Two of the nation’s fiercest rivals face-off in what is arguably the most eagerly anticipated fixture of the Premier League calendar. Manchester United and Liverpool is rarely a dull affair and this time should be no different, both teams will be desperate to gain all three points following shock losses in their last domestic outings.
A win for either team has the potential to finally kick-start their campaigns, while a loss could leave a devastating blow to their confidence. This is truly the kind of fixture that gets all football fans excited.
Key Battle – Wayne Rooney vs Martin Skrtel
Fresh from breaking England’s all-time scoring record, Wayne Rooney will be looking to transfer that form over to the Premier League. United have struggled for goals as their captain has had a subdued start to the season, but if Rooney can find his scoring touch then it will be hard to stop the Red Devils from taking the win. If Skrtel and his Liverpool colleagues can frustrate the striker, then their odds of producing an upset on the road will rise immeasurably.
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Team News
The biggest question facing Louis van Gaal at the selection table is what to do with David De Gea. The frustrated goalkeeper made no secret of his desire to leave Old Trafford for Madrid in the summer, but with the deal collapsing at the 11th hour he remains in Manchester until January at the least. The Spanish shotstopper was deemed “mentally unfit” to play while his future was being sorted. Is he ready for United’s biggest home fixture of the year?
The other pressing concern remains around the No.10 role. Already Memphis, the departed Adnan Januzaj and Ander Herrera have been tried there to wavering effect. Herrera should be in line to start again following his promising display against Swansea, but van Gaal has no shortage of options and Marouane Fellaini may be preferred to give United’s midfield a more robust feel in what promises to be a physical game. Juan Mata could be moved centrally to accommodate Ashley Young on the right-flank, or even Rooney could drop deeper and allow Anthony Martial to make his debut on the biggest stage.
On the other hand, Liverpool’s changes will be restricted by problems with injury and suspension. Philippe Coutinho will miss the game following his red card against West Ham, his absence will hurt but could open up opportunities for the exciting Jordan Ibe or Roberto Firmino. Jordan Henderson and Joe Allen are in doubt with foot and hamstring injuries, respectively and Daniel Sturridge looks likely to miss despite returning to training this week.
The Reds will be hopeful on the fitness of Adam Lallana after the midfielder withdrew from the England squad with a thigh injury. Brendan Rodgers has some tough decisions to make, but may end up starting with a midfield diamond in a 4-4-2, using strikers Danny Ings and Christian Benteke to harass United’s holding-midfielders. Dejan Lovren’s place remains in jeopardy following his disastrous performance last time out against West Ham.
Head-to-head
This is one of the greatest rivalries in English football, the clubs sharing a total 38 league titles. Head-to-head Manchester United has had 85 wins in this fixture, with Liverpool claiming the honours 74 times. There have been 61 draws between the sides.
Previous Meeting – Liverpool 1 Manchester United 2
Juan Mata struck twice, including a delightful overhead volley, as United ran out 2-1 winners at Anfield earlier in the year. The result catapulted van Gaal’s side firmly into the top four and was a crippling blow to Liverpool’s Champions League aspirations.
Prediction
Liverpool’s lengthy injury and suspension list, coupled with United’s excellent home form under van Gaal give the Red Debils the edge in this one. Yet anything is possible in a derby of this magnitude and the result will surely be fought until the bitter end.
Manchester United 2 Liverpool 1
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