Liverpool face Manchester United at Anfield tomorrow, and after winning four of the last five home clashes against Alex Ferguson's team, the Reds go into the match as statistical favourites. Both teams have struggled defensively this season, and Anfield legend Steve Nicol believes that the key to success for Liverpool is to target two weak links in United's defence.
Previewing the game on ESPN last night, Nicol - who was part of the team that hammered United 4-0 at Anfield in 1990 - predicted that Liverpool would dominate possession in the middle of the field, but conceded that the club's lack of firepower might prove costly. He added:
"Liverpool's best chance of winning this game is to get after Rio Ferdinand and Rafael.
"Defensively, both of them have been struggling this year, and they have to expose their lack of ability.
United's defence has shipped 5 goals in 4 league games this season, but Liverpool's record is even worse, with a plethora of defensive mistakes leading to 8 goals conceded in the league so far.
Glen Johnson's mistakes alone have cost Liverpool 4 goals in 4 games, and Pepe Reina and Martin Skrtel have also made costly mistakes. If those three don't get their act together tomorrow then Robin Van Persie will almost definitely capitalise at some point.
Luis Suarez and (especially) Steven Gerrard have not performed consistently well this season, and they both owe the club a top performance, and hopefully it will come against United. Rodgers will probably select the following team:
------------------ Reina
Kelly --- Skrtel -------- Agger --- Johnson
------------- Allen ---- Gerrard
------------------ Shelvey
Suarez ------------------------- Sterling
------------------ Borini
After Jose Enrique's horror show on Thursday I can't see him starting the game, but, defensively, Johnson on the left is not a good idea, so I personally would start Enrique. My preferred team:
------------------ Reina
Johnson --- Skrtel -------- Agger --- Enrique
------------- Allen ---- Gerrard
------------------ Shelvey
Suarez ------------------------- Sterling
------------------ Borini
Jaimie Kanwar
Previewing the game on ESPN last night, Nicol - who was part of the team that hammered United 4-0 at Anfield in 1990 - predicted that Liverpool would dominate possession in the middle of the field, but conceded that the club's lack of firepower might prove costly. He added:
"Liverpool's best chance of winning this game is to get after Rio Ferdinand and Rafael.
"Defensively, both of them have been struggling this year, and they have to expose their lack of ability.
United's defence has shipped 5 goals in 4 league games this season, but Liverpool's record is even worse, with a plethora of defensive mistakes leading to 8 goals conceded in the league so far.
Glen Johnson's mistakes alone have cost Liverpool 4 goals in 4 games, and Pepe Reina and Martin Skrtel have also made costly mistakes. If those three don't get their act together tomorrow then Robin Van Persie will almost definitely capitalise at some point.
Luis Suarez and (especially) Steven Gerrard have not performed consistently well this season, and they both owe the club a top performance, and hopefully it will come against United. Rodgers will probably select the following team:
------------------ Reina
Kelly --- Skrtel -------- Agger --- Johnson
------------- Allen ---- Gerrard
------------------ Shelvey
Suarez ------------------------- Sterling
------------------ Borini
After Jose Enrique's horror show on Thursday I can't see him starting the game, but, defensively, Johnson on the left is not a good idea, so I personally would start Enrique. My preferred team:
------------------ Reina
Johnson --- Skrtel -------- Agger --- Enrique
------------- Allen ---- Gerrard
------------------ Shelvey
Suarez ------------------------- Sterling
------------------ Borini
Jaimie Kanwar
I see the Daily Mail are reporting that FSG are to announce a £150m redevelopment of Anfield (60,000), without having to reduce capacity. It will take around 5 years in total, good news as the Council and Mayor are supportive. The area will be revamped too, houses pulled down and others redesigned to in include gardens.
ReplyDeleteThis has been an open secret for a while, we can do this and generate money much quicker than a new stadium of 60,000. It will have 7,000 corporate seats unfortunately but that is football these days, still great news though!!!
Hmm read it. Good old Anfield.
ReplyDeleteThere are suggestions that a hotel will possibly be built, The Liverpool Echo knows more than anyone but are silent for now, we will see soon enough!!!
ReplyDeleteAs you have pointed out Liverpool defense is suspect and I hope Rodgers has a backup plan. RVP will be firing on all cylinders if you give him the slightest space.
ReplyDeleteHopefully we can get the elusive three points, and what better team to get it from manure at Anfield.
I would go with Hendo & Allen , Stevie in behind Sterling,Borini ,
ReplyDeleteSuarez . Reason being Shelvey does not last 90 mins , give Stevie
an hr then replace him with Shelvey same as team v young boys.
Shelvey performs better against tiring opposition .
If true about the redevelopment , great news for the area.
ReplyDeleteI would have much prefer a one team city , with an 80,000
all seater stadia at Aintree or Speke .
I would really love to see Borini start up front with Suarez playing up the flanks too. Too bad I doubt we'd be seeing that anytime soon.
ReplyDeleteFunnily enough, for me, they were their two best players, although the standards weren't high out there from their team today.
ReplyDelete