Manchester United v Liverpool
Football: English Premier League
Saturday 11 February 2012 - Kick Off 12:45pm
This game is live on TV

---

Manchester United

Manchester United are in search of their 20th top flight title this season and they have made it clear to Manchester City that they are not going to give up without a fight. At 3-0 down to Chelsea last week, it would have been easy for teams to take a 'damage limitation' philosophy to the game, but United showed their fighting spirit and belief to earn a 3-3 draw, while being the better side for much of the game.

That result did mean United lost 2 points on their local rivals Manchester City, but it was a point gained in terms of how the match played out, one that could be vitally important come May. The Red Devils will hope to not drop too many points in their remaining games at Old Trafford this season after going 9-1-2 in their first 12 games there, scoring 35 goals and conceding 14.

A point at Chelsea means United have picked up 10 from their last 12 available following back to back defeats to Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle United. They have lost just 1 of their last 6 games in all competitions, although that did come against Liverpool in the FA Cup. United have won 4 of their last 5 games at Old Trafford in the League, the only exception being the loss to Blackburn.

Phil Jones, Nani and Anderson are all ruled out for this game and will be hoping to be fit for the Ajax games in the Europa League. Chris Smalling is doubtful, although he should be ready for the Ajax game next Thursday. Javier Hernandez could be given a starting berth at the expense of Danny Welbeck after scoring the equaliser against Chelsea last week- Sir Alex Ferguson admitted he should have started the Mexican in that game so I think he could get the opportunity this week.

Liverpool

This game is always one of the highlights in the Premier League, but the build up to this one has been overshadowed by the return of Luis Suarez who will face Patrice Evra for the first time since being banned for racially abusing the Frenchman. Kenny Dalglish was adamant that the issue was behind the club, yet both he and Suarez have made disparaging comments during the week and will not let sleeping dogs lie.

Back to the football and it is Liverpool's form at Anfield that has really let them down in the search for Champions League football so far, although they are still just 4 points behind Chelsea in 4th place despite sitting in 7th. The Reds have actually won more away games than at home this season, going 6-1-5 on their travels, scoring 14 goals and conceding 13.

Liverpool have lost just 1 of their last 8 games in all competitions, and they have bounced back from a very disappointing 3-1 loss at Bolton Wanderers by going unbeaten in their next 4 games. They have kept clean sheets in 3 of their last 4 Premier League games, although they have had it tougher away from home in recent games. Liverpool beat Wolves 0-3 in their last away game, but had lost 2 in a row in the League before that and had scored just 1 goal in 3 games.

Jose Enrique was left out of the side with a slight injury against Tottenham on Monday night, but he is expected back in the team this weekend. Luis Suarez may be given the start after playing 20 minutes against Spurs, while Kenny Dalglish may rotate some other members of his squad.

Head to Head

Liverpool have met Manchester United twice this season, drawing 1-1 in the League game at Anfield and then beating them 2-1 in the FA Cup last month.

Manchester United have won 3 in a row at Old Trafford against Liverpool in all competitions, including a 1-0 win in the FA Cup last season in Kenny Dalglish's first game back as manager of the club.

This corresponding fixture ended 3-2 to United last season courtesy of a Dimitar Berbatov hat-trick after Liverpool had fought back from 2-0 down to level the game 2-2.

Prediction

This is a huge game no matter where these sides sit in the Premier League table, but this game has added importance for both as they have differing aims for the rest of the season.

Manchester United have shown tremendous heart in recent weeks, despite all the talk of 'crisis' at the club following a Carling Cup and Champions League exit. The game at Chelsea summed up much of the season as United showed great belief to get back into the game, but had left themselves in a tough spot by allowing sloppy goals to be conceded in the first place.

However, there is plenty of positives for the side with 14 League games to go as they are getting some of their key players back to full fitness just at the right time. There will be some pressure on them to get the 3 points as it would allow them to move to the top of the table for 24 hours and also increase the pressure on City who play on Sunday afternoon.

Liverpool have struggled at Anfield to really take games by the scruff of the neck, although the positives are the number of chances they continue to create in games. They remind me a little of the Rafa Benitez Liverpool teams that were tough to play when they were visiting teams as they are happy to sit back and try and hit teams on the counter.

The Reds have to be respected for the fact that they have won at Arsenal, Chelsea (twice) and Manchester City at various times this season and they don't concede too many on their travels. In fact, of the 13 goals they have conceded away from home, 10 have come from just 3 games at City, Tottenham and Bolton.

This will be far from easy for United, but I think they have shown enough against Liverpool in their two games this season that the added benefit of Wayne Rooney will be enough to swing the game in their favour.

It will be tight and tense, but the Old Trafford crowd can roar United to the three points here.

The Statistics :

The Pick :

Manchester United 2-0 Liverpool

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

I'll back Manchester United - 0.75 Asian Handicap @ 2.20 (Bet Victor)