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Manchester United v Liverpool Debate: Which superstar will be the match-winner in Old Trafford showdown?
Big names hoping to dazzle in Premier League encounter
19 Mar 2010 08:30:00
By Matt Monaghan & Neil Jones
The battle for pride and prestige in the north west of England reconvenes this weekend when Manchester United and Liverpool lock horns.
English football's two most successful clubs share a bitter rivalry forged by years of combat on, and off, the pitch. Both sides have entered the crunch stage of the season with the race for Champions League qualification and the Premier League title heating up.
Rafa Benitez has enjoyed three wins on the spin against Sir Alex Ferguson, with his 4-1 humbling of the Scot a year ago still rankling. Revenge is certainly in the air for the table-topping hosts.
The star men in each heavyweight squad will need to be on top form to ensure they grab their share of the spoils.
Here is how the Goal.com UK team believe those players will fare...
Position: Striker
Season so far: Has taken the Premier League by storm this season and established himself as a world class talent. Rocketed to the top of the Premier League goal scoring charts and filled the Cristiano Ronaldo sized hole in the United squad.
At Anfield (earlier in the season): The former Evertonian cut a frustrated figure at Anfield. Starved of possession and bereft of chances, his was an afternoon to forget.
What to expect on Sunday: On home turf, Rooney will be ready to destroy his most hated rival. Whether on his own, or in tandem with Dimitar Berbatov, Liverpool's defenders can expect a torrid time.
Star Rating:
Season so far: The Ecuadorian has blossomed at Old Trafford and turned in to a top class performer. His relationship with Wayne Rooney has been particuarly effective, with a series of his crosses being converted by the striker.
At Anfield: A lone beacon of success amongst the lacklustre United performers. Gave Emiliano Insua the run around and was only let down by the poor display by his team-mates.
What to expect on Sunday: Sir Alex Ferguson will be desperate for a repeat. His pace could be critical in crafting the opportunites the Mancunians will need to see off the visitors.
Star Rating:
Position: Central defender
Season so far: Injury, suspension and reported un-rest has disrupted the Serbian's campaign. The iron-clad stopper has returned to form in recent weeks and will provide the cement in the rest of United's campaign.
At Anfield: Vidic's recurring nightmare against Fernando Torres continued with his third consecutive red card against the Merseysiders. He and Rio Ferdinand were also left behind for the Spaniards opening goal.
What to expect on Sunday: Redemption is on the menu. Vidic has a point to prove against Liverpool's ruthless centre forward and will be determined to shut him out.
Star Rating:
Fernando Torres
Position: Striker
Season so far: It has been an injury-disrupted campaign for the Spaniard, but he has still been in prolific form. His brace against Lille followed by two against Portsmouth on Monday took him to 17 goals for the season, and confirmed him (as if it were needed) as the Reds' top dog.
At Anfield: "Fernando was maybe 70 per cent, but sometimes a 70 per cent Fernando is enough," said Rafael Benitez after the Reds' 2-0 win, and he was right. Torres gave Nemanja Vidic and co a terrible time, and evaded Rio Ferdinand with ease to give the Reds a second-half lead which they would not relinquish.
What to expect on Sunday: Much depends on the service up to him, but Torres knows that United's defence is fearful. If Liverpool can use the channels as effectively as they have done in recent clashes, Torres will fancy his chances of making it three scoring games in a row against United.
Star Rating:
Season so far: Stop-start for the skipper, has struggled with injuries and inconsistency, as Liverpool's off-field problems have seemingly engulfed the players. Was back on song against Portsmouth, though perhaps fortunate to be playing after escaping disciplinary action for a tangle with Michael Brown.
At Anfield: Gerrard was ruled out of that clash with a strained abductor muscle, but his depleted side did their captain proud. His last outing against United was the 4-1 win at Old Trafford a year ago.
What to expect on Sunday: Gerrard's penalty last season was his first goal at Old Trafford, and he has been known to struggle at the home of the Champions. But he was back to his effervescent best in the recent win over Portsmouth, and his drive and energy will be vital if Liverpool are to get a result.
Star Rating:
Age: 25
Position: Defensive midfielder
Season so far: Started slowly, amid rumours of interest from Barcelona, but has regained his form to establish himself as the linchpin of the Liverpool midfield. Arguably the Reds' best player since the turn of the year.
At Anfield: Both sides of his character were exposed. On one hand, the Argentina captain was inspirational in the holding midfield role, hustling United out of their stride and using the ball well. On the other, he picked up a soft red card in stoppage time after a rash lunge at Edwin Van der Sar.
What to expect on Sunday: The usual Mascherano. Plenty of energy, a few big early tackles and some variation in his passing. Unlikely to spend too much time going forward, but has been sent off at Old Trafford before, so will need to keep a lid on his emotions.
Star Rating:
The battle for pride and prestige in the north west of England reconvenes this weekend when Manchester United and Liverpool lock horns.
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English football's two most successful clubs share a bitter rivalry forged by years of combat on, and off, the pitch. Both sides have entered the crunch stage of the season with the race for Champions League qualification and the Premier League title heating up.
Rafa Benitez has enjoyed three wins on the spin against Sir Alex Ferguson, with his 4-1 humbling of the Scot a year ago still rankling. Revenge is certainly in the air for the table-topping hosts.
The star men in each heavyweight squad will need to be on top form to ensure they grab their share of the spoils.
Here is how the Goal.com UK team believe those players will fare...
MANCHESTER UNITED
Wayne Rooney
Wayne Rooney
Position: Striker
Season so far: Has taken the Premier League by storm this season and established himself as a world class talent. Rocketed to the top of the Premier League goal scoring charts and filled the Cristiano Ronaldo sized hole in the United squad.
At Anfield (earlier in the season): The former Evertonian cut a frustrated figure at Anfield. Starved of possession and bereft of chances, his was an afternoon to forget.
What to expect on Sunday: On home turf, Rooney will be ready to destroy his most hated rival. Whether on his own, or in tandem with Dimitar Berbatov, Liverpool's defenders can expect a torrid time.
Star Rating:
Antonio Valencia
Age: 24
Position: Right wingerSeason so far: The Ecuadorian has blossomed at Old Trafford and turned in to a top class performer. His relationship with Wayne Rooney has been particuarly effective, with a series of his crosses being converted by the striker.
At Anfield: A lone beacon of success amongst the lacklustre United performers. Gave Emiliano Insua the run around and was only let down by the poor display by his team-mates.
What to expect on Sunday: Sir Alex Ferguson will be desperate for a repeat. His pace could be critical in crafting the opportunites the Mancunians will need to see off the visitors.
Star Rating:
Nemanja Vidic
Position: Central defender
Season so far: Injury, suspension and reported un-rest has disrupted the Serbian's campaign. The iron-clad stopper has returned to form in recent weeks and will provide the cement in the rest of United's campaign.
At Anfield: Vidic's recurring nightmare against Fernando Torres continued with his third consecutive red card against the Merseysiders. He and Rio Ferdinand were also left behind for the Spaniards opening goal.
What to expect on Sunday: Redemption is on the menu. Vidic has a point to prove against Liverpool's ruthless centre forward and will be determined to shut him out.
Star Rating:
LIVERPOOL
Fernando Torres
Position: Striker
Season so far: It has been an injury-disrupted campaign for the Spaniard, but he has still been in prolific form. His brace against Lille followed by two against Portsmouth on Monday took him to 17 goals for the season, and confirmed him (as if it were needed) as the Reds' top dog.
At Anfield: "Fernando was maybe 70 per cent, but sometimes a 70 per cent Fernando is enough," said Rafael Benitez after the Reds' 2-0 win, and he was right. Torres gave Nemanja Vidic and co a terrible time, and evaded Rio Ferdinand with ease to give the Reds a second-half lead which they would not relinquish.
What to expect on Sunday: Much depends on the service up to him, but Torres knows that United's defence is fearful. If Liverpool can use the channels as effectively as they have done in recent clashes, Torres will fancy his chances of making it three scoring games in a row against United.
Star Rating:
Steven Gerrard
Age: 29
Position: Attacking midfielderSeason so far: Stop-start for the skipper, has struggled with injuries and inconsistency, as Liverpool's off-field problems have seemingly engulfed the players. Was back on song against Portsmouth, though perhaps fortunate to be playing after escaping disciplinary action for a tangle with Michael Brown.
At Anfield: Gerrard was ruled out of that clash with a strained abductor muscle, but his depleted side did their captain proud. His last outing against United was the 4-1 win at Old Trafford a year ago.
What to expect on Sunday: Gerrard's penalty last season was his first goal at Old Trafford, and he has been known to struggle at the home of the Champions. But he was back to his effervescent best in the recent win over Portsmouth, and his drive and energy will be vital if Liverpool are to get a result.
Star Rating:
Javier Mascherano
Age: 25
Position: Defensive midfielder
Season so far: Started slowly, amid rumours of interest from Barcelona, but has regained his form to establish himself as the linchpin of the Liverpool midfield. Arguably the Reds' best player since the turn of the year.
At Anfield: Both sides of his character were exposed. On one hand, the Argentina captain was inspirational in the holding midfield role, hustling United out of their stride and using the ball well. On the other, he picked up a soft red card in stoppage time after a rash lunge at Edwin Van der Sar.
What to expect on Sunday: The usual Mascherano. Plenty of energy, a few big early tackles and some variation in his passing. Unlikely to spend too much time going forward, but has been sent off at Old Trafford before, so will need to keep a lid on his emotions.
Star Rating:
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| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
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| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
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