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David De Gea Vs Aerial Balls, Old Trafford Vs Suarez and other Key Battles as United look to take revenge against Liverpool
Goal.com looks at the key battles as Manchester United welcome Liverpool to Old Trafford with both Patrice Evra and Luis Suarez looking to play a part...
10-Feb-2012 10:25:00 PM
By Kaustav Bera
Getty
SPECIAL
BY Kaustav Bera
A matchup between two of the most successful teams in England is always a tense affair no matter what the circumstances or the positions of the respective clubs are. Add to that, the ongoing Suarez - Evra drama and you have a proper blockbuster waiting to happen.
With both managers urging this to be a match solely about football and not about personal rivalries, Manchester United need to win this match by any means possible as they need to keep the pressure on top against the Citizens who only play on Sunday. Meanwhile Liverpool need to keep themselves in contention for the fourth Champions League spot and after slipping up against an injury ravaged Tottenham, they too need a result.
Who Will Turn Out The Better Tactician?
Having met twice before this season, both the games being at Anfield, with the results being a 1-1 drawthanks to David De Gea heroics and a 2-1 win which chucked United out of FA Cup contention, Liverpool certainly enjoy a clear psychological edge against the Red Devils.
Meanwhile, United too are on a high after coming back against Chelsea in dramatic circumstances at the Bridge, albeit controversially and they will look to settle scores against familiar foes at the Theatre of Dreams.
Goal.com looks at the key battles for this match...
Wayne Rooney has scored 15 goals in 21 Premier League appearances this season. However his form certainly cannot be described as prolific as the likes of Robin Van Persie or Demba Ba for their respective teams. However, having bagged two crucial penalties in the preceding match against Chelsea, and having missed the FA Cup tie which United lost to Liverpool, Rooney will certainly have a point to prove. Moreover having been raised in the Blue half of Merseyside, Wayne Rooney is always up for a match against Liverpool!
Jay Spearing has been deputising in the holding midfielder's role due to the unfortunate injury absence of Lucas Leiva. And he has done a splendid job too when called upon. While primarily a defensive midfielder, he does come forward at the right time and can strike the ball too pretty well. However, on Saturday his main brief will be to keep Wayne Rooney in check. Since Rooney will drop off in midfield to pick out a pass to the wingers or play a one two with the striker upfront. Spearing will certainly need to be on his toes to nullify Rooney's movement and ability to get others into the game.
Michael Carrick has been the standout midfielder for the Manchester side, especially in the wake of injuries in midfield that has been plaguing the team this season. That United have been able to keep pace with City is mainly due to the consistency he brings in and ofcourse he has stayed fit too! Not only can he play that long incisive pass but the oft overlooked quality is Carrick's interceptions and ability to dictate the tempo of the game and cutting down space for the opponent midfielders. Carrick will have to be at his defensive best when he is up against his England team mate, the inspirational Steven Gerrard who can single handedly change the complexion of a match.
Steven Gerrard who is back fit and playing for the Merseyside club will have to come out on top in this battle, if Liverpool wish to win at Old Trafford. With Gerrard now preferring to play a much deeper position, picking out balls at will, he will indeed be the playmaker that Liverpool need and probably the only man who can deliver the balls which Carrolll feeds on. A complete midfielder, Gerrard is equally proficient in getting the tackles in. Although his late runs into the box have decreased of late, he is still a threat from dead ball situations especially as United found out at Anfield earlier!
Antonio Valencia who has been voted United's best player for January, is certainly in top form at the right side of the United midfield which is the area where United have been at their destructive best. Valencia is certainly looking better and better after each match. He may not have the trickery or guile of Nani, but with sheer pace and his ability to pick out a pin point cross and a pass in the box makes him United's most lethal weapon. If Sir Alex Ferguson's side were to take this game by the scuff of the neck, Valenica will need to come out on top.
Jose Enrique has probably been the Premier League's best left back this season by a mile. Defensively solid and a good crosser of the ball, Enrique will have to concentrate more on his defensive game on Saturday as he will be up against the lightning quick Valencia. He needs to have the measure of him and stop United's most potent attacking outlet. Liverpool will have to make sure that he is fit for the game as he had picked up a minor injury in the last match.
With the Red Devils having no fixed choice right backs, it is anyone's guess who will be playing on the right side of defense. It will probably be a toss up between Rafael da Silva or Chris Smalling, who is expected to be fit for the clash. A fit Smalling will definitely get the nod over the much quicker Rafael as Sir Alex will want his Right Back to mainly check Craig Bellamy who has certainly been Liverpool's most explosive player of late. Although Rafael's pace might come of use, Smalling's defensive solidity will certainly put him ahead in the pecking order, if fit.
Craig Bellamy has led the Liverpool charge when Luis Suarez was suspended. And he has done it splendidly. Although playing on the left side of midfield he has effectively led the line. It was Bellamy magic which saw Liverpool topple Chelsea, Manchester City in the Carling Cup and Manchester United in the FA Cup. He has it all, blistering pace, trickery and an eye for goal. Oh he has quite a temper too! Bellamy's success can be attributed to positive chanelling of his temper to better his game, with the impact of King Kenny apparent.
David De Gea has been both a Jekyll and Hyde figure this season for Manchester United. Only 21 years of age, yet snapped up by Sir Alex for close to 20 million pounds, opinion has been massively polarised as to whether he can be the Old Trafford based club's No. 1. He certainly has shown signs of being a great goalkeeper in the making, with top class distribution skills complemented by brilliant shot stopping ability. His ability to come good in the big matches too has been proven too, as he single handedly kept Liverpool out at Anfield making a clutch of saves right from the top drawer. Now thats his Dr. Jekyll side.
When David De Gea suddenly transforms himself from the good doctor to Mr. Hyde, then everything suddenly goes awry as was seen in many games this season. His communication skills and command of the area leaves a lot to be desired. This is especially apparent when it comes to indirect free kicks or corners especially when there are bodies in the box. His physical presence is almost non-existent and the dip in confidence too has made him even more hesitant in coming out for those long aerial balls which any other top class goalkeeper could grab comfortably. He chooses to punch those, putting the defense in all kinds of pressure. Daniel Agger certainly proved the point at Anfield in the FA Cup tie.
Which David De Gea we get for the match will go a long way in determining the outcome of the match.
With the Kop giving an earful to Patrice Evra, the other half of the Luis Suarez race row, whenever he got on the ball at Anfield, the Old Trafford will certainly look to pay it back in kind when Suarez comes on at Old Trafford. Free flowing boos and chants will welcome the Uruguayan back from suspension.
Luis Suarez will certainly have to maintain his composure in the midst of the boos and whistles. With him probably having to lead the Liverpool line at Old Trafford, a rattled Luis Suarez will certainly dent Liverpool's chances to get a result away from home.
Will it be third time lucky for Manchester United as they take on the Reds from Merseyside whom they have 'knocked off the perch'? Or Will Liverpool Prove that they revel against the 'Big' sides?
BY Kaustav Bera
A matchup between two of the most successful teams in England is always a tense affair no matter what the circumstances or the positions of the respective clubs are. Add to that, the ongoing Suarez - Evra drama and you have a proper blockbuster waiting to happen.
With both managers urging this to be a match solely about football and not about personal rivalries, Manchester United need to win this match by any means possible as they need to keep the pressure on top against the Citizens who only play on Sunday. Meanwhile Liverpool need to keep themselves in contention for the fourth Champions League spot and after slipping up against an injury ravaged Tottenham, they too need a result.
Who Will Turn Out The Better Tactician?
Having met twice before this season, both the games being at Anfield, with the results being a 1-1 drawthanks to David De Gea heroics and a 2-1 win which chucked United out of FA Cup contention, Liverpool certainly enjoy a clear psychological edge against the Red Devils.
Meanwhile, United too are on a high after coming back against Chelsea in dramatic circumstances at the Bridge, albeit controversially and they will look to settle scores against familiar foes at the Theatre of Dreams.
Goal.com looks at the key battles for this match...
| Wayne Rooney |
vs | Jay Spearing |
Wayne Rooney has scored 15 goals in 21 Premier League appearances this season. However his form certainly cannot be described as prolific as the likes of Robin Van Persie or Demba Ba for their respective teams. However, having bagged two crucial penalties in the preceding match against Chelsea, and having missed the FA Cup tie which United lost to Liverpool, Rooney will certainly have a point to prove. Moreover having been raised in the Blue half of Merseyside, Wayne Rooney is always up for a match against Liverpool!Jay Spearing has been deputising in the holding midfielder's role due to the unfortunate injury absence of Lucas Leiva. And he has done a splendid job too when called upon. While primarily a defensive midfielder, he does come forward at the right time and can strike the ball too pretty well. However, on Saturday his main brief will be to keep Wayne Rooney in check. Since Rooney will drop off in midfield to pick out a pass to the wingers or play a one two with the striker upfront. Spearing will certainly need to be on his toes to nullify Rooney's movement and ability to get others into the game.
| Michael Carrick |
vs | Steven Gerrard |
Michael Carrick has been the standout midfielder for the Manchester side, especially in the wake of injuries in midfield that has been plaguing the team this season. That United have been able to keep pace with City is mainly due to the consistency he brings in and ofcourse he has stayed fit too! Not only can he play that long incisive pass but the oft overlooked quality is Carrick's interceptions and ability to dictate the tempo of the game and cutting down space for the opponent midfielders. Carrick will have to be at his defensive best when he is up against his England team mate, the inspirational Steven Gerrard who can single handedly change the complexion of a match. Steven Gerrard who is back fit and playing for the Merseyside club will have to come out on top in this battle, if Liverpool wish to win at Old Trafford. With Gerrard now preferring to play a much deeper position, picking out balls at will, he will indeed be the playmaker that Liverpool need and probably the only man who can deliver the balls which Carrolll feeds on. A complete midfielder, Gerrard is equally proficient in getting the tackles in. Although his late runs into the box have decreased of late, he is still a threat from dead ball situations especially as United found out at Anfield earlier!
| Antonio Valencia |
vs | Jose Enrique |
Antonio Valencia who has been voted United's best player for January, is certainly in top form at the right side of the United midfield which is the area where United have been at their destructive best. Valencia is certainly looking better and better after each match. He may not have the trickery or guile of Nani, but with sheer pace and his ability to pick out a pin point cross and a pass in the box makes him United's most lethal weapon. If Sir Alex Ferguson's side were to take this game by the scuff of the neck, Valenica will need to come out on top.Jose Enrique has probably been the Premier League's best left back this season by a mile. Defensively solid and a good crosser of the ball, Enrique will have to concentrate more on his defensive game on Saturday as he will be up against the lightning quick Valencia. He needs to have the measure of him and stop United's most potent attacking outlet. Liverpool will have to make sure that he is fit for the game as he had picked up a minor injury in the last match.
| Rafael/Smalling |
vs | Craig Bellamy |
With the Red Devils having no fixed choice right backs, it is anyone's guess who will be playing on the right side of defense. It will probably be a toss up between Rafael da Silva or Chris Smalling, who is expected to be fit for the clash. A fit Smalling will definitely get the nod over the much quicker Rafael as Sir Alex will want his Right Back to mainly check Craig Bellamy who has certainly been Liverpool's most explosive player of late. Although Rafael's pace might come of use, Smalling's defensive solidity will certainly put him ahead in the pecking order, if fit.Craig Bellamy has led the Liverpool charge when Luis Suarez was suspended. And he has done it splendidly. Although playing on the left side of midfield he has effectively led the line. It was Bellamy magic which saw Liverpool topple Chelsea, Manchester City in the Carling Cup and Manchester United in the FA Cup. He has it all, blistering pace, trickery and an eye for goal. Oh he has quite a temper too! Bellamy's success can be attributed to positive chanelling of his temper to better his game, with the impact of King Kenny apparent.
| David De Gea |
vs | Aerial Balls |
David De Gea has been both a Jekyll and Hyde figure this season for Manchester United. Only 21 years of age, yet snapped up by Sir Alex for close to 20 million pounds, opinion has been massively polarised as to whether he can be the Old Trafford based club's No. 1. He certainly has shown signs of being a great goalkeeper in the making, with top class distribution skills complemented by brilliant shot stopping ability. His ability to come good in the big matches too has been proven too, as he single handedly kept Liverpool out at Anfield making a clutch of saves right from the top drawer. Now thats his Dr. Jekyll side.When David De Gea suddenly transforms himself from the good doctor to Mr. Hyde, then everything suddenly goes awry as was seen in many games this season. His communication skills and command of the area leaves a lot to be desired. This is especially apparent when it comes to indirect free kicks or corners especially when there are bodies in the box. His physical presence is almost non-existent and the dip in confidence too has made him even more hesitant in coming out for those long aerial balls which any other top class goalkeeper could grab comfortably. He chooses to punch those, putting the defense in all kinds of pressure. Daniel Agger certainly proved the point at Anfield in the FA Cup tie.Which David De Gea we get for the match will go a long way in determining the outcome of the match.
| Old Trafford |
vs | Luis Suarez |
With the Kop giving an earful to Patrice Evra, the other half of the Luis Suarez race row, whenever he got on the ball at Anfield, the Old Trafford will certainly look to pay it back in kind when Suarez comes on at Old Trafford. Free flowing boos and chants will welcome the Uruguayan back from suspension. Luis Suarez will certainly have to maintain his composure in the midst of the boos and whistles. With him probably having to lead the Liverpool line at Old Trafford, a rattled Luis Suarez will certainly dent Liverpool's chances to get a result away from home.
Will it be third time lucky for Manchester United as they take on the Reds from Merseyside whom they have 'knocked off the perch'? Or Will Liverpool Prove that they revel against the 'Big' sides?
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