Ferdinand targets United win
Manchester United captain Rio Ferdinand is targeting a win against Liverpool this weekend as a way to boost morale around the club.
United has not had a great week after letting a two-goal lead slip at Everton and then drawing 0-0 with Rangers in the Champions League. However, Ferdinand says a win over the club's biggest rivals is
the perfect remedy.
United is still unbeaten in the Premier League this season. Ferdinand made his return from a knee injury against Rangers and is looking to keep this unbeaten record intact.
United has the edge over Liverpool in many areas and a win will create a great atmosphere around the club. However, Liverpool beat United 4-1 at Old Trafford during the 2008/2009 season and must be taken
seriously.
The edge
United has the edge for this weekend's match against Liverpool because Sir Alex Ferguson's men are playing at home. Old Trafford is a very intimidating place regardless of the opposition and Liverpool
players will be nervous and on edge.
United has been far more consistent than Liverpool so far this season. United has a goal difference of plus six while Liverpool's is minus two. This shows the United defence and the attack are performing
effectively.
Ferguson has been in charge of numerous derbies between these two teams. He will have a tactical edge over Roy Hodgson who will be experiencing the occasion for the first time.
Ferdinand said: "This kind of game is always good for galvanising spirit and belief.
You would be beating one of your closest rivals, so to win this game would be great for team morale.
Hopefully it will put us on the crest of a wave.
There is a frustration with results but not with performance."
Liverpool potential
Liverpool has the potential to run away with a game against United as the 2008/2009 result in this fixture shows. The club has great experience through Steven Gerrard and
Jamie Carragher and Hodgson's men must not be dismissed.
Liverpool is not the favourite for the match and this could work in the club's favour. The majority of the football world expects a Liverpool defeat so the side can go
to Old Trafford with nothing to lose.
Liverpool always takes a lot of vocal support away to Manchester United. The fans will play a huge role in inspiring the team and this could be the difference in a very
tight game.
United's Darren Fletcher added: "Liverpool’s history will not allow them to put nine men behind the ball.
Under Roy Hodgson I am sure they will be disciplined and well drilled. But they will look to win the match as well. There is a great history between the two clubs and we have equalled their number of league titles now, so a lot is looked into that. It is a
massive occasion, when form goes out of the window."
Betting advice
This is a tough game to call but Manchester United has the edge. The safest approach is to wait until the game has started and bet in play. You will quickly get an idea of who will dominate the game and
you can bet from there.
There is a long list of players you could back to score on either side. Wayne Rooney is a good bet to score for United while Fernando Torres will be backed to do well for Liverpool.
A good bet could be for one of the defenders to pop up with a goal. Tight games mean few chances to score in open play. Defenders on both sides go forward for free kicks and corners and you'll get great
odds.
Tags: