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'Evra is United's weak link' and 'Suarez is out for revenge' – Fan reactions ahead of Manchester United v Liverpool clash
Goal.com gathers fans from both sides to talk about the tactical aspects and what they expect from Saturday's North-West derby...
10-Feb-2012 11:20:00 PM
By Anselm Noronha
Getty Images
Manchester United and Liverpool go head-to-head in the battle for supremacy, with all eyes very much on the duo of Patrice Evra and Luis Suarez for quite obvious reasons.
Wayne Rooney also decided to join the party after Manchester United striker claimed that Liverpool's Luis Suarez should have seen red against Tottenham.
The Manchester United Fans who spoke to us all belong to the Manchester United Fans Club- Kolkata which organizes regular screenings of United matches attended by Red Devils across the football crazy state of Bengal. They also have a football team which plays in tourneys against other supporter clubs. Be sure to drop by for the big match screening Saturday, if you happen to be in Kolkata.
Goal.com spoke to fans of both clubs to discuss and mull over certain topics, and their reactions follow...
Player/s to watch out for.
Valencia - He has been in terrific form off-late. United will depend a lot on him to provide the assists, now that Nani is out and Young is just back.
What player/position will the opposition exploit?
With Vida out, our back line is not as strong anymore as it used to be. Though Evans is doing a fair job, he is no Vidic. Rio is not as dependable as he used to be. Plus, Evra as a left back 'DEFENSIVELY' has not been upto the mark in the last year and half.
Thoughts over Rooney's twitter comment on Suarez.
He (Rooney) is right, that should have been a red when he was booked in the first place. You just cannot allow these characters to roam scot free.
Having not yet won against Liverpool this season, can Manchester United win at Old Trafford?
Yes, playing at OT for United offers an advantage, but it's a derby. Anything can happen.
Prediction and conclusion.
It's impossible to predict Liverpool playing against United. Anything can happen, for me its the biggest derby in English Football. I expect United to edge it though, only if we have 11 players on the pitch.
Player/s to watch out for.
I would say Suarez, because he's out to seek revenge, but I'm going to go with Andy Carroll. He's (Carroll) been a totally different player with his confidence back since the City game at Anfield. He'll boss around De Gea and Evans with his physicality and should get a goal. I think he'll prove decisive.
What player/position will the Liverpool exploit?
Definitely the United centre back pairing. Ferdinand still doesn't look fully fit, and Evans isn't fit to be in a top six team's defence. De Gea is another weak link and will have problems at corners again.
Thoughts over Rooney's twitter comment on Suarez.
I really think Rooney should practice what he preaches. He got sent off for a violent kick while playing for England and then appealed the ban. I mean, if he thinks it's fine, he shouldn't comment on it. Suarez's kick was clearly accidental...he had eyes only for the ball.
Having not yet won against Liverpool this season, can Manchester United win at Old Trafford?
United are always strong at Old Trafford and have the fans behind them but I think Liverpool are in a good run of form and should get some points out of the game.
Prediction and conclusion.
1-2 to Liverpool. I went with it last time and was correct! I think we're in a good vein of form and have a really strong defence while United have looked shaky this season.
Player/s to watch out for.
Evra and Suarez for obvious reasons. Suarez with all his trickery will cause problems but playing at OT with fans booing him, it has to be seen if he can handle it.
What player/position will the opposition exploit?
Left Back. Evra has been at fault quite a lot this season and Liverpool would be firing down through their right flank.
Thoughts over Rooney's twitter comment on Suarez.
He (Rooney) got a straight red playing for England for a far lesser offence so he is spot on when he says Suarez should have been sent off. Players have the right to voice their opinions.
Having not yet won against Liverpool this season, can Manchester United win at Old Trafford?
Playing at home is always an advantage, but remember they beat us 1-4 not so long back? These kind of tense matches can go either way. However, given the current form of both teams, United can definitely win.
Prediction and conclusion.
1-0 to United. Liverpool have been unable to convert the chances they have created. United will sneak in one in a cagey match. It has happened only once that United failed to score. And one more thing, I can very well see a Red Card somwhere in the match.
Player/s to watch out for.
Well, the man to watch out for will no doubt be Antonio Valencia cause of his run of good form this season; and also Javier Hernandez, if he starts or is subbed on, because I always feel he has a goal or two in him whenever hes on the pitch.
What player/position will the opposition exploit?
Man Utd will probably try to exploit our left back position if Jose Enrique can't return in time.
Thought over Rooney's twitter comment on Suarez.
Rooney should be the last person speaking about other players deserving a red card. He himself has gotten away without red cards in many situations himself. He should be thankful for that instead of passing judgement on others.
Having not yet won against Liverpool this season, can Manchester United win at Old Trafford?
Old Trafford will definitely be an advantage to them as their home fans will be behind them. But I think Liverpool will be up to the task as well, so I expect it to be an extremely close game.
Prediction and conclusion.
Man Utd 1-2 Liverpool. I think due to Man Utd's lack of first choice centre backs, they will not be able to cope with Suarez, and at the same time their midfield not being fast enough, won't pose a problem for the slower players like Adam and Spearing, so going for a Liverpool win.
Player/s to watch out for.
Wayne Rooney, of course. He once mentioned in an interview that getting one over Liverpool is the prime reason he joined United from the blue side of Liverpool. Whenever United play Liverpool, Wayne has an extra 10% to give.
Apart from him though, eyes will be on Evra in the hope of him not messing things up too badly this time. Him cutting down on his tendency to get caught out of position will be crucial in this game. It's a real headache these days.
What player/position will the opposition exploit?
Patrice Evra, of course. They will likely send Kuyt down that right flank from the off and there will be extra pressure on Evra, knowing that it was Kuyt who robbed us off an FA Cup replay; in the fourth round matchup less than a fortnight ago- that too, from a very very soft chance.
Thoughts over Rooney's twitter comment on Suarez.
He was spot on there, was Wazza. Same goes for old GNev.
Having not yet won against Liverpool this season, can Manchester United win at Old Trafford?
In a north-west derby, previous performances, fan support, recent form - nothing matters. The only thing that matters is, who is mentally stronger going into the game and who can keep the fact, that it isn't over before the final whistle, on their minds. And SAF will make sure his wards are up to it, after what happened at Anfield.
Prediction and conclusion.
Can't see Liverpool winning this one, at any rate. If United finish with 11 men on the pitch, should be a comfortable win, with the margin of at least a couple. United are in desperate need of points and it'll be hard for Dalglish's wards to take anything out of the game.
Player/s to watch out for.
For Liverpool, the Man To Watch will be Luis Suarez. I am not saying this because of the Suarez-Evra, incident but because Suarez is one of THE BEST footballers at present. He has a vicious right foot, breathtaking skills and the most important of em all - THE AGGRESSION.
For United, the most important player will be Paul Scholes. He was amazing at Anfield last time around. He controlled the game and held it together for Man Utd . As soon as he was substituted Liverpool got to see a lot more of the ball and eventually scored.
What player/position will Liverpool exploit?
United's defense has been quite shaky this season unlike the past United defenses. So that must be the area Liverpool should be targeting to exploit at and Suarez will surely help the cause although we have been very profligate in front of goal.
Thoughts over Rooney's twitter comment on Suarez.
Rooney's comment on Suarez said it all about United. That shows how scared they were of the prospect of seeing Suarez score at the Stretford End. Nice try, Wayne, but that will only spur the emphatic Uruguayan to perform better.
Having not yet won against Liverpool this season, can Manchester United win at Old Trafford?
This Match: The North West Derby, like any other derby, is gonna be a very intense and a high pressure match. The fact that the match is being held at Old Trafford gives United a slight upper hand and also that we knocked them out of the FA Cup might give them the feeling of revenge but we Liverpudlians have not been bad away from home this season, 2 wins at Stamford Bridge and a win at the Emirates would testify that fact.
Prediction and conclusion.
I would say a 1-1 draw for us because we don't seem to be scoring goals at the moment. So it'll be tough for us to score although United have a very bad defense. But our (Liverpool) defense has showed that we can more than just cope with the likes of Rooney, Hernandez and Welbeck.
A boring 1-1 draw all though the North West Derby's have been quite short of boring off late.
YNWA FOLKS ! !
Player/s to watch out for.
As much as we'd not like to be labelled as not being dependant on any one particular player, we can't deny the fact that Wayne Rooney is our talisman. Whenever he doesn't play, we look short on creativity and that extra man in midfield who can track back. His performance usually determines how well we're playing. After orchestrating a pulsating comeback at Stamford Bridge, a big performance is expected of him at Old Trafford.
What player/position will the opposition exploit?
It's obvious for both of us and the opposition to see. Patrice Evra is our weak link in defence, and has been for the past couple of years. He remained fairly calm in a sea of boos and whistles at Anfield, but a lapse in concentration let the Scousers steal it at the end. A solid defensive performance from him is long overdue.
Thoughts over Rooney's twitter comment on Suarez.
Wayne Rooney recently tweeted "If ref sees that kick from Suarez and books him for it it should be red (sic)" regarding an incident between the Liverpool-Totenham match.
While Twitter has emerged as a media where our favourite players can both connect with us and lash out relating to particular incidents, it does lead to quite a bit of "Blinkering." That however, was a Red Card.
Having not yet won against Liverpool this season, can Manchester United win at Old Trafford?
Having not been able to beat Liverpool this season, this match should spur the players on even more. In the wake of the racism row, if Suarez plays at Old Trafford he can expect the most hostile reception he's ever faced at any football ground, anywhere in the world. The fact that Liverpool have lost five on the road this season, out of 12, can only be a sign of things to come at Old Trafford.
Prediction and conclusion.
While Liverpool somehow always raise their game against us, I can't see them taking points from Old Trafford. Things are too heavily stacked against them and if we play anywhere near to what we did in the second half at Stamford Bridge, we should easily brush them aside. 3-1 to United.
Wayne Rooney also decided to join the party after Manchester United striker claimed that Liverpool's Luis Suarez should have seen red against Tottenham.
The Manchester United Fans who spoke to us all belong to the Manchester United Fans Club- Kolkata which organizes regular screenings of United matches attended by Red Devils across the football crazy state of Bengal. They also have a football team which plays in tourneys against other supporter clubs. Be sure to drop by for the big match screening Saturday, if you happen to be in Kolkata.
Goal.com spoke to fans of both clubs to discuss and mull over certain topics, and their reactions follow...
|
Player/s to watch out for.
Valencia - He has been in terrific form off-late. United will depend a lot on him to provide the assists, now that Nani is out and Young is just back.
What player/position will the opposition exploit?With Vida out, our back line is not as strong anymore as it used to be. Though Evans is doing a fair job, he is no Vidic. Rio is not as dependable as he used to be. Plus, Evra as a left back 'DEFENSIVELY' has not been upto the mark in the last year and half.
Thoughts over Rooney's twitter comment on Suarez.
He (Rooney) is right, that should have been a red when he was booked in the first place. You just cannot allow these characters to roam scot free.
Having not yet won against Liverpool this season, can Manchester United win at Old Trafford?
Yes, playing at OT for United offers an advantage, but it's a derby. Anything can happen.
Prediction and conclusion.
It's impossible to predict Liverpool playing against United. Anything can happen, for me its the biggest derby in English Football. I expect United to edge it though, only if we have 11 players on the pitch.
|
Player/s to watch out for.
I would say Suarez, because he's out to seek revenge, but I'm going to go with Andy Carroll. He's (Carroll) been a totally different player with his confidence back since the City game at Anfield. He'll boss around De Gea and Evans with his physicality and should get a goal. I think he'll prove decisive.
What player/position will the Liverpool exploit?
Definitely the United centre back pairing. Ferdinand still doesn't look fully fit, and Evans isn't fit to be in a top six team's defence. De Gea is another weak link and will have problems at corners again.
Thoughts over Rooney's twitter comment on Suarez.I really think Rooney should practice what he preaches. He got sent off for a violent kick while playing for England and then appealed the ban. I mean, if he thinks it's fine, he shouldn't comment on it. Suarez's kick was clearly accidental...he had eyes only for the ball.
Having not yet won against Liverpool this season, can Manchester United win at Old Trafford?
United are always strong at Old Trafford and have the fans behind them but I think Liverpool are in a good run of form and should get some points out of the game.
Prediction and conclusion.
1-2 to Liverpool. I went with it last time and was correct! I think we're in a good vein of form and have a really strong defence while United have looked shaky this season.
|
Player/s to watch out for.
Evra and Suarez for obvious reasons. Suarez with all his trickery will cause problems but playing at OT with fans booing him, it has to be seen if he can handle it.
What player/position will the opposition exploit?
Left Back. Evra has been at fault quite a lot this season and Liverpool would be firing down through their right flank.Thoughts over Rooney's twitter comment on Suarez.
He (Rooney) got a straight red playing for England for a far lesser offence so he is spot on when he says Suarez should have been sent off. Players have the right to voice their opinions.
Having not yet won against Liverpool this season, can Manchester United win at Old Trafford?
Playing at home is always an advantage, but remember they beat us 1-4 not so long back? These kind of tense matches can go either way. However, given the current form of both teams, United can definitely win.
Prediction and conclusion.
1-0 to United. Liverpool have been unable to convert the chances they have created. United will sneak in one in a cagey match. It has happened only once that United failed to score. And one more thing, I can very well see a Red Card somwhere in the match.
|
Player/s to watch out for.
Well, the man to watch out for will no doubt be Antonio Valencia cause of his run of good form this season; and also Javier Hernandez, if he starts or is subbed on, because I always feel he has a goal or two in him whenever hes on the pitch.
What player/position will the opposition exploit?
Man Utd will probably try to exploit our left back position if Jose Enrique can't return in time.
Thought over Rooney's twitter comment on Suarez.Rooney should be the last person speaking about other players deserving a red card. He himself has gotten away without red cards in many situations himself. He should be thankful for that instead of passing judgement on others.
Having not yet won against Liverpool this season, can Manchester United win at Old Trafford?
Old Trafford will definitely be an advantage to them as their home fans will be behind them. But I think Liverpool will be up to the task as well, so I expect it to be an extremely close game.
Prediction and conclusion.
Man Utd 1-2 Liverpool. I think due to Man Utd's lack of first choice centre backs, they will not be able to cope with Suarez, and at the same time their midfield not being fast enough, won't pose a problem for the slower players like Adam and Spearing, so going for a Liverpool win.
|
Player/s to watch out for.
Wayne Rooney, of course. He once mentioned in an interview that getting one over Liverpool is the prime reason he joined United from the blue side of Liverpool. Whenever United play Liverpool, Wayne has an extra 10% to give.
Apart from him though, eyes will be on Evra in the hope of him not messing things up too badly this time. Him cutting down on his tendency to get caught out of position will be crucial in this game. It's a real headache these days.What player/position will the opposition exploit?
Patrice Evra, of course. They will likely send Kuyt down that right flank from the off and there will be extra pressure on Evra, knowing that it was Kuyt who robbed us off an FA Cup replay; in the fourth round matchup less than a fortnight ago- that too, from a very very soft chance.
Thoughts over Rooney's twitter comment on Suarez.
He was spot on there, was Wazza. Same goes for old GNev.
Having not yet won against Liverpool this season, can Manchester United win at Old Trafford?
In a north-west derby, previous performances, fan support, recent form - nothing matters. The only thing that matters is, who is mentally stronger going into the game and who can keep the fact, that it isn't over before the final whistle, on their minds. And SAF will make sure his wards are up to it, after what happened at Anfield.
Prediction and conclusion.
Can't see Liverpool winning this one, at any rate. If United finish with 11 men on the pitch, should be a comfortable win, with the margin of at least a couple. United are in desperate need of points and it'll be hard for Dalglish's wards to take anything out of the game.
|
Player/s to watch out for.
For Liverpool, the Man To Watch will be Luis Suarez. I am not saying this because of the Suarez-Evra, incident but because Suarez is one of THE BEST footballers at present. He has a vicious right foot, breathtaking skills and the most important of em all - THE AGGRESSION.
For United, the most important player will be Paul Scholes. He was amazing at Anfield last time around. He controlled the game and held it together for Man Utd . As soon as he was substituted Liverpool got to see a lot more of the ball and eventually scored.
What player/position will Liverpool exploit?
United's defense has been quite shaky this season unlike the past United defenses. So that must be the area Liverpool should be targeting to exploit at and Suarez will surely help the cause although we have been very profligate in front of goal. Thoughts over Rooney's twitter comment on Suarez.
Rooney's comment on Suarez said it all about United. That shows how scared they were of the prospect of seeing Suarez score at the Stretford End. Nice try, Wayne, but that will only spur the emphatic Uruguayan to perform better.
Having not yet won against Liverpool this season, can Manchester United win at Old Trafford?
This Match: The North West Derby, like any other derby, is gonna be a very intense and a high pressure match. The fact that the match is being held at Old Trafford gives United a slight upper hand and also that we knocked them out of the FA Cup might give them the feeling of revenge but we Liverpudlians have not been bad away from home this season, 2 wins at Stamford Bridge and a win at the Emirates would testify that fact.
Prediction and conclusion.
I would say a 1-1 draw for us because we don't seem to be scoring goals at the moment. So it'll be tough for us to score although United have a very bad defense. But our (Liverpool) defense has showed that we can more than just cope with the likes of Rooney, Hernandez and Welbeck.
A boring 1-1 draw all though the North West Derby's have been quite short of boring off late.
YNWA FOLKS ! !
|
Player/s to watch out for.
As much as we'd not like to be labelled as not being dependant on any one particular player, we can't deny the fact that Wayne Rooney is our talisman. Whenever he doesn't play, we look short on creativity and that extra man in midfield who can track back. His performance usually determines how well we're playing. After orchestrating a pulsating comeback at Stamford Bridge, a big performance is expected of him at Old Trafford.
What player/position will the opposition exploit?
It's obvious for both of us and the opposition to see. Patrice Evra is our weak link in defence, and has been for the past couple of years. He remained fairly calm in a sea of boos and whistles at Anfield, but a lapse in concentration let the Scousers steal it at the end. A solid defensive performance from him is long overdue.Thoughts over Rooney's twitter comment on Suarez.
Wayne Rooney recently tweeted "If ref sees that kick from Suarez and books him for it it should be red (sic)" regarding an incident between the Liverpool-Totenham match.
While Twitter has emerged as a media where our favourite players can both connect with us and lash out relating to particular incidents, it does lead to quite a bit of "Blinkering." That however, was a Red Card.
Having not yet won against Liverpool this season, can Manchester United win at Old Trafford?
Having not been able to beat Liverpool this season, this match should spur the players on even more. In the wake of the racism row, if Suarez plays at Old Trafford he can expect the most hostile reception he's ever faced at any football ground, anywhere in the world. The fact that Liverpool have lost five on the road this season, out of 12, can only be a sign of things to come at Old Trafford.
Prediction and conclusion.
While Liverpool somehow always raise their game against us, I can't see them taking points from Old Trafford. Things are too heavily stacked against them and if we play anywhere near to what we did in the second half at Stamford Bridge, we should easily brush them aside. 3-1 to United.
What do YOU think will happen in this Red-Hot North-West derby?
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