loves to flap at crosses (looking towards you, De Gea) and we could be in for a high-scoring game.
Final word
It would take a brave man to predict this one, so excuse me while I proudly sit on the proverbial fence. It will be scrappy, full of little incidents and connoisseurs of the Barcelona-esque mould of football would be better off not watching this one.
But for someone who has been brought up on a steady diet of Big 4 football, this is just what the doctor ordered.