Liverpool 2-1 Sunderland Reds battle back to 2nd

Liverpool put in a gritty performance at Anfield last night against a resolute Sunderland side to return to second place in the Premiership. The Reds withstood heavy pressure late on from Gus Poyet's men and despite some nervous moments on the pitch, the team hung in to claim the three points.

Daniel Sturridge (right): I ain't doin no Studge!

Sunderland arrived for this fixture determined to stifle this rampant attacking Liverpool side with three central defenders deployed across their back line. The plan worked for a large portion of the first half as the home side struggled to find a way past the crowded defence in front of them. The visitors brought with them a huge slice of luck when Santiago Vergini avoided a red card after cynically bringing down Luis Suarez when the Uruguayan appeared to be through on goal with a scoring opportunity. Referee Kevin Friend however, disagreed and chose the lesser sanction of a yellow card. 

The anxiety in the fans was clearly felt and the usually vocal Kop was somewhat muted and, like their team struggled to find their best form. The tension was etched on the home fans' faces as the half wore on. The expectation of Liverpool's now customary sprint to an early two or three goal lead evaporated and turned into the jitters. The crowded Sunderland defence thwarted Liverpool's free-flowing, attacking style and the frustration started to show in Brendan Rodgers' men. Just as they could bear it no longer, up stepped captain Steven Gerrard to convert the free kick awarded as a result of Vergini's infringement on 39 minutes. In the process showing Luis Suarez how to take a free kick against stubborn opposition. 

As the second half began, Sunderland's intent to stick to their gameplay was evident but the home side had other ideas. Liverpool pressed forward and applied a certain patience to their game that was wanting in the first half. The ball was pushed forward at every opportunity and then passed round the opposition box as they probed an opening. 

The midfield diamond of Gerrard at the back, the industrious Jordan Henderson and Joe Allen in the middle and Philippe Coutinho behind the front pair kept the pressure on and the reward came after 48 minutes. Another pass across the visitors' back line from Coutinho found Henderson on the edge of the box. Daniel Sturridge only had one thing on his mind with the squared pass, shimmying to the left to unleash a deftly placed shot toward goal. The slight deflection off Wes Brown wrong-footed Vito Mannone and he watched helplessly as the net bulged for number two. 

The celebration from Sturridge hinted more of pressure relieved than joy and one has to wonder if that underpinned his performance yesterday. It was definitely apparent that both he and Suarez were being particularly single minded yesterday and I have to say that it was to the detriment of the team on occasion. The Kop found it's voice and jubilation reigned. The smell of a title tilt was evidently in the air as they sang "we're going to win the league". Will they? We'll have to wait and see. Sunderland though, had other ideas. 

The introduction of Adam Johnson and Ki Sung-Yeung on 61 minutes for Conor Whickham and Emanuele Giacherini showed Poyet was not here simply to spectate. The visitors began to apply some pressure of their own and the hosts were clearly rattled by this show of audacious defiance of the rules of their manor. The home defence, largely untroubled until now came under constant pressure as Sunderland pushed forward. They showed belief. They showed intent. The Kop showed angst and this seemed to transmit to the erratic unit that is the Liverpool back line who looked on as Lee Cattermole sent a rasping shot cannoning off Simon Mignolet's bar. 

Poyet's courage bore fruit after 76 minutes. A corner from the Liverpool left caught the defence static. The delivery, just the right height for Jimmy Cranky, completely bypassed the six-foot defenders and landed for Ki to stoop and gratefully nod home to give the visitors a sniff of a share of the spoils. Liverpool were rattled and hung on for the remaining 15 minutes of the game. The fourth official's signalling of three minutes added time was greeted by the home team and fans alike as if it was 30 and those last few minutes felt like exactly that. The Kop must have been awash with fingernails after the game, nervously chewed off in those dying minutes. 

Hang on they did and the three points were in the bag. Brendan Rodgers' men return to second place and keep the pressure on Chelsea at the top. All attention now turns to the visit of Tottenham on Sunday who, themselves will be feeling rejuvenated after overturning a two-goal deficit against Southampton at the weekend to win 3-2 and rekindle their place in the hunt for European football qualification. If Liverpool want to keep their hopes alive there really needs to be no room for the kind of nerves that were evident against Sunderland yesterday and for me, if they don't succeed in bringing the title home this season it will be for this reason. 

I believe Liverpool can win it, but the team has to be brave. The fans must be brave. We all have to believe because belief is the difference between winners and losers. The team needs to feel the belief in the fans - in the moment and not just acting so on the way to the ground. As Muhammad Ali said "Champions aren't made in gyms... They have to have the skill and the will. But the will must be greater than the skill". 

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Liverpool v Sunderland - Match Preview

Liverpool make a welcomed return to the hallowed turf of Anfield tonight for the first time in over a month and play host to Gus Poyet's Sunderland side who are looking for their first win since their 0-3 win away at Newcastle Utd. Poyet's men have it all to do, although given Liverpool's well-documented defensive frailties, I'm sure they'll fancy their chances of nicking the odd goal or possibly even two. The problem is, as many a team have found to their cost this season is should that happen, Brendan Rodger's men will probably get three or four.

It's certainly a big ask for Sunderland and you'd expect Liverpool's recent momentum to carry them through for a comfortable three points. It's nice to see that Rodgers has recaptured the fortress mentality and reality at Anfield and one would have to go back to the 0-1 reversal against Southampton in September for Liverpool's last Premiership defeat at home. Very consistent from Liverpool and one only hopes that the team can keep a clean sheet in order to restore some defensive pride ahead of a crucial fixture against Tottenham on Sunday.I don't think this will decide the Reds' season but it will surely go some way to shaping it.

Obviously Fabio Borini won't be included in the Sunderland squad, and from the perspective that he's their star man this season it's a match made for confidence. The visitors' top scorer Adam Johnson isn't in the squad due to injury so there doesn't seem to be much firepower available for them. Having said that, Look what happened against Cardiff City last weekend. I sure as hell didn't see that coming. The team sheet shows a trio of central defenders so I think the words damage and limitation are Poyet's intentions tonight.

The starting eleven shows no place for Raheem Sterling but considering the next opposition at the weekend, I agree that Rodgers would use him sparingly as the Premiership jockey's get the whip out and start hacking it for the finish line. So, same again for Liverpool tonight. I expect the team to deal with the opposition formation a lot better than they did at the weekend but credit goes to the way the players managed to adapt.

Without further ado, let the games begin. I'm not making any predictions as per usual but I'd suggest another three points for Liverpool such is their confidence and attacking prowess these days. And, long may it continue.

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Nine Goal Thriller Keeps Liverpool In The Chase

Suarez and Sturridge - The REAL SAS

Sloppy defending coupled with exquisite finishing was the order of the day as Liverpool and Cardiff City served up a nine goal treat to keep the fans on the edge of their seats and make problems for those with coronary complaints. Two goals a piece for Jordon Mutch and Martin Skrtel, a Luis Suarez hat-trick and a goal each for Daniel Sturridge and Frazier Campbell provided the entertainment in a thrilling match.

As with most a Liverpool fans, I was confident of a win and didn't really expect to see Cardiff register one goal, let alone three. The first from Mutch was equally down to poor defending - yet again from Liverpool, as it was the quality finishing from Mutch. Following a suicide back pass from Joe Allen that allowed Frazier to play the ball into the path of the scorer. The amount of space allowed by the Liverpool defence, and the apparent reluctance to press on the edge of the box was again Liverpool's failing. However less than ten minutes later, Liverpool were level. Jordan Henderson's ball into space for the overlapping Glen Johnson who's centre was tapped in easily by Suarez at the near post. 1-1. 

On 25 minutes Liverpool were again guilty of leaving gaps in the defence large enough fir a No. 36 bus to breach. Campbell done exactly that and latched onto the pass from the impressive Mutch to cut across the visitors' shambolic defence to slide home his sixth Premiership goal of the season and the hosts' second. 2-1. Liverpool responded by trying to get balls in behind the Cardiff defence and thus began to turn the tide of the game. As half time approached one sensed Brendan Rodgers' men would recover and, recover they did as Skrtel poked home to level on 41 minutes from Philippe Coutinho's dangerous ball into the home team's penalty box. 2-2. 

The break gave the visitors a chance to regroup, regain focus and play in a manner more befitting of a team challenging for the league title. Through similar fashion to the equaliser, and again through Skrtel with his second of the game, heading home from Coutinho corner. 2-3. After that, it was the Suarez and Sturridge show. The SAS as they've now come to be known, swept aside the home side with some devastating link-up play between them. As clinical as the formidable, stealth-like unit after which they've been nick-named. And, I'd like to add, far more so than any previous impostors with the same name!

Sturridge picking up the effervescent Johnson's centre and playing an audacious back-heel pass in to the stride of Suarez... 2-4. Following another 15 minutes of continued pressure, the deadly duo struck again. Johnson's 40-yard pass on 75 minutes turned defence into attack and found Suarez moving into the vacant left side flank. His neat control and strength was too much for the marking City defender and as he raced through, Sturridge was on hand to meet his partner's centre and tap in. 2-5.  If there was any doubting the outcome of this encounter, surely it was erased now. The visitors were out of site.

Mutch grabbed what can only be considered a consolation in the 88th minute, heading in Kenwyn Jones headed lay off but by now, the damage was done and there was no way back for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side from here. 3-5. No sooner had the home side clawed back a modicum of respect, the SAS struck again on 90 minutes to close the proceedings in style. A long punt upfield from Skrtel found Suarez again in acres of space on the left flank. As he dribbled toward goal with only the keeper to beat, the following was inevitable. A little shimmy and a drop of the shoulder. 3-6.

There's no doubting that Liverpool made this unnecessarily difficult for themselves in the opening stages. The amount of space afforded to the home side was unforgivable and deserving of being punished twice. Young Jon Flanagan will surely learn from that as both errors came from his eagerness to get forward. There also appears to be a reluctance, on occasion for Liverpool to close opposition players down on the edge of their own box. For what, the good Lord only knows. What we all know though, is that this has to stop if and more likely when, they are facing the quality opposition that will inevitably arrive with playing in the Champions League.

For now, Liverpool remain in the mix and a 19th title is certainly not beyond them. As Brendan Rodgers said after the game when asked if he's "Got to say now you can win the league?", his response was, quite rightly "No, we've got to say we've gotta win the next game, and that's our focus". Never a truer word said. The focus in now on Wednesday night at 8pm when Sunderland come to Anfield. Let's see where we are after that.

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Cardiff City v Liverpool - Match Preview

Liverpool travel to the Cardiff City Stadium tomorrow in a game that pits the current leaders of the form guide versus the bottom side. It's hard to see the Reds coming away with anything other than three points and it would take a very confident, if not foolhardy man to bet against Brendan Rodgers' side. To quote the FM 2013 press response: "Confidence is high and the team are playing with the freedom
this brings..."!

Liverpool are indeed flying high right now on the back of some top drawer performances. Second in

Daniel Sturridge: The new Frazier Campbell?

the Premiership and top of the form table with five wins and a draw from their last six games translating to 16 points from the 18 available. Along the way, Rodgers' men have earned well-deserved plaudits with the clinical despatching of Arsenal and Manchester United and notching up 19 goals. Title talk is now rife and one can feel the belief in team, the manager and the fans. The club is even the popular choice with the public. Does that make them the Housewives favourite...? Enough already! Before we all get carried away and start printing the "N-n-n-n 19" T-Shirts, let's take a look at the current state of play at the top of the table.

With all the furore of the trophy heading to Anfield, the main contenders and let's not forget still, favourites to come out on top, are Manchester City and they have two games in hand on second and third placed Liverpool and Arsenal respectively. Given their goal difference, they could, theoretically be on top of the pile if they win them. And, seeing as they welcome rock-bottom Fulham to the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, there's a good chance the theory could well turn into reality. I always find it odd how the papers and the fans alike seem to miss that reality. Yes, it's fair to say Liverpool are in with a shout, but the odds remain squarely stacked against them and it would do us fans no harm to add a sprinkle of realism to the big bowl of optimism going round at the moment.

On the other hand concerning Liverpool's opponents tomorrow, since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer came through the doors at Cardiff City FC on 2nd January this year, the side has won only two of the ten games played. The hefty concession of 20 goals en route does not bode well for them either. One has to wonder what made Solskjaer take the hotseat offered by controversial owner Vincent Tan. Let's face it, following a successful spell as Manager of the Manchester Utd. reserve team - beating the Liverpool reserve side to the Lancashire Senior Trophy in the 2007/8 season. Then, going on to manage Molde FK and winning back to back Tippeligaen championships, you'd have thought he'd sit tight and wait for a perhaps, more "reputable" side to approach him. Arguably, the Bluebirds' Managerial seat is somewhat more of a poisoned chalice. Being realistic, that's the closest they have to a cup this season. 

Cardiff's two wins have come against Fulham and Norwich but that hasn't stopped them being firmly rooted second from bottom in the Premiership. Thus a seven point return from a possible 30 will likely only guarantee 41 year-old Solskjaer Championship football come August. It's quite likely that he'd have had more joy taking over another side. He clearly has some potential but as a replacement for the dearly departed Malky Mackay, I'm not sure he's improved the team if at all. You could argue that Mackay certainly had a better win ratio over 10 games winning three and picking up three draws along the way. Not exactly the record of world beaters, but the Baby-faced Assassin's tenure has coupled with a steady decline.

I really can't see where Cardiff's threat can come from tomorrow. The Independent made a "head-to-head" this afternoon between Cardiff's Frazier Campbell and Liverpool's very own Daniel Sturridge. Is there any point? I was struggling for what to write after such an eventful weekend and clearly, I'm not the only one. If we look at Campbell's season stats, we see five goals from 24 appearances, compared to Sturridge's 18 from 19. In old money, that's a 95% chance of scoring during a game. Compare that to Campbell's 20% and you can see where the smart money lies.

As you know, I don't make predictions, however, I'd suggest a healthy win for the visitors tomorrow, by a two or three goal margin. Football is a funny old game as someone used to say, so with that in mind, let's hope we still have something to smile about come 5pm tomorrow.

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Manchester United 0-3 Liverpool - LFC put United to the sword to retain 2nd

Steve Gerrard: Penalty double for LFC

Liverpool visited Old Trafford this afternoon and left with all three points and gave the old foe a footballing lesson in the process. Brendan Rodgers' men simply had too much for the home side who looked a sorry shadow of the side that ruled the Premiership less than a year ago. So alarming has been the regression from the current, and soon to be replaced Champions. The visitors opened the game brightly and never really looked like losing. The home side failed to turn up until after they went 0-1 down to a Steven Gerrard penalty. And then promptly left again after that. 

Rogers named an unchanged side to the one that triumphed over Southampton a fortnight earlier and it looked as if they meant to carry on where they left off. Liverpool harried and pressed their hosts in the early stages to assert their dominance. The breakthrough came on 33 minutes after good work from Daniel Sturridge on the right flank to find his strike partner Luis Suarez in the home side penalty area with an inch perfect cross-field pass. Suarez controlled perfectly before the hapless Rafael needlessly handled the ball to give referee Mark Clattenburg no choice but to point to the spot. The United defender had already earned himself a yellow card for an earlier infringement, but for some reason, Mr. Clattenburg chose not to send him off. 

United had it all to do and for the remainder of the first half, showed glimpses of the pressure they're so used to exerting on visiting sides. The home side had arrived at last. This period brought about their only shot on target up until then, and indeed, for the remainder of the match. Their sole threat Wayne Rooney forcing a brilliant save from Simon Mignolet, pushing the ball away to his right to avoid a certain equaliser. Liverpool held firm as the United front line pushed forward and to bombard crosses into the Liverpool penalty area for the out of sorts Robin Van Persie. The home sides efforts were easily thwarted by stout defending from the LFC back line. 

As far as any resistance from the home side went, that was it. David Moyes looked like a rabbit caught in the headlights of a marauding red juggernaut, and the expectation was that he would change things at half time as any beleaguered manager would do in the face of such a compelling onslaught. Clearly he felt his team would continue the second half as they ended the first and that an equaliser would come. They didn't, and neither did an equaliser. Within two minutes of the restart, Liverpool extended their advantage in similar style to how they got it. The tireless Suarez found Jordan Henderson on the edge of the box. His weighted pass found the run of Joe Allen who was bundled over in spectacular fashion by Phil Jones. Again, Mr. Clattenburg pointed to the spot. Again, Gerrard converted coolly to send the visiting fans and players into raptures. Liverpool were now 0-2 up. 

To make matters worse, a further penalty was awarded to Liverpool after Nemanja Bidic brought Sturridge down in the box to earn himself a red card and reduce the home side to 10 men on 70 minutes. Gerrard was unable to convert on this occasion as his effort crashed against David de Gea's right post. There was no way back for United at this point, and it showed on the face of each and every man, woman and child in the stadium - from both sides and, not least that of Moyes. It took him another five minutes to reply, making a double substitution. Tom Cleverley and Danny Welbeck on for Marouane Fellaini and the ineffective Adnan Januzaj. The move only served to confirm what trouble the home team were in as Liverpool put the game beyond any doubt, had there been any at this point. 

Following a period of sustained possession without reply, Sturridge picked out Suarez with a through ball that couldn't have been better timed with the best Swiss watch. The Uruguayan gratefully controlled the pass and swept it past the helpless de Gea to complete the 0-3 score line. A result which must raise questions over Moyes ability to take the Red Devils forward. Perhaps shadows of Sir Alex Ferguson's early tenure in the job, but it's time for Moyes to crack the whip and knock his troops into shape. They simply weren't at the races today and the body language of Robin Van Persie makes one wonder where he'll be playing his football next season. 

Tactically, Brendan Rodgers called it absolutely spot on. Glen Johnson was restored to right back and Jon Flanagan moved over to the left. Henderson partnered Allen in the central roles with Raheem Sterling playing just being the front two. The movement between the front players and the industry of the two central midfielders won this game for Liverpool. It's equally fair to say that United were poor but credit must go to Brendan Rodgers men for the grit, akin to some excellent pressing and passing to boot. Liverpool have retained second place and are perfectly placed for a determined assault on the title. 

I think most people would have noticed there was a banner being held up from the travelling support, it read: "David Moyes is a tactical genius". Albeit that sarcasm is the lowest form of wit they say, sometimes, it's worth the descent.  

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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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