Match Preview: Liverpool v. Manchester United, 10.15.11

By: Ed | October 14th, 2011

suarez

Liverpool welcome Manchester United to Anfield in the first match back from the international break, with the Reds looking to continue their string of recent successes against Alex Ferguson’s side. The hosts have won each of the last three meetings on Merseyside, and with a win tomorrow they could climb within three points of the current leaders.

Somewhat removed from the last round of fixtures, but both clubs are coming off 2-0 victories, neither of which were particularly overwhelming. United had a bit of a struggle getting past Norwich, who had their own share of chances to either take the lead or draw level. Liverpool’s win in the derby didn’t bowl anyone over either, and the “win’s a win” perspective didn’t hold much traction with those on the outside looking in. But it was a second consecutive win after two tough losses, and Kenny Dalglish’s side .

United’s form has been well publicized, as their narrow opening day win over West Brom gave way to a goalscoring barrage, highlighted by the shocking 8-2 win against Arsenal. They’ve more or less been going blow-for-blow with City for much of the season—both have won six and drawn an away match, and they’re only separated by one on goal differential. The two goals United conceded against Arsenal were the most they’ve let in this season; they’ve surrendered only two in three away matches, one of which came in the 1-1 draw at Stoke a few weeks back.

They won’t have too many fitness concerns, with only Tom Cleverly and Rafael out through injury. Nemanja Vidic is apparently in charge of whether or not he’ll feature, and Chris Smalling is likely to be back after a groin injury. Anders Lindegaard started in the win over Norwich in front of David De Gea, but I’m guessing the latter will start behind a back line of Smalling, Phil Jones, Vidic, and Patrice Evra. Anderson has emerged this season as a regular starter in central midfield—along with Nani, he’s the only one to start all seven of the squad’s matches. Their threat wide typically comes by way of Nani and Ashley Young (who was left out of the Norwich match completely), and up top Wayne Rooney and Javier Hernandez have seen the most action, with Danny Welbeck getting regular time as well.

For Liverpool:

Who starts for Liverpool?

Reina
Johnson Carragher Agger Enrique
Lucas Adam
Kuyt Gerrard Downing
Suarez

—For maybe the first time I can remember since I’ve been doing the blog, Liverpool don’t have anyone on the injury list. That could turn out to be bunk, and there’s going to be some worries about those coming back from international duty, but it’s an encouraging prospect. Or, discouraging to acknowledge that in nearly every match in four seasons, someone’s been out. Usually it was Fabio Aurelio.

—That makes predicting the side a difficult task, but at least at the back we’ve got three nailed-on starters in Jamie Carragher, Daniel Agger, and Jose Enrique. Agger might be the most suspect of the three, but he stayed in Liverpool for the entire break and should be ready to go. Glen Johnson and Martin Kelly will be vying for the right-back spot, but with Kelly coming back early from U21 duty with a knock, Johnson might be the safer option.

—The midfield is the most muddled, particularly in the forward area. I’d love to see a way to work Charlie Adam out of the equation, but if Dalglish persists with the 4231, it’s likely that he’ll partner Lucas again. The Brazilian is on short rest after getting to Liverpool on Thursday, but there’s no option other than him centrally in a match that could see Liverpool dominate the midfield. More forward we could finally see the return of Steven Gerrard in an advanced role, and he’ll ideally be flanked by Dirk Kuyt and Stewart Downing. There’s a shout for Craig Bellamy wide, who was terrific after coming on late in the derby, but I think we’ll probably see him coming off the bench again.

—That leaves either Andy Carroll or Luis Suarez up top, and while the former is the fresher of the pair physically, I can’t see Suarez being left out tomorrow. This fixture was his coming out party last year, and I’d guess his sense of the occasion carries him through any fatigue he might experience. Partnering the two up top would probably push Dirk Kuyt out of the squad, and I don’t see any sense in leaving him out in favor of Carroll.

What’s the most important factor for the Reds?

For whatever reason, this one feels particularly significant, and that’s saying something given the typically volatile atmosphere that surrounds this fixture. Maybe it’s the long layoff, or the quasi-anniversary of the change in Liverpool’s ownership, or just the fact that we mostly despise United more than anyone. Regardless, it’ll be another emotional encounter, and the chances for things getting out of hand at some point are pretty good. If Liverpool can remain relatively composed and use that emotion to their benefit, they’ve got a great chance to make it four straight and hand United their first loss of the season.

There’s really no excuse for missing this one wherever you are; it’s on ESPN2/ESPN3 in the US and Sky Sports 2 in England, so there’s bound to be plenty of viewing options both on television and online. We’ll run the matchday thread late tonight so folks have a chance to find a way to watch a bit earlier on, as kickoff, at least for those in the States, doesn’t lend itself to much waking time pre-match.

See you back here first thing tomorrow morning, and let’s hope for another nice start to the weekend.

Some Related Liverpool Posts:

Category: Match Previews, Miscellaneous, Premier League, Team News

« Fowler Takes Over, Dalglish Praises Owners, and Other Friday Notes | Home | Matchday: Liverpool v. Manchester United »

airamanna

My new kitten, Paisley, will be watching her first Liverpool match tomorrow. I'm kind of afraid I'm going to scare the poor thing, what with all the screaming and swearing I'll be doing. She did hop up on the laptop to watch that Man United Memories video on LFC.tv earlier, so she's a little prepared.

As for the match itself, I won't lie, I'm already a nervous wreck. Kuyt has to start, right? Because I really need Kuyt to start. And Gerrard. And Agger if he's fit. This is an occasion for the elder statesmen. After that, give me Bellers off the bench to further terrorize United's defense (after Suarez has replaced Torres in Vidic's nightmares), and I'll be a happy girl.
KC

oh to the em gee am shitting myself...I dont think my heart can handle the pressure
Suarez from the car park...

I would like to see us go with a 3 centre back formation again. Thought it worked really well last year, snuffed out attacks really well.
Given that it could well be one up front, that's probably Suarez, with Downing, Gerrard and Kuyt behind. can you believe Kuyt only played 70mins in the last international? That was almost considerate.
That would leave Lucas in the middle.

There's a slight chance that Suarez might come off the bench, just from the playing and travelling he's done.
It will be seriously depressing if he's knackered and a bit sluggish. He's been playing so hard, he's making Kuyt look lazy. Great lay offs against Paraguay that his comrades couldn't score from.

So guess it'll be 442 again.
mardia

Please, LFC, give me a solid win and three points so I don't end up eating my own weight in cheesecake tomorrow. (A celebratory slice--or two--will be fine, but I'd rather not stress eat myself into gaining ten pounds. There's no alcohol in the house, so win or lose, I'm turning to the cheesecake instead of the booze tomorrow.)

As for the team sheet--if I can get Gerrard, Agger, and Kuyt in the starting XI with no Charlie Adam, I will be BEYOND pleased.
Khaine

For all his physicality, Kelly always, always stands off and tries to lead players to the outside. Inverted wingers leave him flat footed every time. A Young or Rooney cutting inside is a nightmare for him. Johnson is more aggressive and forces attackers to respond to him, rather than the other way around. For this game, I prefer Johnson.
Latortillablanca

i dont geddit, isnt that what ur supposed to do as a fb? if ur gonna go one v one, lead him to the byline, if he cuts inside u got support from your cdm...
Khaine

It's more important that you force him to make a choice. Kelly makes it an option. He's not leading them anywhere, just showing them where he would like them to go. If there's space on the inside, they'll go that way, particularly if it's an inverted winger. Look at Enrique on the other side. He gets in your face, cuts off the space inside, makes the byline the only way out, and then smothers you across it.
Geza27

I think you got the starting oline-up right, although I'd prefer Kelly to start ahead of Johnson.

Was at Anfield last season for the 3-1 win, a moment I will never forget. I thought I'll be missing the game due to my travel schedule but looks like being stuck overnight in costa-rica due to wheather conditions might not be that bad after all....
Purify_the_body

Our best lineup for this game IMO:

Reina
Kelly Carra Agger Enrique
Kuyt Lucas Spearing Downing(Maxi 70)
Gerrard(Bellamy 65)
Suarez

I think it's risky to start Johnson, Carroll, Adam, or Henderson -- not big on players who can't defend and tackle in this game. Starting all 4 would be risky, but Kenny loves them all...
Ryan

For once, I'm all for Carragher starting the match. It seems obvious that Kenny and Steve understood the international break, and that's why they were happy to run him into the ground the past few games, because they knew he'd have a week off before United. And as we saw against Chelsea at the Bridge last season, and a million times before, Carragher has no problem coming back into the fray of things; he is immune to the FIFA virus. He could play a champions league final after being out of the game for 6 months and still hold the ground, as long as the opponent isn't too fast....oh shit. Someone kick a ball at the Little Pea's head, I hear he gets concussions easily. (All joke. I don't wish pain on anyone. besides Gary Neville. Damn it.)

Let's hope Gerrard comes back with the same sort of quality level, with this being his first real full 90 test. We need to finish this game out from the gun so that Gerrard can have a sub for the last 20-30. And I want that to be Charlie Adam. I do NOT want him starting. Holy shit hax. no weh. Watching replays from the Everton game and the Tottenham game, I don't think he can do it. I don't care how weak the Manc's midfield is. And all this negativity should be building up to a climax of Adam starting and kicking ass tomorrow. My lineup:

----------Reina------------------
Jnson--Carragher--Agger--Enrique-
---------Gerrard---Lucas-------------
--Downing---Suarez-----Bellamy--
--------------Kuyt------------------

No one can deny this lineup.

About Gerrard in the middle: I know I know, everyone says all that bullshit about Gerrard always drifting up to the advanced role blablablafuckme. For God's sake, Charlie Adam dabbles around wherever the hell he wants to, sometimes ends up fucking Lucas over defensively more than he would if he just sat down on the ground, gets all up in Downing's biz, and if I want anyone spraying passes and shit, it's Gerrard. no question. We've been half assing Charlie Adam in a 2 man midfield all season and somehow are in the top half of the table. Plus, with Charlie Adam sweating his heart out to get Scotland qualified, Gerrard might very well be more fit anyway, who knows.
JPR

Anderson and Fletcher/Carrick have also been well schooled to know to immediately close down Charlie to make things difficult for him. Stevie may get forward, but he'll get back too when we lose possession. I know Stevie can handle Ando or Carrick/Fletch pretty effectively. Stevie doesn't need any time to spray his passes either. Just have to hope his match fitness is at a high level.

I like Jonno at right back too. Think he'll have an easier time with Young and his speed will allow him to recover when Ashley occasionally beats his marker by cutting inside then breaking back for the touchline. Carra is going to have to be on his toes with the little pea getting inside position. He'll be UP for this game and look for a big game from him. Looking for a big game from Stanley Devastating (Stewie) too.

United have never lost 4 away games in a row to any opponent in their history. Would be a nice anniversary present for Henry and Werner as Saturday is their one year anniversary and they will be at the match.
CheekyFellow

We're bound to win, apparently we got Samuel L. Jackson on our side!
https://twitter.com/#!/SamuelL...

As well as Lebron (w/ Suarez and Coates) - http://imgur.com/Cgrz9
Ravenilli

The newest instalment of the manager and captains notes.

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/emai...

Enjoy.
kenny

Thank you!
Red2death

A match preview without mention of Utd's star man? Who's refereeing?
N_Heitzman

Let's wait until after the match to bitch about the calls.
Suarez from the car park...

Andre Mariner
NotTooXabi

Ed, may I ice-pick your brain to see who goes on the bench? 3 for Safety: Skrtel, Kelly, Spearing? 3 for Spark: Bellamy, Carroll, .... (eh, Henderson over Maxi and Aurelio?)

I feel a bit mushy around the edges about wanting to see Auerlio...just because he has that Luis Garcia about him in the big matches.

My "Pound for Pound Best Football Ability" XI - Reina, Johnson, Kelly, Agger, Enrique, Lucas, Aurelio, Gerrard, Bellamy, Kuyt, Suarez. Not implying any system/formation...just eleven Red shirts I'd love to see on the pitch at the same time.
CheekyFellow

For someone so injury prone, though, it may be an easy decision to leave Aurelio off the bench. Bringing him on "cold" may just bring about another injury. (I'm just an armchair commander unfortunately, so ultimately I don't know what I am talking about.)

Though I'm not going to lie, replacing Aurelio for Adam for the start would be awesome. His left foot is awesome and he has greater positional sense. Oh well.
Ed

My guess at the bench would be Doni, Kelly, Skrtel, Spearing, Bellamy, Carroll, Henderson.

My hope for the bench would be Doni, Kelly, Skrtel, Aurelio, Bellamy, Carroll, Maxi.

My plan for my Bloody Mary is Ice, Celery Salt, Pepper, Worcestershire Sauce, Sriracha, Vodka, Spicy Bloody Mix, and Guinness.
poorscouserbobby

You put Guinness in your bloody mary?
Ed

Had it two years ago at 8:00am in Madison, WI and never looked back.
Guest

Ed, I really would like for you to give an exact recipe of that Bloody Mary with measurements, whenever you have a chance.

Also, never been to Madison, but I plan to road-trip there at some point and I'm curious as to whether or not you can tell me anything about Mickie's Dairy Bar. I'm mainly curious about this.
CheekyFellow

Currently in Wisconsin, I'll continue the good juju with a bloody mary
Lis

Whatever the outcome, I'm somehow sensing that this weekend will not be good for our livers.
NotTooXabi

That Bloody Mary set-up. Seriously Not Too Xabi.
ejbauer11

Nothing to add except that I'm so jacked up on adrenaline b/c of tomorrow that I'm pretty sure I could bottle my blood and sell it on the street; already been told in no uncertain terms that I am to watch the game at a pub where screaming will not wake the rest of the house. F the mancs. Drink to hoping Rooney makes it successive reds.
kenny

Agger and Bellamy just look like they are tough as nails, they are the most bad ass, no messing around, destroying machines. Them on the field at the same time, no one will dare get into a confrontation with us, our enemies will stand down, and be dragged away by their hair with the help of Suarez and his grip of steel.
kenny

Everything will be alright, everything will be alright, everything will be alright. Heheh

Time for my medicine.