One Liverpool supporters group in America is simply promoting the game as “Scum v LFC (the big one).” Old Trafford Beckons – by David C Jennings For many fans the cross-town rivalry or ‘derby’ is the biggest game of the year regardless of the league positions of the teams. The battles between Arsenal and Tottenham in north London, Newcastle and Sunderland in the north-east, and Birmingham and Villa in the midlands are intense contests for bragging rights and supporters look for them quickly when new schedules are released. The Merseyside derby is a slightly different affair. Make no mistake about the intensity of this match but it’s more like MMA between two brothers due to the otherwise conciliatory nature between the two clubs and their fans. Lucas could start and Sakho may be fit enough to make the bench. The latter can play but may not be quite ready for the Premier League. But there is no such charitable feeling before during or after a Liverpool v Manchester United clash. The match is always intense regardless of the stakes and the fans seriously dislike each other. United are nicknamed Manure and worse by Liverpool fans and for this weekend’s clash one Liverpool supporters group in America is simply promoting the game as “Scum v LFC (the big one).” It’s been a while since one counted this much too. In 2009 the Reds traveled to Old Trafford trying to chase United down for first place and ran out with a shocking 4-1 win. Liverpool haven’t been sniffing at the League Title since, until now. The Red Devils (suitable name) are in a whole different battle. Having never finished lower than third in the Premier League era, catching Spurs for fifth seems to be their best possibility. Barring an Olympiacos miracle and then three more, Champions League football seems lost for them for now, and they are trying to secure qualification to the second tier of European football. Liverpool approaches the game with increasing fitness. Based on U21 performances last Friday Lucas could start and Sakho may be fit enough to make the bench. The latter can play but may not be quite ready for the Premier League. Only Enrique is definitely out of the running. United meanwhile have some question marks! It seems Chicharito, Nani & Johnny Evans are all unlikely to feature while there is a question about an ankle injury to Rafael. This still leaves David Moyes with plenty of choices but as usual the United back-line seems to have vulnerabilities. Here’s a stat. that will surprise you (for a moment)! At Old Trafford United have 5 wins, 1 draw and 1 loss in the Premier League. That is until you count teams in the Top 9 against whom their record is 1 win, 2 draws and 3 losses. The Red Devils have done very well against the minnows but bring in some talent and they have consistently struggled. This would suggest that their recent successes against the likes of Crystal Palace and West Brom should be given only moderate attention. The Red Devils have had a start-stop season and just when you think they are getting it together they fall short against mediocre opposition. Liverpool meanwhile have 5 wins and 1 loss away from home in all competitions since the new year, outscoring their opponents 15-8. The Reds goal machine is likely to severely test a Manchester United team who do not look comfortable in games they don’t control. So it’s game on for Sunday. Fans are already posting countdowns to kick-off and there is a great picture floating around of Suarez in the Directors Box celebrating Sturridge’s winner against the Red Devils back on September 1st. This time Suarez plays! Through the storm.
Posted on: Wed, 12 Mar 2014 12:30:00 +0000
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