Liverpool v Manchester United, Anfield, 15th October 12:45 - (MOD NOTE - Post #1)

Blatter

Team news; Steven Gerrard looks set to start for Liverpool, with Glen Johnson hoping to replace the injured Martin Kelly at RB. Agger should also return. The question will be whether or not Dalglish will play Carroll from the start or opt to let Suarez lead the line.

Vidic should be restored to the starting lineup beside Rio Ferdinand. Tom Cleverley is fit but unlikely to play from the start. Smalling also returns from injury but it's unknown whether he or Phil Jones will get the nod at RB. Again,
the question for Ferguson is whether he will play with Hernandez/Welbeck with Rooney from the start, or opt for a 5 man midfield.


Possible lineups;

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Reina

---

Johnson

---

Carragher

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Agger

---

Enrique

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Lucas

---

Adam

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Kuyt

---

Gerrard

---

Downing

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Suarez

---

---

Welbeck

---

Young

---

Rooney

---

Nani

---

Anderson

---

Fletcher

---

Evra

---

Vidic

---

Ferdinand

---

Smalling/Jones

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de Gea

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Should be a good game and I'm really looking forward to it, especially after the international break.

And play nicely people;)

***EDIT*** - MOD NOTE...http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=74909013&postcount=82

Melion

But if that is the United midfield i will be very confident that we can get a result like the game at Anfield last March.

The_Kew_Tour

Cant wait to be in away section on Saturday..

going be tough one to call liverpool been having upper hand in these games last few years.

I go 2-1 United though.

3hn2givr7mx1sc

Has to be at least the third time that a train-wreck photo has been almost the first reply in one of these threads.

Bodhisopha

Better get that new mod in quick.

Paully D

Really looking forward to this.

If Manchester United are going to lose any game in the Premier League this season then it will be this one IMO. Liverpool will raise their game to another level (which they'll have to do to get the better of Manchester United), the crowd will be buzzing and it should make for a great game.

I'm going to say score draw. I certainly wouldn't be backing a Manchester United win here, which I don't think I'll say again over the course of the Premier League season.

Mars Bar

baz2009 wrote: »

Has to be at least the third time that a train-wreck photo has been almost the first reply in one of these threads.

And it's usually a fairly accurate prediction which is more sad than the picture itself...

Le King

Not really sure about this. Never confident of these games as Liverpool have consistantly raised their game against us at Anfield over the past couple of years.

I'll go with a score draw. Hopefully no dodgy decisions and we win. Let the train wreck commence.

PCPhoto

early start ... game at Anfield .... gonna throw my neck on the line and claim a 1-1 draw ...neither side enjoying a win.

Liverpool and United suffering from International fatigue - Game ruined by free kicks given by the referee not allowing the game to flow - both teams getting a number of yellow cards and ...maybe even a red (but I'm not saying which team ...or ahem ...rooney .... player)

Hulk Hands

Stupid mistakes have cost United in this fixture the past few years. We need to cut them out, and break even in the midfield battle. Fletcher and Anderson should prove a more mobile pair than Scholes and Carrick in that area. Get enough ball to our wings and Rooney and they'll win it for us.

Can't wait for this.

Will be in the Kop end losing the plot.

Hard to call these games as usual but would love more of the same as the last few years please

Blatter

If Johnson doesn't make it, I'm guessing it will be Skrtel at RB?

Blatter

Blatter wrote: »

If Johnson doesn't make it, I'm guessing it will be Skrtel at RB?

I hope not

Melion

Blatter wrote: »

If Johnson doesn't make it, I'm guessing it will be Skrtel at RB?

I really really hope not. Id rather Carra out there with Skrtel in the centre. Either that or just play Flanagan/Robinson

Blatter

rarnes1 wrote: »

I hope not

I'm the opposite of course. It would surely make more sense to shift Carragher there and put Skrtel in the centre. It was rather bemusing that Skrtel played RB against Spurs.

TheTownie

Might as well start the shenanigans...

Liverpool to get stuffed !!

Mars Bar

Blatter wrote: »

If Johnson doesn't make it, I'm guessing it will be Skrtel at RB?

I really hope so!

Blatter

Blatter wrote: »

I'm the opposite of course. It would surely make more sense to shift Carragher there and put Skrtel in the centre.

Neither, really need Johnson fit.

I'd sooner go with Kuyt at RB than Skrtel tbh.

3hn2givr7mx1sc

I'm strangely confident about this game, tbh. Would go a bit more defensive, though.

---

DDG

---

Jones--Smalling--Vidic--Evra

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Carrick

---

---

Anderson----Cleverley----
Nani

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Young

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Rooney

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If it's 4-4-2, then Park has to start, imo.

Melion

baz2009 wrote: »

I'm strangely confident about this game, tbh. Would go a bit more defensive, though.

---

DDG

---

Jones--Smalling--Vidic--Evra

---

Carrick

---

---

Anderson----Cleverley----
Nani

---

Young

---

Rooney

---

If it's 4-4-2, then Park has to start, imo.

That looks a much more solid team than the one posted in the OP. We have shown over the last few years how weak the United midfield is when there is pressure put on it. Scholes, Carrick, Anderson and Fletcher havent been able to handle it at Anfield recently. Cleverley is a much different style of player and would be perfectly suited to that kind of "battle".

Blatter

baz2009 wrote: »

I'm strangely confident about this game, tbh. Would go a bit more defensive, though.

---

DDG

---

Jones--Smalling--Vidic--Evra

---

Carrick

---

---

Anderson----Cleverley----
Nani

---

Young

---

Rooney

---

If it's 4-4-2, then Park has to start, imo.

If we hadn't lost at Anfield three times on the trot, I'd say it'd be a cert that we'd play 4-4-2 as we have done this season. However, Liverpool have largely gotten success against us in the recent past because they've overwhelmed us in midfield, so it might make him think twice about the formation.

Saying that, our midfield on those three occasions was Scholes and Carrick. Berbatov also started all three games, I'd feel Welbeck will help out the midfield an awful lot more. I also like the look of Fletcher and Anderson more than Scholes and Carrick. It's a lot more mobile, and we've also never really played them with Rooney in that playmaker role, which makes a huge difference to our midfield in general.

Liam O

Can see Nani being dropped after his 'mare last time out.

Hulk Hands

2 in midfield is fine imo. Having Rio and Vidic at the back means having a 'sitter' isn't essential. Fletcher and Anderson are mobile and able for a battle, which will be a change from previous games. We also have Rooney dropping back in to help out. It's clear that Rooney isn't as good up top on his own, and I think we should have Hernandez playing as he can exploit Liverpools lack of pace at the back.

Blatter

Hulk Hands wrote: »

2 in midfield is fine imo. Having Rio and Vidic at the back means having a 'sitter' isn't essential. Fletcher and Anderson are mobile and able for a battle, which will be a change from previous games. We also have Rooney dropping back in to help out. It's clear that Rooney isn't as good up top on his own, and I think we should have Hernandez playing as he can exploit Liverpools lack of pace at the back.

Welbeck is very quick aswell in fairness, and his all round game is much better than Hernandez's.

Cill Dara Abu

baz2009 wrote: »

I'm strangely confident about this game, tbh. Would go a bit more defensive, though.

---

DDG

---

Jones--Smalling--Vidic--Evra

---

Carrick

---

---

Anderson----Cleverley----
Nani

---

Young

---

Rooney

---

If it's 4-4-2, then Park has to start, imo.

I'd much rather see Fletcher start in place of the inept Carrick. Great to see Cleverly back in action.

Mr Alan

Wellbeck >>>>>> Hernandez

Jax Teller

I have a feeling Giggs will start

Liam O

Mr Alan wrote: »

Wellbeck >>>>>> Hernandez

This opinion is really starting to spread and I'm not sure I agree with it. First they are different players. I'd have Hernandez playing with Rooney over Welbeck every time tbh. Welbeck is a deeper player who I think would actually work quite well with Chico himself and while I might be persuaded that Welbeck is the better all round player, Chico is the better striker imo.

Mr Alan

Chico is a better goalscorer, not by much, but every other aspect of Wellbecks game is far superior to Chicos whos general play is pretty poor.

homerjay2005

united have gifted liverpool alot of goals over the past few years, hopefully this wont happen saturday. if it doesnt, i cant see united losing, but its a massive game and could go either way.

i think a draw here is the most likely.

Liam O

Mr Alan wrote: »

Chico is a better goalscorer, not by much, but every other aspect of Wellbecks game is far superior to Chicos whos general play is pretty poor.

Thing is we have Rooney, Anderson, Nani and now Young to take care of the general play and I feel a better goalscorer should be the option to play with them in the biggest games when everyone's fit.

Any chance Carrick will play?

He had a stinker last year in this fixture.

TheTownie

Liam O wrote: »

This opinion is really starting to spread and I'm not sure I agree with it. First they are different players. I'd have Hernandez playing with Rooney over Welbeck every time tbh. Welbeck is a deeper player who I think would actually work quite well with Chico himself and while I might be persuaded that Welbeck is the better all round player, Chico is the better striker imo.

Have you not seen Welbeck in FIFA12? Ridiculously quick! :pac:

RT2010

Not sure if I would like both Rio and Vidic starting this weekend. Both are gonna be slightly rusty having not being playing regularly, even though it was a big plus for Vidic getting some game time with Serbia (despite the peno miss!)

Anfield is not the place to be building towards peak fitness. I would go with Jones and one of Rio/Vidic in the centre with Smalling at right back.

Blatter

rarnes1 wrote: »

Any chance Carrick will play?

He had a stinker last year in this fixture.

It's a possibility but I'd say it's unlikely. He did have the advantage of the international break, so you never know.

It wouldn't surprise me if the internationals heavily influences our team selection actually. Carrick, Giggs, Park, Cleverley, Ferdinand, Smalling and Berbatov(he definitely won't start though) all had a break, Welbeck only got 15 mins and Vidic got a much needed game under his belt. It wouldn't surprise me to see at least 4 or 5 of those play.

PHB

Irrespective of the differences between the player, Chico had to fly a long way, so I'd expect him to be rested. Think Nani and Park will play. Hoping Cleverely is back, the only real question for me to be honest.

Blatter

PHB wrote: »

Irrespective of the differences between the player, Chico had to fly a long way, so I'd expect him to be rested. Think Nani and Park will play. Hoping Cleverely is back, the only real question for me to be honest.

You don't think Young will play then? I'd be surprised if he didn't start tbh.

TheTownie

Blatter wrote: »

You don't think Young will play then? I'd be surprised if he didn't start tbh.

Didn't he pick up a knock with England? or is that only a small thing? Never heard the detail.

Blatter

TheTownie wrote: »

Didn't he pick up a knock with England? or is that only a small thing? Never heard the detail.

The word going around is that he's fit and the substitution was more of a precaution than anything. There has been no official confirmation though, best wait until Fergie's presser on Friday to find out for sure. I'd assume he's fit for the moment though.

mike65

More of this from Luis and Dirk

That_Guy

Are Paddy Power offering odds on the number of times that Hernandez will drift offside? :pac:

Massive game and will be interesting to see how each team's new players will settle in, though most have at some stage played in major derbies before.

Surely Kuyt will start ahead of Henderson for Liverpool in this game. In a game like this, it's vital to have that bit of experience and with Kuyt's work rate in defending and attacking, it's a no brainer really.

It's the right back position that I'd be most worried about if I were a Liverpool fan though I'm not sure how far away Johnson is from returning for them.

Skrtel at right back against Spurs proved to be a costly mistake and Ashley Young would tear him to shreds given the chance.

Flanagan/Kelly, though they're natural right backs may just have that inexperience in an important game like this.

Maybe a back four of

Carragher --- Skrtel --- Agger --- Enrique

As per Manchester United, well they've got bags of talent. It's defensively I'd be most concerned with.

They've been putting teams to the sword and scoring for fun but they do seem to leave themselves open a little bit.

Would you have Anderson or Cleverley holding? Anytime I've seen them this season, they both seem to have licence to go forward leaving the back four vulnerable to a counter attack.

Have often seen Jones get forward an awful lot too. It's nice to see but an interception and you're caught on the break and out of position.

They'll need to have a bit more discipline about them in this type of game.

Intriguing game and I reckon it'll be a close game with Man United coming out on top.

0-1

EDIT: I could be talking complete crap. :pac:

ShamoBuc

Looking forward to this one. Going with recent years - home win, 2-1 maybe. Doubt it will finish 11v11

massdebater

Liverpool to easily win 2-0 before losing at home to Norwich next week

J. Marston

Liam O wrote: »

Can see Nani being dropped after his 'mare last time out.

I hope that he starts. He should be fired up after last time. He has unfinished business with Carragher.

DDG

Smalling
Vidic
Rio/Jones
Evra

Carrick
Cleverley/Giggs
Anderson

Young
Nani
Rooney

Giggsy11

No point in dropping one of our best attacker.

With Vidic back I feel bit confident (At least better than last week). I would gladly take a draw if offered. Not only because we lost at Anfield last few seasons but also our performance was just poor.

I think Fletcher will start this game. Probably he is fit for this tie first time in 5 years.

Blatter

Blatter wrote: »

I'm the opposite of course. It would surely make more sense to shift Carragher there and put Skrtel in the centre. It was rather bemusing that Skrtel played RB against Spurs.

Carragher was shifted to RB last year early on as Aurelio went off and played a blinder.

I'd be way happier seeing him there ahead of Skrtel if it comes to it. He has far more experience at RB.

doc_17

Really looking forward to it..brothers coming over (man u fans) so it should be a hoot!

mada999

I said it earlier in the season if Cleverly and Anderson start in the middle, the big teams will beat them....

Hopefully a nice Liverpool win... Suarez to run a muck again.. and Kuyt to start instead of Hendo please...

Liam O

mada999 wrote: »

I said it earlier in the season if Cleverly and Anderson start in the middle, the big teams will beat them....

Hopefully a nice Liverpool win... Suarez to run a muck again.. and Kuyt to start instead of Hendo please...

and yet the only big team they've played is Arsenal and that didn't happen did it?

Le King

mada999 wrote: »

I said it earlier in the season if Cleverly and Anderson start in the middle, the big teams will beat them....

Hopefully a nice Liverpool win... Suarez to run a muck again.. and Kuyt to start instead of Hendo please...

City, Arsenal, Spurs and Ando with Chelsea.

We have beaten all the big teams...

JimsAlterEgo

Le King wrote: »

City, Arsenal, Spurs and Ando with Chelsea.

We have beaten all the big teams...

stop using facts, surely his theory is far better

We need to get at pools weak link, their CBS and lack of pace. That for me is 4-4-2 but with Rooney dropping deeper a lot to help out.