Prediction: Manchester United vs Liverpool

10th February 2012

The fact that Manchester United vs Liverpool is still considered the greatest rivalry of English football should guarantee us a very intense affair between two highly motivated sides at Old Trafford. With United chasing the Premier League title and the Reds hoping to improve their top 4 chances, everything suggests we are in for a great game of football at the Theater of Dreams.

Manchester United started their title defence brightly as they enjoyed a very good start to the Premiership campaign, but numerous injuries to the playing squad took the wind out of their sails midway through the season. The poor run of form saw United drop out from three major competitions, meaning they had no options but to concentrate on defending the league title. Fergie’s side managed to rediscover their form of late, with the derby win over Arsenal at the Emirates and the glorious comeback against Chelsea proving Manchester United are still a force to be reckoned with in English football. The Red Devils can be forgiven for feeling optimistic after coming from three goals down to earn one point at Stamford Bridge and with the injury situation also improving, they have to be considered favourites against Liverpool. Wayne Rooney and Ashley Young have already returned into action, whereas Tom Cleverley and Chris Smalling are also fit to face the Reds. However, Jones, Anderson, Fletcher, Lindegaard, Nani, Owen and Vidic remain sidelined.

Liverpool have been struggling to find some consistency from the very start to the season, whereas numerous slip ups at Anfield could end up costing them dearly come end of the season. Just as the Reds were starting to show some improvement in their performances, their star player Luis Suarez was slapped with an eight-match ban and the Uruguayan was sorely missed over the last five weeks. Kenny Dalglish’s side did well to reach the Carling Cup final and FA Cup last 16 stage, but they slipped to 7th place in the Premiership after wining just one of their last five games. The Reds are expected to raise their game now that Luis Suarez is back to the side, but the Uruguayan will need some time to rediscover the form from the start to the season. Jose Enrique should return from a hamstring injury, leaving Lucas Leiva as the only player in the infirmary.

Conclusion

Following the impressive displays against Arsenal and Chelsea, Manchester United certainly look like they can beat Liverpool as well, especially as they are high on confidence at the moment. The Reds are far from the desired form at the moment and not even Luis Suarez can help them avoid defeat at Old Trafford.

Verdict: Home win Manchester United (1)

Best Odds: 19/20

Bookmaker: William Hill