English Premier League: Reds prepare for all-important clash against United
Both teams vie for the top-four, with the result deciding who drops out
The top-four clash: Liverpool hosts Manchester United in a clash which will decide who strengthens their bid for the top-four and qualify for the Champions League next season. PHOTO: AFP
KARACHI:
The city of Liverpool braces itself as it welcomes the only club which has won more titles than them in the Premier League, Manchester United, in the side’s 84th clash at Anfield, with the hosts winning 41, losing 23 and drawing 19 at their Merseyside stronghold.
Liverpool are currently fifth in the League, just one point behind United and victory over the Red Devils will see them go into fourth, while a win for the visitors will take them five points clear of the 18-times English champions.
As the sides prepare for their all-important clash on Sunday, we look at certain aspects that may decide the contest.
Contrasting forms
Louis van Gaal would never have imagined that the 3-0 mauling of Liverpool in December would see United’s fiercest rivals embark on a relentless run — going unbeaten and taking 33 from a possible 39 points.
The Reds have crushed all along their way, including defending champions Manchester City, winning 10 games and drawing three.
On the other hand, van Gaal’s men have been running on a rocky road and had to count on luck many a time to bag three points. The Reds Devils have lost two games since the start of the New Year, to Southampton and Swansea, but dispatched fellow rivals Tottenham 3-0 in their last outing.
The question that burns though is whether van Gaal can carry on that display against Spurs for the remainder of the season.
The midfield battle
Much has been talked about Brendan Rodger’s 3-4-2-1 formation and how that tweak in the system revitalised the Red’s campaign. The formation not only stretches opposition defences but also increases Liverpool’s attacking intensity, with the central midfielders running the show.
Liverpool have been working well with Jordan Henderson and Joe Allen in midfield — players who are not only comfortable on the ball but also work hard to get it back, allowing the side to press high and dominate possession in the opposition’s half.
This constant pressing in the centre of the field allows the more attacking players — Phillipe Coutinho, Raheem Sterling, Adam Lallana and Daniel Sturridge — the freedom to create chances and run at defenses.
United have recently not faced a side that presses this hard and would need to control the midfield if they are to curtail Liverpool, with Ander Herrera and Juan Mata likely to play a pivotal role. In form skipper Wayne Rooney will also be looking to put Liverpool’s three man defence under pressure and can trouble the centre-backs if provided with the right kind of service from midfield.
Angel di Maria’s position in the starting line-up may be in trouble as he fails to adapt to life in England.
Cahill calls on Chelsea to seize title initiative
Gary Cahill believes Chelsea will take a major step towards winning the title if they can secure victory at Hull on Sunday.
Jose Mourinho's side head into match with a three point lead at the top of the table, having played two games less.
"Of course we're disappointed to go out of the Champions League, we wanted to go all the way in the competition,” said Cahill. “Unfortunately it wasn't to be and we can't go back in time, so we switch our minds now with 10 games to play and a huge prize at the end of it."
Meanwhile, in the other match of the day, relegation-threatened Queens Park Rangers host Everton at Loftus Road.
Errant red helps Man City close on Chelsea
Meanwhile in Saturday’s match, Manchester City responded to their Champions League exit with a routine 3-0 victory over West Bromwich Albion on Saturday that maintained the pressure on Premier League leaders Chelsea.
Wilfried Bony, Fernando and David Silva were on target for the champions — bundled out of the Champions League by an irresistible Barcelona on Wednesday — but the game was more memorable for a case of mistaken identity that meant West Brom played all but one and a half minutes of the match with 10 men.
Like Sports on Facebook, follow @ETribuneSports on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.
The city of Liverpool braces itself as it welcomes the only club which has won more titles than them in the Premier League, Manchester United, in the side’s 84th clash at Anfield, with the hosts winning 41, losing 23 and drawing 19 at their Merseyside stronghold.
Liverpool are currently fifth in the League, just one point behind United and victory over the Red Devils will see them go into fourth, while a win for the visitors will take them five points clear of the 18-times English champions.
As the sides prepare for their all-important clash on Sunday, we look at certain aspects that may decide the contest.
Contrasting forms
Louis van Gaal would never have imagined that the 3-0 mauling of Liverpool in December would see United’s fiercest rivals embark on a relentless run — going unbeaten and taking 33 from a possible 39 points.
The Reds have crushed all along their way, including defending champions Manchester City, winning 10 games and drawing three.
On the other hand, van Gaal’s men have been running on a rocky road and had to count on luck many a time to bag three points. The Reds Devils have lost two games since the start of the New Year, to Southampton and Swansea, but dispatched fellow rivals Tottenham 3-0 in their last outing.
The question that burns though is whether van Gaal can carry on that display against Spurs for the remainder of the season.
The midfield battle
Much has been talked about Brendan Rodger’s 3-4-2-1 formation and how that tweak in the system revitalised the Red’s campaign. The formation not only stretches opposition defences but also increases Liverpool’s attacking intensity, with the central midfielders running the show.
Liverpool have been working well with Jordan Henderson and Joe Allen in midfield — players who are not only comfortable on the ball but also work hard to get it back, allowing the side to press high and dominate possession in the opposition’s half.
This constant pressing in the centre of the field allows the more attacking players — Phillipe Coutinho, Raheem Sterling, Adam Lallana and Daniel Sturridge — the freedom to create chances and run at defenses.
United have recently not faced a side that presses this hard and would need to control the midfield if they are to curtail Liverpool, with Ander Herrera and Juan Mata likely to play a pivotal role. In form skipper Wayne Rooney will also be looking to put Liverpool’s three man defence under pressure and can trouble the centre-backs if provided with the right kind of service from midfield.
Angel di Maria’s position in the starting line-up may be in trouble as he fails to adapt to life in England.
Cahill calls on Chelsea to seize title initiative
Gary Cahill believes Chelsea will take a major step towards winning the title if they can secure victory at Hull on Sunday.
Jose Mourinho's side head into match with a three point lead at the top of the table, having played two games less.
"Of course we're disappointed to go out of the Champions League, we wanted to go all the way in the competition,” said Cahill. “Unfortunately it wasn't to be and we can't go back in time, so we switch our minds now with 10 games to play and a huge prize at the end of it."
Meanwhile, in the other match of the day, relegation-threatened Queens Park Rangers host Everton at Loftus Road.
Errant red helps Man City close on Chelsea
Meanwhile in Saturday’s match, Manchester City responded to their Champions League exit with a routine 3-0 victory over West Bromwich Albion on Saturday that maintained the pressure on Premier League leaders Chelsea.
Wilfried Bony, Fernando and David Silva were on target for the champions — bundled out of the Champions League by an irresistible Barcelona on Wednesday — but the game was more memorable for a case of mistaken identity that meant West Brom played all but one and a half minutes of the match with 10 men.
Like Sports on Facebook, follow @ETribuneSports on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.