Jon Mcleod
Andrew MacdougallManchester United v Liverpool - The weekend's big one
Manchester United v Liverpool
Barclays Premier League
Old Trafford, Saturday 14 March 12.45pm
Wayne Rooney claims that Manchester United can end Liverpool’s ailing title ambitions by 3pm on Saturday afternoon. He maybe lighting on the pitch, but Rooney is not the quickest. Liverpool’s hopes of being confirmed as the best team in England since 1990 fell by the waste side along time ago (that is if they ever really existed). That is harsh on Rooney but not on Liverpool.
Despite the insignificance of the contest – no one really believes a Liverpool victory would result in a United capitulation – the pride and egos on display on the pitch, in the dugout and the stands should ensure a compelling confrontation.
The Bosses:
Rafa Benitez - While he continues to be a mastermind of one-off tactical skirmishes in Europe, Benitez continues to be exposed in the drawn out race for the Championship. The two images of Benitez could not be more different: The neurotic fool at home, brave pioneer abroad.
Sir Alex Ferguson – Despite his aging years, Ferguson – unlike Benitez - seems to be improving at a rapid pace as a coach and manager. His failings in Europe, which for so long threatened to overshadow his legacy, are being erased with such efficiency and elegance.
The Key Players:
Rio Ferdinand - With Ferguson’s rotation policy increasing its turnover, a number of United players will be desperate to step up. However against the threats of Gerrard and Fernando Torres, their defence will have to be as solid as it has been all season. Fitness permitted Rio Ferdinand will have a is decisive role in shutting out Torres.
Steven Gerrard – Gerrard is like a flash grenade. He does not dictate the game with his passing like a Xavi (Barcelona), rather he hits you square between the eyes with his surging running and long-range shooting from nothing. Bang and he is gone.
The Tactics:
Despite the form of Ryan Giggs and Michael Carrick this season, there remains a suspicion that Untied can be dominated and bullied in central midfield. Inter Milan achieved this in the second half at Old Trafford and Chelsea have been masters of it in recent years.
With an accomplished midfield trio of Steven Gerrard, Javier Mascherano and Xavi Alonso, Liverpool will play tight in midfield and attempt take control of the game and their Premier League destiny. Despite being at Old Trafford, victory is essential. From that foothold in the game they will hope one of their match-winners – Gerrard and Torres – can do something special.
With little threat coming from the flanks – except perhaps Ryan Babbel – and the majority of play coming through the centre, Ferguson could field the competitive Darren Fletcher to keep an eye out for Gerrard’s surging runs.
Victory is not essential for United, but Ferguson knows they are at their best when going forward. Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney will target the sometimes immobile Liverpool back four by drifting into the centre as much as possible and using their trickery. Carlos Tevez could also have an important role with his unpredictable movement and positioning. With Jamie Carragher marshalling the skies above the Liverpool defence, United will have little effect with an aerial bombardment.
The Result:
With so many match-winners on the field this could go either way. Home advantage, momentum and class give United the edge, desperation gives Liverpool a chance. A late gerrard equalizer gives each a point. 1-1.
Barclays Premier League
Old Trafford, Saturday 14 March 12.45pm
Wayne Rooney claims that Manchester United can end Liverpool’s ailing title ambitions by 3pm on Saturday afternoon. He maybe lighting on the pitch, but Rooney is not the quickest. Liverpool’s hopes of being confirmed as the best team in England since 1990 fell by the waste side along time ago (that is if they ever really existed). That is harsh on Rooney but not on Liverpool.
Despite the insignificance of the contest – no one really believes a Liverpool victory would result in a United capitulation – the pride and egos on display on the pitch, in the dugout and the stands should ensure a compelling confrontation.
The Bosses:
Rafa Benitez - While he continues to be a mastermind of one-off tactical skirmishes in Europe, Benitez continues to be exposed in the drawn out race for the Championship. The two images of Benitez could not be more different: The neurotic fool at home, brave pioneer abroad.
Sir Alex Ferguson – Despite his aging years, Ferguson – unlike Benitez - seems to be improving at a rapid pace as a coach and manager. His failings in Europe, which for so long threatened to overshadow his legacy, are being erased with such efficiency and elegance.
The Key Players:
Rio Ferdinand - With Ferguson’s rotation policy increasing its turnover, a number of United players will be desperate to step up. However against the threats of Gerrard and Fernando Torres, their defence will have to be as solid as it has been all season. Fitness permitted Rio Ferdinand will have a is decisive role in shutting out Torres.
Steven Gerrard – Gerrard is like a flash grenade. He does not dictate the game with his passing like a Xavi (Barcelona), rather he hits you square between the eyes with his surging running and long-range shooting from nothing. Bang and he is gone.
The Tactics:
Despite the form of Ryan Giggs and Michael Carrick this season, there remains a suspicion that Untied can be dominated and bullied in central midfield. Inter Milan achieved this in the second half at Old Trafford and Chelsea have been masters of it in recent years.
With an accomplished midfield trio of Steven Gerrard, Javier Mascherano and Xavi Alonso, Liverpool will play tight in midfield and attempt take control of the game and their Premier League destiny. Despite being at Old Trafford, victory is essential. From that foothold in the game they will hope one of their match-winners – Gerrard and Torres – can do something special.
With little threat coming from the flanks – except perhaps Ryan Babbel – and the majority of play coming through the centre, Ferguson could field the competitive Darren Fletcher to keep an eye out for Gerrard’s surging runs.
Victory is not essential for United, but Ferguson knows they are at their best when going forward. Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney will target the sometimes immobile Liverpool back four by drifting into the centre as much as possible and using their trickery. Carlos Tevez could also have an important role with his unpredictable movement and positioning. With Jamie Carragher marshalling the skies above the Liverpool defence, United will have little effect with an aerial bombardment.
The Result:
With so many match-winners on the field this could go either way. Home advantage, momentum and class give United the edge, desperation gives Liverpool a chance. A late gerrard equalizer gives each a point. 1-1.
