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.
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