Manchester United v Liverpool - Match Preview

In around 24 hours from now, Liverpool FC arrive at Old Trafford with the intention of tightening their grip on fourth place and at the same time, inflicting more misery on David Moyes Manchester United side in a season that has seen the balance of power between the two clubs swing firmly toward the Reds of Merseyside. Brendan Rodgers' men will have to be at their very best in a game that ranks 

Lucas Leiva: Key man for LFC

alongside Barcelona - Real Madrid; Borussia Dortmund - Bayern Munich, and AC and Inter Milan teams in being some of the most hotly contested rivalries in world football. 

Liverpool have good news going into the match with Lucas Leiva and Mamadou Sakho returning from injury and available for selection, leaving Jose Enrique as the only player retaining the proverbial Sicknote. The choice of midfielders at Rodgers' disposal; Leiva, Steven Gerrard, Jordan Henderson, Philippe Coutinho and Joe Allen translates to a fully fit first choice midfield plus Victor Moses and Luis Alberto. In terms of formation, I'd like to see both Gerrard and Lucas playing in front of the back four - which should perhaps include Sakho in place of Daniel Agger - with Henderson or Allen in front of them and behind an attacking trio of Daniel Sturridge, Luis Suarez and Raheem Sterling. The benefit of Lucas' return is that it will give Gerrard some more freedom to advance in midfield and put through balls in to the runs of breaking attackers. In any case the choice of personnel  leaves the Gaffer with the nightmare many of his peers could only dream of having!

United will no doubt have Marouane Fellaini continue in midfield following his performances in the last two games for them. The absence of his physical presence, eye for a pass and undoubted skill has left the Red Devils wanting in the middle of the park for much of the season. Other than Fellaini, Michael Carrick, Juan Mata, Wayne Rooney and of course Robin Van Persie, don't give United have enough for Liverpool to fear. Having said that, this is still for the most part, the team that won the league last season. As such, Liverpool have a very tough afternoon's work ahead of them if they wish to come away from Old Trafford with anything, let alone three points. 

Tactically, I believe Liverpool will continue with their high pressing, counter-attacking approach and deny the home side any time on the ball. Interestingly, Liverpool have made the fewest crosses (410) in the Premiership of all the top ten teams with the exception of Everton (392). Manchester United on the other hand have made the most (692) and this is a very telling stat. It follows that David Moyes' tactics are perhaps outmoded given the season they've had. I for one, don't believe this is a coincidence. It's clear to me that playing a high pressure, counter-attacking game with through balls to fast attackers - allied to possession football, is an infinitely more effective approach than simply getting crosses in from the flanks. Liverpool have shown this to devastating effect against their neighbours Everton and Arsenal among others this season, so go figure. 

One cannot ignore the fact however, that this fixture is as good as a derby due to the relative close proximity of the sides and the unrivalled history between them. Arsenal - Tottenham Hotspurs; Newcastle United - Sunderland; Swansea and Cardiff Cities; Chelsea - Fulham. All great rivalries, great clubs in their own rights but no disrespect to them, meetings between these teams don't capture the imagination quite like Manchester United versus Liverpool. The two from North London perhaps, but there's still something missing. Some history, some achievement some thing that goes just a little further than bragging rights and this is what makes this match such a tough one to call. On paper and current form, you'd expect the Merseysiders to come out on top and quite rightly so but the games are always such tight, emotional affairs that anything can happen on the day. 

Liverpool haven't won at Old Trafford for about five years now. However like many a Liverpool fan, I have faith in Brendan Rodgers. He's the man to take the team forward and I've believed as much since he took over. I don't make predictions but I'm suggesting a win for Liverpool. The manager has taken the team to a new level. A higher, more modern and effective level. Above that being occupied by Moyes' men. It's my belief that Moyes needs to overhaul his thinking, his approach, his game plan if he wishes to follow in the massive footsteps of Sir Alex Ferguson. For me, I can wait for that. Take your time David. No rush!

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Can The Reds turn the Theatre of Dreams into a nightmare?

Utd v LFC: The slave has become the master?

Brendan Rodgers and his resurgent Liverpool team travel to the wrong end of the East Lancashire Road on Sunday for what will be one hell of an encounter with the old enemy Manchester United. Can David Moyes' men put a halt to Rodgers' effervescent eleven, or will the Theatre of Dreams become a nightmare on Sir Matt Busby Way for the home side come 3.15 on the day?

It's certainly shaping up to be one of the games of the season so far. Not just because Liverpool have simply out performed United in every way so far this season, but also due to the history between the two clubs. Your average Manyoo fan must be spitting nails at the progress shown by LFC this term. From the point of view of a Liverpool supporter, I have to revel in the current achievements, or lack of, for both teams. 

The Merseysiders have gatecrashed the top-of-the-table party in spectacular style and along the way gained an army of admirers. Since the turn of the year they've remained unbeaten in nine Premiership games firing 29 goals past their opponents. In the process recording scorelines of 4-0, 5-1 and 0-3 against Everton, Arsenal and Southampton respectively. Fully deserving of the plaudits born from these performances. An average of 3.2 goals per game means you have to fancy the Reds for this one. Sir Alex Ferguson's noisy neighbours are now sounding an emphatic warning to all who stand before them.

Allied to that, there is clearly a new-found steel to Rodgers' men and a determination that is making them a very difficult team to turn over. Liverpool have not achieved their current level by any serendipitous means either. The planning, the purpose and the detail of Rodgers is plain to see and translating into firm results on the pitch. The work he's done in improving Luis Suarez, Daniel Sturridge, Jon Flanagan and Jordan Henderson among others, has been nothing short of astonishing.

On the other hand, their hosts have been nothing short of poor. And that's putting it mildly. Mathematically, United still have everything to play for. Realistically they're merely playing for pride. Since the turn of the year, they have managed only four wins in the nine games and mustered just 14 goals. Less than half the tally of Sunday's visitors and translating into an average of just 1.2 goals per game. Their biggest win being 0-3 against West Bromwich Albion in their last outing. The team have seemingly struggled to adapt to Moyes' requirements since he took over and one could argue his ousting of Sir Alex's successful back room staff may not have been his best move. With Robin Van Persie only netting 11 times this season and £37.1m record signing Juan Mata not exactly setting the world alight, the situation doesn't look like improving anytime soon.

There are however two positives for United. Firstly, Marouane Fellaini who has played in the last two matches and he now looks as if he's returning to the form that led Moyes to fork out £27.5m for him. It's no coincidence that United have looked stronger in, and won, these last two league matches with him in the side. Secondly, their defensive record is superior to Liverpool's which, let's be honest, isn't much too write home about. Conceding only nine goals since the turn of the year in as many matches against the visitors who's leaky back line shows 12 in the 'A' for Against column. A goal a game for Manyoo versus 1.3 for LFC.

This is shaping up to be a feisty encounter between these two giants and I can't wait until the ref blows for kick-off on Sunday at 1.30. The current situation for both teams could not be anymore opposite to how things have been in recent times. Should Liverpool come out on top, I think it'll give them the psychological edge over United, having been in their shadow for the best part of the last 25 years. Could this be the time for a change in the tide for the next 25 years? Who knows, but there's no time like the present to start and what better venue than in your biggest rival's back yard.

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Liverpool's Loan Players Mean Money In The Bank

Andre Wisdom (Left): Cash cow or Loss leader?

According to reports, the country is now on the road to financial recovery. Despite this we all still need to keep an eye on the purse strings and Liverpool Football Club are no different. Let's be honest, never mind blaming the Mrs., we're all guilty of a retail excess now and again. A little shirt here, £50. A nice jacket there, £200 and, in the case of Liverpool, a centre back or two, £20m. It all adds up. I've been doing some digging and Liverpool have no fewer than 13 players out on loan this season. That's virtually another team, barring a few subs. 

It's common knowledge that Brendan Rodgers needs to strengthen the defence, not only in preparation for potential Champions League football, but also to spare the blushes from some more than ropey defending we've seen in recent months. Well, he need look no further than the loan list where the team almost has an embarrassment of riches available and ready to save the club more than just a few quid on new players. 

To avoid boring everyone to tears, here's my pick of the bunch that will help Chief Financial Officer Andy Hughes sleep that little bit sounder with the prospect of signing off some rather hefty cheques over the summer months to come. After all, as they say, look after the pennies and the pounds will take care of themselves. 

Of the five defenders, Andre Wisdom must be in with a shout of pushing for a first team place next season. And the updates from Derby County are very encouraging indeed. The lad is good. Strong, fast and, judging from what we've seen of Glen Johnson's ageing legged performances this term, Wisdom would be worth a run in the side. We have Jon Flanagan at right back now, but he's also been used effectively on the left. Wisdom has been impressive whenever he's played and you could argue that the first team exposure will bring him on leaps and bounds as it has done for Flanagan. That's surely a saving of six or seven million at today's rates. 

In midfield, I'd like to see Oussama Assaidi come back. From what I've seen he's had a decent spell at Stoke City. He scored an absolute screamer against Chelsea in December to give the Potters a deserved victory. He would make a decent replacement in the event of injury, and alternative to any of Raheem Sterling, Philippe Coutinho or Iago Aspas.  Where Aspas is concerned, I think his massive league goal tally this season of, er... two, should make him a contender to be sent out on loan himself if Rodgers still rates him. Or out to graze if I were to rate him. There's also Jordan Ibe who most definitely has something to offer. Not as a starter, but again, bums on seats. Even if those seats take the form of the bench, he should get more playing time in the cup games and cover for the inevitable injuries. That's another five or six million quid there. More if you add the two bob they'd get for Aspas if he was sold on. 

The loan market has already helped Liverpool to save a fair packet.  I'm sure Mr. Hughes is glad they've taken some players on to the books with only the wage liability and not a burdensome multi-million pound transfer fee to add to the balance sheet as well. Enter Aly Cissokho. He was mooted as a £12m must have purchase a year or two ago. The 26 year-old on loan from Valencia has been a tad disappointing in my eyes and I'm grateful that the club didn't part with a large fee for him. Thank The Lord! They've only just turned the corner of financial recovery like the rest of us and he'd have been the footballing equivalent of a pair of loafers too far. The ones that looked nice in the shop, but now they always squeak and hurt your feet when you wear them. 

Liverpool have a good thing right now. Not only are they second in the league and improving mentally, tactically and technically physically with each game, but the future prospects for the team look very bright in terms of the younger players at hand. It's vitally important that the likes of Ibe, Conor Coady, Jack Robinson and the rest are developed into the players that they have the undoubted potential to be. My only concern with them playing at clubs like Derby County and Sheffield United is that they do not get the kind of challenge in the lower divisions that they'll get in the Premiership and the club should strive to find top quality clubs for these players whenever possible. 

In summary, let's try to have a win win situation here. The home-grown players mean the team can grow from within and build a stronger base. LFC must not rely on the transfer market where prices and quality are both overinflated. Money makes a good servant, but an awful master. 

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Is Sol Campbell a victim of racism or himself?

Sol Campbell... Is it cos 'e is Black?

It's not often I find myself writing for four consecutive days in a row. Not just because there is a limit to my considerable literary prowess, but it's also possible that one can over-egg the cake. However, yesterday morning I saw the interview on TV where Sol Campbell claimed he'd have been England captain for "...10 years had he been white...". Intriguing. 

I mentioned this to a Journalist and broadcaster and during our discussion, he alerted me to the Dispatches program on Channel 4 last night that was addressing the perennial issue of racism, homophobia and anti-semitism at football grounds. It was sad, but alas not surprising to see, that despite the efforts of the authorities, the disease of bigotry is still evident in football. I was also disappointed - but not surprised - by Jason Roberts' revelation that he was racially abused on a regular basis by opposing fans, and worse still, by his own "supporters". What I noticed was that the perpetrators were from the same clubs that have had long histories of hooligan, prejudiced, abusive and disorderly followers. These being among others, Millwall, West Ham and those from across the park, Everton where a few of there own were shown being particularly insulting about Daniel Sturridge. 

Ultimately, it's clear that abuse in football stems from society as a whole. Racism in football per se is a falsehood. Harsh, but true. And as such, it is everybody's responsibility to do something about it. If we think the FA, UEFA or whoever alone can stamp out this unsavoury facet of the beautiful game, then we're very sadly mistaken. Having said that, I do believe the Police can also do more. During the programme yesterday, there were Police officers standing beside fans (I use the term very loosely - perhaps scum would be more appropriate) who were hurling verbal abuse at Brighton, Leicester City and Tottenham supporters at various matches. The reaction of the police, on each occasion... Sweet FA, if you excuse the pun. 

To rid the game of these ills, football must not be seen as a separate issue. Yes have the Kick it Out campaign and other initiatives, but they should be aligned with the wider society. If the culprits were brought to book and exposed, I'm sure we'll find the guilty are from all walks of life. From Accountants to Stockbrokers, to Bricklayers and Plumbers. I disagree that the football ground should be seen as being apart from the street in terms of law enforcement. A football pitch is the public in my opinion and if the club or the FA don't, or can't do anything about a particular event, then the police should. An incident should be treated in the same way as if it were in the street, in a train, shop or wherever. To continue with this distinction, or waiting for one to "launch an investigation" before the other can act is just lame. The fact is the FA and the club can only do so much. The rest of us, supporters, the general public and police must do the rest in partnership and between us all, we can make a difference. 

Going back to Campbell, I really don't agree with him and where he's coming from. Paul Ince was England captain, and for a vital world cup qualifier at that. Albeit due to an injury, I think the fact that he was chosen by Glenn Hoddle confirms the faith in, and high regard in which Hoddle held for, Ince. For Campbell to say he would have been captain for 10 years is almost laughable. He'd have been the only player, if memory serves me right, let alone black player to serve that length of time. It's probably more true to the point that a number of reasons contributed to his not being selected more often as captain. More suitable teammates, PR and most importantly, his own attitude. 

Personally, I think Sol Campbell was a good solid player. Reliable. Commanding. Strong. He has also fought tirelessly against racism in football, and in fairness to him addressed head on the problems facing inner city black youth with crime, unemployment and such and asserted that many of the victims were their own worst enemies. Could it be here that he is being his own worst enemy? I'm a black man. I've been so for longer than Sol Campbell and, as an ordinary bloke, I've not had the same privilege and protection perhaps, as has been afforded to him. However, what I can say is that in order to get on in society, be you Black, White, Asian, Marsian no matter what it's absolutely vital that you have the right Attitude. This is absolutely key. Abundantly clear. The right attitude enables everybody to see each other for who or what they are without putting colour, religion, sexuality or other first and to act and be perceived as an equal. My opinion is that Sol's attitude has gone before him where selection as captain is concerned. It may even be that he's trying to do the very same thing that may have prevented him from becoming captain during his career. Some good solid PR. After all, he does have a biography to promote and what better card to play... Than the Ace of Race!

Sol Campbell has been quoted as saying he may have to leave the country to further his management ambitions. If he does that would be a great shame but all in all, the strongest and fittest survive. Not just physically, but in attitude also. 

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Never give in. Never give in. Never, never, never...

Brendan Rodgers: Fear not and Never give in

"Never give in. Never give in. Never, never, never, never—in nothing, great or small, large or petty—never give in, except to convictions of honour and good sense. Never yield to force. Never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy." The words of Sir Winston Churchill. 

After the weekend we've had, those are very apt words for Liverpool FC as we approach the last 10 games of the season. The final bend before the final furlong. The time to get the whip out and get the steed to focus on the line ahead. The final push where winners and losers are made. This season, contrary to Brendan Rodgers' claim of being the "Chihuahua" of the Premiership, I'd say they're more like the dark horse. The one that sneaks up on the outside to catch the favourites napping in their gallops of complacency. 

Nobody had expected the team to be where they are at the beginning of the season. Yes, we won the first three games 1-0. Yes, those first three games included that lot from the wrong end of the East Lancs Road. And, yes, "An improvement on last year's seventh place finish would do..." We all thought. Or qualification for European competition at best. Let's be honest, nobody foresaw this. Second with 10 games left to go and only four points off the leaders. Rodgers would have taken this quicker than a life boat on The Titanic if you'd offered him this at 2:45pm on 17th August last year. In truth, wouldn't we all. 

We come back to Churchill's words. "Never give in". The entire Liverpool squad now has to stand up and be counted. The odds remain against us, and indeed we're all pinching ourselves. I applaud the approach of Rodgers to the question of the title. Basically: Let's just keep on improving and maintaining the level we're at. The team has a new resolve this year. An attitude that epitomises the words of the great leader. Many a fixture this season, I'd have fancied us to lose given our recent history. Stoke away, Fulham away, Tottenham away and now Southampton at St. Mary's this weekend. All games the team would have done well to come away from with a draw in the not too distant past. 

Rodgers must be commended for the determination and steel the team has shown this season. Resolute has been the watchword for LFC this time round. With the exception of a couple of soft results away to Hull City and West Bromwich Albion. The team has shown steel in abundance to answer the questions that have been asked of them. Granted, the defence is still shy of what I'd expect from Champions elect, and I believe this will be the teams undoing in their efforts this season, but the performance on Saturday showed that the team can be on the ropes, take the body blows and still come out fighting. They never gave in. 

In the last two games against Fulham and Southampton, there was signs of nerves from the team but for me, they have absolutely nothing to lose and should approach each game as such. Be bold. The next game is against Manchester United at Old Trafford and you have to fancy Liverpool. United will be up for it, to put a stop to the racket coming from their so-called  noisy neighbours but I'm hoping the din will be too much for them to bear. 

Like any supporter of any Premiership side, I think Sir Alex Ferguson's departure was a massive gain for the rest of the league. And, a huge loss for United. Their demise has opened up the entire race and it's been the most enthralling for years. This time last year United we're 11 points clear at the top on 89. The year before they and Manchester City were a jaw-dropping 19 points ahead, tied on 89 points. Points do not equate to entertainment and I find the current state of fewer points at the top, 63 with a four point gap to second, more palatable than what's been served up this last couple of seasons. 

I've supported Liverpool for the best part of 40 years now and since the good times in the seventies and eighties, and the Champions League in 2005, there's not been that much to shout about if the old grey matter serves me right. The team has recently had a knack of getting so far, then catching Englandattheworldcupitis - I think it's called - and shooting themselves in the foot, just as they need to put said best foot forward. I daren't dream just yet. I'm just fluffing up the pillow!

So, some words of encouragement to everybody's favourite team over the next couple of months. Never, never, never give in. In the here and now, its totally clear, you have nothing to fear, but fear itself. 

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Southampton 0-3 Liverpool - Resolute Reds move to 2nd

A resolute performance from Brendan Rodgers' men resulted in three points and a move up two places

Suarez - 100 up puts LFC 1 up

in the Premiership to occupy second behind leaders Chelsea. 

Many LFC supporters, myself included felt this was going to be a stern test of Liverpool's Premiership credentials at a ground which was beginning to become something of a hoodoo for the men from Anfield. The recent poor defensive performances, coupled with a decent Southampton side, the outlook was not great for Rodgers' side, and I, for one, was prepared to settle for a point. Perhaps a sign of expectations resulting from recent seasons. 

The first half began as expected. Southampton taking the game to Liverpool hoping to take advantage of potential defensive lapses. The Reds' back line however had other ideas and it was clear Liverpool were looking to play a distinct counter attacking game. True to current form, it had to be said that the visitors were pretty shaky in the opening 45 minutes. I think it's even fair to say they were lucky to go into the break one goal to the good, let off by the impressive Adam Lallana being denied an equaliser by the woodwork. All told, LFC rode their luck and Phillipe Coutinho particularly ineffectual on the day. 

Liverpool looked more assured in the second period and it's clear some words of confidence were given to them in the half-time team talk by Rodgers. It was also clear Coutinho was not having the best of games, however, and he was substituted on 57 minutes for Raheem Sterling who surprisingly was left on the bench in favor of Joe Allen. Within a minute of coming on, the teenager had put the visitors further ahead, latching on to a Suarez cross after he dispossessed the complacent Southampton defence to race clear. Suarez was celebrating his 100th game for the club and what a 100 games he's had! 

From this point on, Liverpool grew in confidence and, as clichéd as it may sound, should have had a couple more goals as Daniel Sturridge and Suarez both went close. Jordan Henderson also blazed over from close range. By now, the home side looked completely bereft of ideas and the visiting back line stood firm, held their nerve and avoided the individual errors that have blighted their performances this last few games. 

Despite a few forward forrays from Southampton, Rodgers' men were in complete control. At times it wasn't pretty but effective. Is this the performance of champions. Will they be? It's too soon to say but they've put themselves in the mix and only deserve credit. The final nail in the home side's coffin came in the final minute of injury time as Suarez was brought down by a clumsy challenge from Jose Fonte as he stormed into the opponents' penalty box. Captain Steven Gerrard stepped up coolly to dispatch the resulting penalty to the goalkeepers left and put the score line abreast of the teams performance. 

Liverpool can now look forward to what will be a tasty visit to the fallen Champions Manchester United in a couple of weeks, comfortable in the knowledge that they have absolutely nothing to fear. It's true the defence is still not good enough and does need strengthening but there is no doubt the team has made huge strides this season. With a few additions in the right areas, notably left back - not taking anything away from Glen Johnson who had a good game today - centre back and a holding midfielder. Perhaps a quality attacker, then there's no reason why the Reds can't mount a serious challenge next season. That's assuming they don't lift the trophy this time.

Midway through the second half, chants of "There's only one Brendan Rodgers" echoed around the St. Mary's stadium and this was a deserving touch for the man who has dragged the team from perennial pretenders, finishing in seventh place last season to genuine contenders this time. Do we dare to dream? Well, as someone once said "It's a funny old game" so who knows. 

A special shout goes out to the Under 18 team who done Newcastle United's Under 18 side 4-1 at the Academy ground earlier in the day. Two goals from Harry Wilson and one apiece from Will Marsh and Daniel Trickett-Smith completed the scoring. Dan Cleary at centre back looks like a star of the future. Watch this space. 

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Tough test awaits Liverpool at St. Mary's

Mamadou Sakho. No pressure...

Brendan Rodgers and his Champions League hopefuls travel to Southampton this evening for a tricky fixture against Southampton. The form guide would suggest Liverpool should come away with all three points as Rodgers' resilient Reds have remained unbeaten in their last six matches, taking 14 points and scoring 19 goals in the process.

Maruicio Pochettino's side have struggled lately and inconsistency reigns supreme. The Saints have won just two of their last six and scoring 11 in doing so. The interesting stat is that Southampton remain a hard team to beat at their place having not lost at home in that time, or indeed since losing to Chelsea on New Year's Day which is no embarrassment. 

The key for Liverpool is going to be in defence and seeing as the back line is nothing short of ropey right now, I can only see them struggling. Mamadou Sakho is back in training and I suspect Rodgers may prefer him to start ahead of Daniel Agger who was substituted against Swansea. Personally I think Agger and Sakho would be the better option. Word is that the departure of Agger in the summer has not been played down by the boss and if that happens, I'd like to see Martin Skrtel go with him. I'm not convinced by Sakho either because for all his 98% pass completion rate, or whatever it is, his positioning and first touch remains a concern. This match is waiting for Sakho to make his presence felt and cement his place in the side. We'll see. 

Lucas isn't quite ready yet so the midfield should remain as is. Southampton carry a real attacking threat in Rodriguez, Rickie Lambert and Adam Lallana so the Reds will need to be at their best and alert defensively. Call me pessimistic but I don't see it. Glen Johnson is not the force he was, Kolo Touré is... Well... Kolo Touré and Skrtel needs to buck his ideas up! The attack should remain unchanged on current form. Given the fact that Liverpool have had the full week to prepare, I feel they should be fresh and ready for this challenge. 

Overall confidence in the Reds' dressing room should be high and I hope this translates into a performance to match. The team cannot rely on just out-scoring the opposition. At a venue where the team hasn't won in four of their last five league visits, this would be a daft approach. That said, the defence gives them little choice to do otherwise. A good win for Rodgers' men today would make them firm favorites for a Champions League place and put them in a good frame of mind for their visit to Old Trafford next Sunday week. Let's hope we see some more robotics from Daniel Sturridge this evening. 

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