It's the big one on Saturday (well, the big one if you're a wool like me from the Midlands). Liverpool welcome Manchester United to Anfield this weekend and since at least Monday this week I've felt the venom bubbling.
Since I was a kid this has always been the match I most look forward to in a Premier League season, there is no team I enjoy beating more than Manchester United. In recent years my confidence in this fixture has been high but despite the social media front, I'm not feeling as positive this time out.
Shared snaps of Torres leaving Vidic for dead or Gerrard netting a peno may give the impression that I think the Reds can nail this one but I have to admit, I'm not so sure. Liverpool have struggled all season with a shoddy defence and facing a Jose Mourinho side who aren't afraid to simply fling the ball to Lukaku could spell disaster for Jurgen Klopp.
Add to this the fact that Liverpool are now without the influential Sadio Mane and you have a bit of a dilemma.
Manchester United also have some injury worries to contend with as Fellaini is out with a knee injury and the game comes too early for Paul Pogba who has returned to training.
The stats aren't in Liverpool's favour either, the Reds have failed to win any of their last six league games against United. The last time the two sides met was in January this year, James Milner put the Reds in front from the penalty spot but Ibrahimovic equalised with five minutes to go.
The last three matches at Anfield have ended in a 0-0 draw, a 2-0 Liverpool win and a 1-0 United win. The 2-0 victory came for Jurgen Klopp's side in the Europa League.
In terms of current form, United have won four out of their last five league games, drawing the remaining match. Liverpool, on the other hand, have won just two games in that period, drawing twice and losing once.
Despite all the negatives, this is the kind of game where everything gets thrown out the window. You never know what Liverpool side will show up and if we can nab an early goal and put the pressure on from the off, Mourinho will have to re-think his game plan.
For me, that's the only way forward in this game, biding your time and being safe plays directly into Mourinho's hands. If Liverpool want a win on Saturday they're going to have to fight from the whistle.
Enjoy the match folks, wherever you are watching!
Since I was a kid this has always been the match I most look forward to in a Premier League season, there is no team I enjoy beating more than Manchester United. In recent years my confidence in this fixture has been high but despite the social media front, I'm not feeling as positive this time out.
 |
| Image via espn.com |
Add to this the fact that Liverpool are now without the influential Sadio Mane and you have a bit of a dilemma.
Manchester United also have some injury worries to contend with as Fellaini is out with a knee injury and the game comes too early for Paul Pogba who has returned to training.
The stats aren't in Liverpool's favour either, the Reds have failed to win any of their last six league games against United. The last time the two sides met was in January this year, James Milner put the Reds in front from the penalty spot but Ibrahimovic equalised with five minutes to go.
The last three matches at Anfield have ended in a 0-0 draw, a 2-0 Liverpool win and a 1-0 United win. The 2-0 victory came for Jurgen Klopp's side in the Europa League.
In terms of current form, United have won four out of their last five league games, drawing the remaining match. Liverpool, on the other hand, have won just two games in that period, drawing twice and losing once.
Despite all the negatives, this is the kind of game where everything gets thrown out the window. You never know what Liverpool side will show up and if we can nab an early goal and put the pressure on from the off, Mourinho will have to re-think his game plan.
For me, that's the only way forward in this game, biding your time and being safe plays directly into Mourinho's hands. If Liverpool want a win on Saturday they're going to have to fight from the whistle.
Enjoy the match folks, wherever you are watching!