EPL match preview – Liverpool vs Manchester United

Liverpool v Manchester United – Premier League Preview

Kick-off time: 6pm (IST), September 1, 2013

Venue: Anfield, Liverpool

With Monday (September 2) marking the birth centenary of their legendary manager Bill Shankly, the Liverpool team will look to celebrate the occasion with a win over their arch-rivals Manchester United, when the two sides face off at Anfield on Sunday.

Brendan Rodgers lost both the league games against Manchester United last season, and will look to set the record straight this time round. His opposite number, David Moyes never won at Anfield during his tenure at Everton, and will be keen to end that record as well.

Recent league form:

Liverpool: WW

Last league result – 1-0 win over Aston Villa at Villa Park.

Liverpool have enjoyed a good start to the season, with two wins out of two games so far over Stoke City and Aston Villa. Daniel Sturridge scored the lone goals in both the games.

In the midweek, Liverpool overcame a stubborn Notts County 4-2 after extra-time with Sturridge continuing his scoring form with 2 goals.

Manchester United: DW

Last league result – 0-0 draw with Chelsea at Old Trafford.

The Manchester club are still getting used to life after the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson, but David Moyes is now slowly settling down into his role.

After a thumping 4-1 win at Swansea in their season opener, Manchester United played out a dull goalless draw against Chelsea at home.

Absentees:

Liverpool: Luis Suarez (suspended), Kolo Toure (injured – doubtful), Joe Allen, Sebastian Coates and Aly Cissokho (injured – ruled out)

Manchester United: Rafael, Javier Hernandez (injured- ruled out), Nani (injured – doubtful), Darren Fletcher (unwell – ruled out)

Likely line-ups:

Liverpool:

Expected Liverpool starting XI

Manchester United:

Expected Manchester United starting XI

Stats and Trivia

Stats courtesy WhoScored.com

• In 160 Premier League encounters between the two teams, Manchester United have won 63 matches, whilst Liverpool have won 53.
• The last three meetings between the two teams have resulted in 2-1 wins for Manchester United.
• Manchester United are undefeated in 26 of their last 28 matches in the Premier League.
• Liverpool have won their last 4 matches in the Premier League.

(Stats courtesy WhoScored.com)

Manager Talk:

“Liverpool v Manchester United is a massive game. It’s more than a football game, it’s a story of two citiesand you’re representing the people of your city and the history of that city. It’s more than a football match. But it’s important that you retain that calmness and belief on the field, to get the result – because, ultimately, that’s what it’s about.

It’s not just the football clubs – it’s the cities that you’re representing. It’s a game that we were unfortunate not to get something from last year; we lost the gamebut we’re very confident going into this game. It’s a game which should be very close. We’re at homeand we’ll look to take the initiative in the game.”

- Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers

“Everybody tells me about the big rivalry between Liverpool and Unitedand it was certainly there when I was at Everton as well. I would think I’ll get as good a reception as I did with Everton. It has always been a difficult place to go, but I am looking forward to going back there.”

- Manchester United manager David Moyes

Last season’s corresponding fixture:

A late penalty by Robin van Persie sealed the match 2-1 in favour of Manchester United. Rafael and Steven Gerrard were the other goal-scorers in the game, while Jonjo Shelvey was sent off for a first-half foul on Jonny Evans.

Prediction:

Liverpool to win a hard-fought game 2-1 with goals from Daniel Sturridge, Robin van Persie and the winner from Steven Gerrard.