Why Liverpool will beat Manchester United

 

Bitter rivals Liverpool and Manchester United meet again this weekend with Liverpool still looking for their first league win under Brendan Rodgers. The match is sure to feature increased intensity with the fixture poised amid plenty of sentiments for both clubs.

Patrice Evra comes back to Anfield for the first time since the Suarez incident (part one) and the possibility of a handshake-armageddon could set the tone early for a nasty match. However the tension of a ‘will they? won’t they?’ handshake could be avoided all together. Sir Alex Ferguson may decide to leave Evra on the bench and give a start to impressive new signing Alexander Büttner.

Whatever the team sheets, I personally wish for quick and resolute handshakes all-around. And I do hope that any ill feelings between supporters and players alike can be overcome with both clubs planning tributes for the victims of the Hillsborough disaster.

Football is a special game, filled with love and sacrifice, and with two of the most prestigious clubs coming together, this should be a time to celebrate the sport and to heal together.

But no matter the considerable emotions in play during this weekend’s game, Reds fans will always love to see Manchester United drop points at Anfield. And here is exactly why I think Liverpool can take the three points.

Fresh Legs

The Europa League is often seen as a tricky competition to navigate while maintaining league form, but Brendan Rodgers has clearly prioritised the league over Europe. He left almost all of his first-team players at home during the club’s fixture with Young Boys in Switzerland. With the squad having almost a week of rest, there should be fresh legs on the pitch for Liverpool.

Meanwhile, Manchester United found themselves fighting the whole match against Galatasaray on Wednesday, eventually winning 1-0. However, Ferguson was not able to rest any of his key players during this game.

If this game is close at the end, expect Liverpool to be able to give it more in the dying minutes.

Big Game Mentality

Perhaps Liverpool’s best performance of the season so far came against Manchester City and that kept with the theme from last year, which saw the Reds raise their game for the top sides, but often falter against bottom-half teams.

The Arsenal game aside, which can be dismissed because it was played the day after the transfer deadline fiasco, Liverpool have always been a team to play well in big matches.

The Kop

Anfield has lost some its intimation recently, but I expect the Kop to be operating at all decibels on Sunday. If Liverpool can stay in the game, the ground will only get louder as the match goes on. The players will be able to run that little bit more with the encouragement from the home crowd.

And with Suarez playing at home, away from any jeers and whistling, perchance he might be in the mood to finish some of the chances Liverpool create.

Chances

The curse of the woodwork is striking again! The seemingly unreal ability of every Liverpool player to accurately strike the post is back from last year. With the goal frame thwarting several shots already this season.

But lost in the frustrating finishing is that Liverpool are actually third best in the league in chances per game. Sooner or later the goals are going to come … I hope.

If not, and Liverpool’s attack continues to spurn the many chances it creates, and if Ronaldo is still sad at Madrid, maybe LFC will sign him in January (said with tongue firmly in cheek).

Liverpool were always going to find it tough to start this season. With a difficult opening schedule, and a new manager, results weren’t going to come easy. However, the more time Rodgers has to implement his system, the better performances will be seen from Liverpool.

They should now start to kick on under Rodgers and will look to get a result against Manchester United.

Article by Dave Disciascio

Calling all Liverpool fans: Do you agree with Dave's assessment ahead of the big game? Can Liverpool really raise their game for the visit of the old enemy and record their first league win of the season or will Fergie's men withstand the test and break Scouse hearts? Whatever your views we'd love to hear from you.