October 15, 2011

TIME FOR LIVERPOOL TO MAKE A STATEMENT

Liverpool vs. Manchester United. It is undoubtedly the biggest fixture on the English football calendar and arguably one of the biggest games in world football. They are the two most successful clubs in England, between them amassing an impressive 118 trophies and will face off once more in this the 183 meeting between these sides. For United it is imperative to keep up the pressure on their local rivals while for Liverpool this game provides the chance to not only lower the gap between themselves and United but to send out a statement of intent to the rest of the Premier League. Although every match is as important as the next, it would be ignorant not to appreciate that these are the kinds of games which can define an entire season. United have started the season in devastating form, undefeated in their first seven league games and scoring a staggering 24 goals in the process while Liverpool have had a decent start to the season but have stumbled across a couple of disappointing results. Notably, the 1-0 defeat at Stoke and the 4-0 hammering at Spurs stand out and although Liverpool are a side still in transition, having spent heavily during the summer transfer window expectations will be high on Kenny Dalglishs side. If we look back at where Liverpool were twelve months ago struggling at the foot of the league, in massive debt, and with a lot of average players on the wage bill, it was probably one of the bleakest periods in Liverpools illustrious history. However, with the new owners having invested heavily in players since they arrived a year ago, there is new found optimism at the club and a real belief that Liverpool can challenge for honours. Realistically a top four finish is the minimum requirement and anything other than this will be deemed a disappointment. If Im being honest I do not expect Liverpool to win the league this season with the form United and City have shown, but I wouldnt write them off either. Footballs unpredictable and you never know what might happen. Although United have been impressive in attack they have been conceding too many chances to opponents due to a young and inexperienced defence. If Liverpool press united high up the field there will be gaps in Uniteds defence to be exploited. Ultimately this game will be won or lost in midfield and with players such as Charlie Adam, Stewart Downing, Jordan Henderson receiving their first taste of this fixture Liverpool will have to be at their best if they are to get any result out of this match. With recovery of talismanic captain Steven Gerrard and a fully fit squad at their disposal, Liverpool have a real chance to obtain a positive result against United. A win against United will breed confidence into the side and instil the mentality that they can beat anyone in the league while at the same time a loss, although not being the end of the world, will increase the gap between the two side to nine points. I think that Liverpool will be really fired up for this one and will be out to make a point to their rivals. They will want to keep the momentum flowing on from back to back wins against Wolves and Everton and maintain a healthy streak for the games to follow. It is going to be a cauldron of fire as these two gladiatorial heavyweights of English do battle at Anfield. These games are always intense and passionate amongst players and supporters alike and there will certainly be high level of excitement and expectancy. The opening fifteen minutes of the game are critical and if Liverpool can start strongly then, with the Kop in full anthemic voice, they have every chance of securing a victory. Matches against United are never easy but Im going to be optimistic here and predict a 2-0 victory for Liverpool.

2011 Victor Chan