This fixture always been eagerly anticipated, but theres a particular sense of excitement ahead of this weekends game. For the first time in years, Liverpool are going into the game in significantly better shape than Manchester United - which means Liverpools players will be keen to prove their superiority, and Uniteds will be keen to gain revenge. These two sides have been out of the limelight - both have had a full week of preparation for this match, and therefore should be focused, well-drilled and physically fresh. David Moyes seems likely to continue with the side which overcame West Brom last time out. He seems to be favouring an approach based around Juan Mata and Adnan Januzaj drifting inside from wide starting positions, although it wouldnt be surprising if he plays Ashley Young instead of Januzaj. Moyes considers Young his best defensive option on the flank, but considering Uniteds left-winger will be up against the cautious and technically limited Jon Flanagan, he can afford to be bold, and go with Januzaj. He also has a decision to make at centre-back, having used Chris Smalling and Phil Jones together for the first time against West Brom. Rio Ferdinand or Nemanja Vidic might be favoured for their experience, but considering the pace of Liverpools forwards, the younger defenders might be better suited to this game. Michael Carrick and Marouane Fellaini is Uniteds first-choice midfield combination. Brendan Rodgers used a midfield diamond in the 3-0 victory at Southampton, but while the result was positive, the shape actually caused some problems. Liverpool were outnumbered down the flank and Steven Gerrard found it extremely difficult to track the movement of Adam Lallana, and this is the area United must exploit. Rodgers will probably revert to his favoured 4-3-3 shape, but Gerrard will still be left isolated between the lines and will find it extremely tough to cope with Uniteds two wide players drifting inside - at times, Wayne Rooney, Mata and Januzaj will all be in positions between the lines, and Gerrard will need help from his fellow midfielders. This will tempt Rodgers into using Joe Allen rather than the more adventurous Coutinho, for the Welshmans positional disciplined as much as his possession play. Coutinho was quiet against Southampton, and was overshadowed by his replacement, Raheem Sterling, who scored moments after coming on. This could be a game for the Brazilian to sit out. Liverpools full-backs will also have a difficult task, should both Mata and Januzaj start. Flanagan and Glen Johnson cant allow their opponents to drift inside untracked, but following too closely will open up space on the flanks for Rafael and Patrice Evra to swing crosses towards Robin van Persie. Liverpools wide forwards dont always track back, with the obvious benefit that they remain in space to start counter-attacks, and this could be a game of cat-and-mouse in wide areas. Inevitably, the battle between Evra and Luis Suarez will get most attention, but Rafael against Sterling could be interesting too. Clearly, Rodgers will hope Suarez, Sterling and Daniel Sturridge will lead the Liverpool charge without too much support from midfielders, although Jordan Henderson was excellent in the reverse fixture and will bomb forward past Carrick. United probably wont be able to cope with Liverpool on the break, regardless of the identity of their centre-backs, and therefore Liverpool might not attempt to dominate possession. Rodgers has assembled a disciplined and prolific side. I see plenty of goals here - Im unconvinced Gerrard will be able to cope with so many players in his zone, but also find it difficult to think United wont suffer against Liverpools counter-attacks. Theres a slight worry this game will become scrappy and petulant, given the nature of the game - and the Evra v Suarez battle wont help. Nevertheless, the tactical battle suggests goals
Posted on: Sun, 16 Mar 2014 07:35:35 +0000
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