LIV VS MAN UTD: Just another game or was it THE game?

If you’re a football fan and is unaware that Liverpool beat Manchester United last Sunday, you must be living in a cave. That’s how big one of these games are when two of football’s biggest rivals face off. The Reds 2-0 win was certainly a big relief at Anfield as they had lost 4 in a row prior to that. What makes it ever so sweet is that it was against their fiercest rival.

This game was not about life and death for Liverpool, it was more than that. A defeat would mean 5 defeats in a row and the last time that happened Liverpool were relegated! The win not only puts Liverpool’s title credentials back in line, but it also gives great confidence for the team and believe that anything is possible, even without Stevie G. Sunday’s encounter has also brought the best out of Lucas, who has been seen as the spoiled apple in the barrel by Liverpool fans and Yossi Benayoun has shown he is capable of being a significant figure at the kop and march the team forward during the absence of their charismatic captain. An 80% fit Fernando Torres yet again proved he is among the best in the business.

It’s not all doom and gloom for the Red Devils. Last season, despite two defeats to Liverpool, United still grabbed the title despite a little hiccup along the way. There is one stat United’s fans should look at and be relieved. Last season United only gained 5 points from a possible 18 from big four teams and still won the title. Rivals Liverpool had an impressive 14 yet they finished second. Even Arsenal who finished fourth had 9 points. This shows Liverpool have nothing to be excited about Sunday’s win and should concentrate on building on this victory. As for United, a good run of form will be the key to another successful season.

After 3 successive defeats to Liverpool, it makes us think, are United that good of a team? In all three games Nemanja Vidic was sent off, United scored only 2 and conceded 8 and two of the games was without their biggest threat Stevie G starting. Then again, Liverpool only seem to perform when the stakes are high and when there is no need for extra motivation. This can be evident from their excellent form in the Champions League under Rafael Benitez. I am sure Liverpool fans would rather lose to Manchester United and win the league other than vice versa. So can Rafael Benitez be blamed for having a squad with potential and not delivering the coveted league title? As Liverpool and other title rivals drop points unnecessarily against smaller teams, United seem to lose points only in games where we expect them to and win most of the other games. This alone is sufficient to win the league. That’s why there aren’t any alarm bells ringing at Old Trafford after the defeat at Anfield.

After a hard fought victory for Liverpool, let’s see if they could sustain this run and get maximum points against Fulham, Birmingham City, Manchester City and the Merseyside derby away to Everton. While Chelsea face Manchester United and Arsenal in the coming month, it will be an enormous chance for Liverpool to close the gap and reach the pinnacle of the table.

Liverpool’s biggest game of the season, for United it’s just another game.

Could this game be Liverpool’s most important game of the season? Well they have lost 4 in a row, the first time this has happened since 1987 and they are already trailing leaders Manchester United by 6 points. By the end of the game, it could be as high as 9 or as low as 3 points.

When Gerrard and Torres are missing, Liverpool seem like just another mediocre team from the premier league and their bad run of form is an evidence of that. Back to back defeats to Fiorentina, Chelsea, Sunderland and Lyon are not what Rafael Benitez will be hoping for before playing Manchester United. Despite this poor run of form, Rafa can look at last season for some inspiration when a win over their fiercest rivals brought their title credentials back alive though it was to no avail.

With a host of stars from both sides expected to miss this game, much attention will be diverted towards the return of Michael Owen to Anfield, as a Red Devil for the first time. Once a Kop hero, Owen will certain get a cold reception on his return to Merseyside and we can be sure to expect a lot of boos when he touches the ball.

Team news for the Merseysiders go something like this, Gerrard, Torres and Johnson are all doubtful, and not many will go against me saying that they have been Liverpool’s best players so far this campaign. It’s not all well for the champions either, Giggs, Rooney, Fletcher, Park and Evra are all in the treatment table, though Rooney is expected to make it in time for this crunching tie. It’s not going to be easy for the United lads as they will travel to Moscow and will only resume full training on Friday. Liverpool have an extra day of rest having played at home on Tuesday.

After losing both home and away to Liverpool last campaign and conceding 6 goals in the process, United will certainly be looking for revenge and extend their lead at the top of the table. Liverpool’s triumph at Old Trafford last season certainly brought joy to many Liverpool fans around the world. A Liverpool fan that I met even said he was happier than the time Liverpool won the Champions League in 2005. Well seems like winning United 4-1 is even bigger than winning the Champions League!

No matter what the highs and lows for both this sides, one thing is for sure, no so called football pundit or expert will ever be able to guess the outcome of this grueling encounter that features two giants of the English game. Till the next encounter comes along, lets see which red will have the bragging rights.



Just for the fun of it, my prediction is a 2-1 win for the Red Devils.

And if Torres and Gerrard play, it will be a draw.

MY 5 MINUTES OF FAME

Every Tuesday night football fans across Malaysia leave their daily chores, work and their big plate of dinner to catch the ever so entertaining football show FourFourTwo on Astro Supersport. Thanks to HooHa.asia, I became the envy of many football fans in Malaysia, especially the England fans, as I was one of three lucky three lions supporters to appear in the spectacular football show hosted by Jason Dasey and Jay Menon.

As I was there early, a gentleman named Ray was kind enough to bring me to the control room to watch the show. As it was a new experience for me, it was truly a culture shock looking at the expertise of the FourFourTwo crew work their way into producing yet another excellent episode. Though this show is pre-recorded, it only made me think of the difficulties that are actually faced producing a live show.

The guest of the day was Gary Phillips, the former assistant to Frank Farina of the Australian national team and he gave his insights on the World Cup qualifiers. It was a pleasure having a brief chat with him about the prospects of the Socceroos in the coming World Cup after he had completed his segment, though he wasn’t quite pleased to be discussing it with an England fan!

Then finally the time came for the three lions to take over the stage, the other two guest fans along with myself roared on to show our support for England. Despite only getting it right after 5 takes, we could have done this all day long as we were having a good time chatting, and since the topic of discussion was football, there never seemed to be a problem. While doing so the three lions (2 fans and I) were trying to mastermind the art of foosball, we guys didn’t want to look too bad as Jay already seemed to be doing pretty well in that department. I have to say I was pretty impressed with the way Jay Menon handled the show. She was rather relaxed and made it look like a walk in the park, with no scripts or any guidelines whatsoever; it looked like any other conversation with her mates.

When I registered as a HooHa.asia member, the Orange Man said “Joining Hooha will give u lots of benefits.” Well just 10 days after joining I am on FourFourTwo, tomorrow who knows maybe ill be at the World Cup?

ENGLAND'S POTENTIAL FRONT LINE NEXT SUMMER

The international week will be coming very soon and with a place in South Africa already sealed for England, all the attention for the players will be to cement their place in the team. As nine potential players have been short listed for the striking department, lets take a look at which of these strikers might march to South Africa with the three lions.

Wayne Rooney

Ruling out the possibilities of injuries, Wazza should be among the first players to make the team sheet. The 2008 champions league winner has been in the side since 2003 as a 17 year old playing for Everton and has been in the squad ever since. His performance in Euro 2004 showed that he has come to age and is ready for the big stage. Rooney will be desperate to make amends of the sending against Portugal in the last World Cup and lead the three lions to glory.

Jermain Defoe

Defoe has started the season excellently for Spurs and if he nets 20 goals or more for Spurs this campaign, it should also mean a ticket to South Africa with the national team. The former Hammer was unfortunate not to make the team in 2006 due to the surprise inclusion of Theo Walcott by Sven Goran Erikkson rather than him. Defoe will ultimately bring a lot of pace and trickery into the team.

Emile Heskey

Heskey is one player who doesn't need to score regularly but could still make the team. Though he has been criticised for the lack of goals, the former Liverpool man can still bring a lot to the team with his physical presence and is constantly a menace for defenders. His main contribution for England over the years is feeding other players with good goal scoring opportunities. His international career looked to be over until he recaptured his form with Wigan and has proved the critics wrong with his importance to the game. Even with a mediocre season with the Villains, Heskey should make the England due to the combination with Wazza.

Gabriel Agbonlahor

With 2 England caps already under his belt after a run of good form at the start of last season, a more build Agbonlahor has started well once more and all he needs is a good finish to the season to win a place in the England set-up. Even of he misses the trip to South Africa, this lad is seen as the future of the England team and should lead the Three Loins to glory for years to come.

Micheal Owen

Moving to Manchester United might have increased his chances for an England call up but the lack of playing time will certainly not impress Capello. Despite this problem, his instinct in front of goal is priceless and his experience is essential. If he gets on Sir Alex team sheet more often, a place for Owen should be within reach. Should he make it to South Africa, it will be Owen’s fourth straight World Cup and only David Beckham from the current side could match that record.

Peter Crouch

Crouch’s form has increased along with Tottenham’s this season yet he still struggles to make the team at White Hart Lane. His aerial ability has always been the positive side of his game and managers in the past has used him to change the face of the game. This factor will always lie at the back of Capello’s mind when he picks his final squad to South Africa. His record with the three lions has been impressive as well, scoring 16 goals in 34 appearances.

Carlton Cole

Carlton Cole has finally made use of his full potential with the Hammers after moving on loan to no less than three clubs during his time with Chelsea. Gianfranco Zola, the Hammers boss and former Chelsea teammate of Cole, has brought the best out of him. His physical presence and pace is a good combination that the likes of Crouch and Defoe don’t possess. Despite this advantage, Cole might still struggle to make the cut as he lacks consistency and fails to perform at major platforms.

Darren Bent

Bent frequently made the team during his time at Charlton but the lack of form during his time in Spurs has seen him fall out of the England set up. With four England caps collected but no goals to show, Bent has recaptured his form after his big move to the Black Cats and his partnership with Kenwyne Jones has so far been a success with Bent netting 7 goals in 8 games. A good season for Bent will push his bid for an England place and be within the eyes of the England gaffer.

Andy Johnson

Probably the biggest outsider for the job, AJ has won 8 England caps but no goals to show. A run of good form and if a few regulars find themselves injured, Johnson might just nick a ticket to South Africa.

Below are my top 9 strikers for the England team. With only 4 or 5 probably making the team, here are my choices in order.

1. Wayne Rooney
2. Jermain Defoe
3. Emile Heskey
4. Peter Crouch
5. Darren Bent
6. Gabriel Agbonlahor
7. Carlton Cole
8. Micheal Owen
9. Andy Johnson