Liverpool vs. Manchester United Preview

F.A Cup clashes do not come much bigger than Liverpool vs. Manchester United and on January 28 the two clubs are set to lock horns again at Anfield in the fourth round, with a place in the last 16 at stake.

The hosts are on a quest to compensate for a difficult league season by recording a ninth F.A Cup success whilst United, England’s most successful club in the competition, are in search of their twelfth trophy.

Liverpool have stuttered and struggled to set the world alight under Kenny Dalglish however the Scot has brought about a marked improvement since last season when the Reds were guided by now West Brom boss Roy Hodgson.

They will, perhaps rightly, go into the contest as slight favourites due to their consistent home form during the current campaign – however despite being unbeaten at Anfield so far in the 2011-2012 campaign, Liverpool have recorded seven draws in front of the Kop and are clearly in desperate need for their striker to start firing in enough goals to get them over the winning line.

One of those home stalemates came against Manchester United in October, a 1-1 draw which was marred by the infamous incident between Patrice Evra and Luis Suarez, which has subsequently initiated an eight game ban for the latter after the Uruguayan was found guilty of racially abusing the Red Devils’ French full-back.

And emotions are sure to be high when the two teams meet again, especially due to their already intense rivalry which has become a mainstay feature of English football folklore.

Manchester United have largely had the upper hand over Liverpool in recent years although they will be taking nothing for granted in this affair and will undoubtedly have their work cut out in trying to break the home side down.

Alex Ferguson’s men have hardly looked their old invincible selves at the best of times this season and a physical battle of a cup tie could well leave them vulnerable against a tough, hardy Liverpool outfit that will be fully focused on progressing towards their first piece of silverware since they were last crowned winners of the tournament in 2006.

The problem for Liverpool is of course goals, but the adrenaline of such a high profile tie should be enough to kick them on to victory and captain Steven Gerrard can lead his men through to the next round.

Manchester United were impressive during the first half of their third round tie with neighbours City, nevertheless it was quite alarming how badly they nearly crumbled to ten men after the break and a fired up Liverpool are likely to overpower them unless they can handle the occasion a little better for the full ninety minutes.

Liverpool look a neat bet at 13/8 to put one over on their adversaries and advance through to the latter stages.

It may only be decided by a solitary goal but it is hard to fancy United in the circumstances and it is the aforementioned Steven Gerrard who can put the visitors to the sword.

The midfield lynchpin should be around 7/1 to net first – and considering that he will take the free-kicks and any potential penalty, that shouts remarkable value to enhance what should be a fantastic spectacle for both viewers and punters.

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02/02/2012     © Frixo 2024