Source: Telegraph
Manchester United v Liverpool: Game Zone
Manchester United v LiverpoolKick-off: Sat Mar 14, 12.45pm; Old Trafford, ManchesterTV: Sky Sports 1, Sky Sports HD1Radio: BBC Radio Five Live [LNB]TOUCHLINE DUEL: Sir Alex Ferguson v Rafa Benitez[LNB] Related ArticlesRooney wants to halt 'hated' Liverpool[LNB]Papers: Liverpool's five goal thriller 'not enough' for Benitez[LNB]This is Anfield Real Madrid, better luck next time[LNB]Man Utd 2 Inter Milan 0 Agg 2-0[LNB]Sir Alex Ferguson and Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez reopen mind games[LNB]Manchester United v Liverpool: Sir Alex Ferguson understands Wayne Rooney[LNB]The match represents the first meeting between the pair since Benitez's extraordinary rant in which he highlighted the 'facts' surrounding Ferguson's special treatment by the football authorities and United's harassing of referees. [LNB]Benitez got the upper hand at Anfield earlier in the season when his tactics were spot on in closing down space in midfield and over-running United and Ferguson will have added motivation to avoid a Liverpool double. [LNB]Will be worth watching the body language if and when the pair shake hands. [LNB]KEY BATTLE:Fernando Torres v Rio Ferdinand[LNB]Concerns over the Spaniard's fitness were dispelled with a bravura performance against Real Madrid when adrenalin overcame a slightly injured ankle that required ice treatment after Liverpool's terrific win. A man for the big games, Torres will be equally pumped up for this one and Ferdinand will have his hands full with Torres's speed and movement. [LNB]TALKING TACTICS: [LNB]Liverpool need to win the game and proved in midweek that when freed from the defensive shackles placed on them by Benitez they can put anyone on the back foot, though it is virtually impossible that United could play as badly as Real did. [LNB]Despite a draw being acceptable to United, they are unlikely to sit back at home in such a highly charged atmosphere which should make for as open a game as a match between two teams with such effective defences can be. [LNB]A lot will depend upon whether both teams keep 11 players on the pitch for the full 90 minutes. [LNB]BETTING: [LNB]With United coming off the back of 11 straight wins in the league and Liverpool having struggled domestically of late, the odds on Liverpool getting a result may tempt some. You can get 4 to 1 on a Liverpool win with Betfair, while United are evens with the same betting exchange. Though in a three horse race the draw at 12 to 5 is probably the best bet. [LNB]The bet of the day, however, has to be a sending off from either team, a license to print money at almost 4 to 1 with Betfair. [LNB]WHO'S SAYING WHAT:Wayne Rooney: 'I'm very excited about the game because I grew up as an Everton fan hating Liverpool. And that hasn't changed! We're in pole position in the title race and we know if we can beat Liverpool, then that will more or less end their chances of winning the League.'[LNB]Sir Alex Ferguson: "Liverpool have always been our main rival," said Ferguson. It does not matter what the position in the league, as far as I am concerned, it has always been the derby game. It will always be that way because of the geography and history of the two cities. We are the two most successful football clubs in England. When they get together you expect sparks to fly." [LNB]Ryan Babel: "We did well as a team [against Real Madrid] and I think we take the confidence into the next game against Manchester United. They are always beatable. If we can concentrate and get to our level then we can beat them in the league for the second time. Hopefully then our title chances will be different."[LNB]Javier Mascherano: "[Being sent off against Manchester United last year for dissent] was really difficult for me but I am sure that situation will not happen again. We are in the title race and we need to think about winning there and then see what happens. First you have to win. The most important thing for us is to try to win and give the supporters a happy day." [LNB]Ryan Giggs: "No matter what is riding on the outcome, United v Liverpool is one of the games of the season, and as they're our closest rivals right now, along with Chelsea, it makes it a massive game. This year I feel they've improved, they've got good players, and so we're not going to be complacent."[LNB]Rafael Benitez: "I must decide on my future in the next two weeks and I want a medium or long-term project. I don't want to be working from day to day always hanging on the latest result. I will work where I feel I can develop a project." [LNB]STATISTICS: [LNB]After winning 2-1 at Anfield in September, Liverpool have the chance to record their first home and away League 'double' over United for the first time since the 2001-02 season when they won 3-1 at Anfield and 1-0 at Old Trafford.On January 9, Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez heavily criticised Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson during a press conference. Since this time Liverpool have picked up only 13 points from their eight PL matches – 14 less than Manchester United over the same period, turning a seven point advanatge for liverpool to a seven pinjt defecit.Ferguson's side are currently seven points clear at the top of the table with one match in hand – they have never failed to win the title having been this far ahead at this stage of a top flight season. Premier League record since 'Rafa's rant' – January 9, 2009[LNB]Position Team Played Won Drawn Lost GF GA Points 1 Manchester United 9 9 0 0 19 2 27 7 Liverpool 8 3 4 1 10 7 13 TEAM NEWS: [LNB]United (probable, 4-4-2): Van der Sar; Neville, Vidic, Ferdinand, evra; Ronaldo, Carrick, Scholes, Park; Rooney, Berbatov. [LNB]Missing: Brown (ankle/foot), Rafael (ankle/foot), Hargreaves (knee).Top scorer: Ronaldo 12.Discipline: R: 2. Y: 48. [LNB]Liverpool (probable, 4-2-3-1): Reina; Arbeloa. Skrtel, Carragher, Aurelio; Alonso, Mascherano; Kuyt, Gerrard, Babel; Torres. [LNB]Missing: Agger (back), Degen (toe). Top scorer: Gerrard 9.Discipline: R: 0. Y: 39. [LNB]Referee: A Wiley. Games: 20. R: 1. Y: 52. Ave: 2.65. [LNB]Last Five League Meetings: [LNB]2007-2008 (PL): United 3 Liverpool 0 2006-2007 (PL): United 2 Liverpool 0 2005-2006 (PL): United 1 Liverpool 0 2004-2005 (PL): United 2 Liverpool 1 2003-2004 (PL): United 0 Liverpool 1 [LNB]
