Sunday's clash
between Manchester United and Liverpool promises to be one of the
most exciting in recent times.
Brendan Rodgers'
men appear favourites for the first time in a long time but history
suggests the result could swing in United's favour.
Manchester United welcome Liverpool to Old
Trafford this afternoon looking to put a dent in their rival’s title hopes.
While Liverpool have surged to second place
on the back of some strong recent form, David Moyes’ side have struggled for
consistency this season.
The former Everton man has looked a man out
of place this season as he struggles to fill the sizeable shoes of Sir Alex
Ferguson, however he will head into the game with a ringing endorsement from
one of his key men, Robin Van Persie.
The Dutch star has struggled with injuries
this season and has been rumoured to be itching for a summer exit as he was
unhappy with the new regime, however an in interview with United Review the 30
year old spoke of his happiness both of life at Old Trafford and with the new
manager.
“The truth is I’m very happy here,” he said.
“I signed for four years and I’d be delighted to stay longer, beyond the next
two years I have on my contract.”
There is no doubt I’m learning new things and
progressing with David Moyes,” he said. “The sessions we have on the training
ground are fantastic and I’m learning a lot from them every day.
“There is mutual respect between us and the
work environment is actually good. He really wants things to work and I want
the same.”
While the endorsement will appease those baying
for Moyes’ head, the Scot will ultimately be judged on results and with the
club currently 6th in the table, 18 points off leaders Chelsea and 11 off
Sunday’s visitors, a win on Sunday would help those with doubts over his
ability to lead the club into a new era.
The signs are however that the team is
improving, the club have won two games on the trot and are currently unbeaten
in their last four games, their most recent success coming in a 3-0 win over
West Bromwich Albion.
Liverpool though are in impressive form of
their own, the club are currently unbeaten in their last 9 league games, and
have won four on the trot, and in Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge they boast
the league’s most potent strike-force.
The pair have scored 42 league goals this season,
four fewer that the whole United tally to date.
Both clubs have mixed reports on the injury
front heading into the game with United set to without injured trio Jonny
Evans, Javier Hernandez and long-term absentee Nani although Rafael should be
fit after picking up a knock in the win at the Hawthorns.
Liverpool meanwhile will boosted by the
return to action of Lucas and Mamadou Sakho following extended spells on the
sidelines
PAST THREE MEETINGS:
Man United (Hernandez) 1-0 Liverpool, League
Cup
Liverpool (Sturridge) 1-0 Man United, Premier
League
Man United (Vidic, Van Persie) 2-1 Liverpool
(Sturridge)
STATS:
Liverpool are the highest scorers in the
division having amassed 79 goals so far
They have scored 47 of those in the first
half, more than Manchester United have managed in total
Luis Suarez (34), Daniel Sturridge (23) and
Wayne Rooney (21) have contributed to the most goals in the league this season
(goals and assists)
Sturridge has scored in his last two
appearances against the Red Devils
Manchester United have won eight of their
last nine against Liverpool at Old Trafford
Sunday's clash is the 190th meeting between the two teams,
with United winning 40% of all games - 75 in total - and 39% of their league
fixtures.
The Reds from
Anfield meanwhile have won 64, with 50 draws but they have been
beaten on their last seven trips to Old Trafford.
Their last win came in 2008/09 - when they also last did the
double over the Red Devils
- as Fernando Torres ran riot in a 4-1 win.
ODDS:
Man United to win: 2.45
Liverpool to win: 2.75
Draw: 3.5
CLASSIC MOMENT/MATCH:
It may have been memorable for the wrong
reasons, but the meeting at Old Trafford during the 2011/12 season was one that
attracted headlines the world over after Luis Suarez refused to shake Patrice
Evra’s hand during the usual pre-match tradition. It stemmed from the
eight-game ban the Uruguayan received for racially abusing the French defender,
and after two goals from Wayne Rooney helped United to a vital 2-1 triumph,
Evra let his feelings be known by deliberately celebrating next to the
Liverpool frontman. Suarez’s actions before kick-off left Sir Alex Ferguson
disgusted, claiming in his post-match interview he should never be allowed to
play again for the Merseyside club.
TV:
Live on Sky Sports 1/HD, 1.30pm.
Highlights BBC One, 10.25pm.
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