Football EPL Update: Manchester United vs. Liverpool- Match Preview (Part 2)
It is the big one this Sunday “Manchester United vs. Liverpool”, and after taking a look at what Liverpool have to offer. Now it’s time to see what the Red Devils have in store.
Sir Alex Ferguson has not been the most happiest of chaps this season, in the league the last match saw his team lose a 2 goal lead in a matter of 90 seconds and that too in stoppage time against Everton. The boss was furious after the match and said that it was the complacency of the team that cost them dearly.
There are no less than 8 changes expected in the team on Sunday after the team that played in the first UEFA champions’ league match against Rangers. It was another frustrating outing for Ferguson’s team, the manager had made big changes to the line up and against a Scottish team, and the home side looked pretty toothless. Looking at the stats there was just one shot on target in whole 90 minutes. Any match for United with is such a stat is embarrassing, but a European match at Old Trafford and one shot on target is simply unacceptable.
Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand are expected to remain in the starting line up. The England captain has played just 135 minutes this season, but in a match of this magnitude, the class of Rio would be essential in defence.
Sir Alex Ferguson spoke to the press ahead of the match; he confirmed that Dimitar Berbatov would be back in the team on Sunday, the Bulgarian has really stepped it up this season. The front man has been criticised in the past for being lethargic and over relaxed, but the hunger and willingness he has shown this season has really got the fans and his critics talking for the right reasons. Ferguson has a habit of fielding a predominantly British line up in so called big 4 clashes. So Darren Fletcher is expected to be back in the midfield alongside Paul Scholes. The 2 have been so far the best pairing for united this season.
Antonio Valencia suffered an unfortunate injury against Rangers in midweek, and he had been looking good on the flanks. Nani however would benefit from Valencia not being in the team, as it would give the Portuguese an opportunity to play on his preferred right wing. For the left wing, once again Ferguson may be inclined to use a British and experienced option Ryan Giggs. Although in recent times, he has shied from using Giggs and Scholes together, but against Liverpool, Ferguson may opt to do so. Ji-Sung Park otherwise may be the one to take the position on left flank.
Right back position may be the one up for debate, Rafael De Silva the energetic Brazilian should be a candidate but once again he lacks experience and at times is a bit over enthusiastic in big games. John O’Shea on the other hand has a lot of experience at such level and also fits the British player criteria. Not to forget Garry Neville, the old warhorse may still get a go at the old enemy if Ferguson thinks he is fit enough. Nemanja Vidic the Serbian defender is confirmed as captain for the match by the manager and he would be keen on making a menace after Torres famously outpaced and outmuscled him at old Trafford last season.
On paper, there is enough talent on both sides, but United may have the edge considering they are at home and also the fact that following a poor performance from the Red Devils. There is always the fear for their next opponents of a backlash, so Liverpool may find themselves on the receiving end of an upbeat United team out to prove their worth at home after 2 disappointing performances.
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