Premier League: United face Liverpool test

Dalgish plays down hype ahead of Premiership match.

LONDON: Manchester United are expected to face the sternest test of their unbeaten Premier League campaign today as the leaders resume their bitter rivalry with Liverpool.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s team travel to Anfield after an unimpressive run with shaky draws against Stoke and FC Basle in the Champions League followed by an unconvincing win over Norwich.

Liverpool, by contrast, recorded consecutive wins over Brighton, Wolves and Everton. Kenny Dalglish’s men will also be buoyed by the fact they trounced United 3-1 in the corresponding fixture in March.

A win for Dalglish’s men would take the Merseysiders to within three points of United, who overtook Liverpool as the most successful club in English football history last season by clinching their 19th league title.

However, Dalglish insists he attaches no special importance to the fixture.

“People say this is the biggest game of the season but I don’t look at any game as being big or small,” said Dalglish.

“It’s another game, another three points for a win. The only difference is that if we win we will move a bit closer to them.”

The pressure-cooker atmosphere may also see Wayne Rooney’s temperament come under scrutiny. Ferguson, however, is relaxed, insisting the England star had matured in recent years.

“He has this fiery temper which is not the worst thing,” said Ferguson. “He has shown improvement in his temperament and his reactions to tackles over the past few years.”

City to face Villa

Second-placed Manchester City will attempt to put the Carlos Tevez saga aside as they face Aston Villa at Eastlands. City boss Roberto Mancini may have striker Sergio Aguero fit again but is uncertain if he will risk the Argentine star against an unbeaten Villa side.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 15^th, 2011.