Local Manchester United fans may disagree but as a foreigner who supports United, Manchester United vs Liverpool will always be a bigger game for me than Manchester United vs Manchester City. Last season is something that still bothers me and one thing that still lingers in my head more than anything is the 0-3 loss at home to Liverpool. Seeing United do so bad and watching Liverpool compete for the league till a certain Steven Gerard slip made last season that much more unbearable. The bubble has burst and the reign of SAS is over after Luis Suarez’s transfer to Barcelona and Daniel Sturridge struggling with injuries. 9 months on from that embarrassing 0-3 defeat at Old Trafford the tables have yet again been turned in United’s favor. Liverpool are currently struggling at both ends of the pitch and were knocked out of the champions league during the week while United head into the game as the most inform team in the league with 5 wins out of their last five games. This is without a doubt the perfect opportunity to avenge last seasons disappointments. Ahead of this grudge match at old Trafford we look at the Team News, Key Battles and also try predict the line-up and outcome of the game.
Team News :
Manchester United : United’s injury situation is slowly but surely improving. Phil Jones (Shin) and Rafael (Groin) are both back training and in contention to feature against Liverpool along with Jonny Evans who replaced Chris Smalling in last Mondays win over Southampton. Chris Smalling is likely to be out for a period of two weeks while Angel Di Maria, Luke Shaw and Daley Blind are the only long term injuries facing Louis Van Gaal’s side.
Liverpool : After a six match absence Mario Balotelli (Groin) is back in training and could feature at Old Trafford. Adam Lallana is also likely to be back in Rodgers squad for the trip to Old Trafford after recovering from two broken ribs. Kolo Toure is also back in contention after a groin injury forced the center back to sit out the midweek champions league match against Basel.
Predicted Lineups :
Manchester United :
Davd De Gea
Rafael Evans Rojo Young
Carrick
Fellaini Herrera
Mata
RVP Rooney
Liverpool:
Mignolet
Johnson Skrtel Lovren Moreno
Lucas Henderson
Gerrard
Countinho Sterling
Balotelli
Key Battles : David De Gea vs Simon Mignolet
Both Liverpool’s and Manchester United’s defenders have struggled this season but both Keepers have reacted in very different manners to the teams short comings in defense. David De Gea has been arguably United’s best player of the year 2014 making United’s defenders look much better than they are while Simon Mignolet has been having a torrid time in goal making a number of high profile mistakes. Both goalkeepers will be instrumental to their respective teams and their chances in the game.
Last Five League Meetings:
11 February 2012- MUFC 2–1 LFC
23 September 2012- LFC 1–2 MUFC
13 January 2013- MUFC 2–1 LFC
1 September 2013- LFC 1–0 MUFC
16 March 2014- MUFC 0–3 LFC
Prediction : 2-0 United win. United are definetely in a stronger position and should be more than capable to get one over their bitter rivals.
KEY FACT FOR THE GAME : MANCHESTER UNITED 20-18 LIVERPOOL
One reply on “Manchester United VS Liverpool : Time For Revenge”
Now that United are back at home, let’s hope that LVG sets up the team in a more positive way than was seen at Arsenal and Southampton. Just because it’s the scousers doesn’t mean we need the negative mind set shown in those two games.