A big rivalry. Not a local one, but like the Juventus-Inter or Madrid-Barcelona, it's one with a lot of history based on the successes of both clubs. The fans care a hell of a lot about the match, and it always has a great atmosphere even if the football does not always live up to the hype. But the teams have fallen off in quality from the years gone by.
During the days of Benitez and Ferguson, these matches were pretty epic. Both teams were fighting for the title, and were among the best in the league. There was also the tension between both managers, and got to a point where the Spaniard amigo brought out a sheet of paper that criticised Ferguson. It all made up to what were lively matches, with red cards, good goals, and dramatic finishes.
United are a team that have been trying to cure their acute schizophrenia. They can't decide whether they are fully formed team or one that struggles to beat those in leagues under them. One day they are title challengers, other times it's a toss up whether they will make top four. But going into this game, with Rooney seeming to get back to actually being of use on a pitch and their main man Martial, they are a serious threat. With Smalling now becoming the mature central defender, there is a good argument for them to win this game against a Liverpool who are trying to find their feet post-Rodgers.
But when Liverpool and Firmino awoke against Arsenal, with the best football they have played this season, it doesn't make this a straightforward game. Klopp is getting the team playing his way step by step. It's a work in progress and it's amazing how much he's already achieved in a short space of time, which could culminate in a trophy next month. If Klopp can get Firmino playing to his best, and really being an attacking threat, and with Toure and Sakho looking far more dependable than Skrtel and the rancid Lovren, they can beat United.
Assessing both teams, I don't see a winner. Liverpool can hurt United, and the reverse can said about United also. United may edge it as they have the better players, but the way in which they have thrown games and lost their concentration is where I think Liverpool will get back in the game and do damage. So I'm going for an exciting 2-2 draw.
That being said, I say exciting, and I bet it ends up as a bore draw...0-0.
I hope not.
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HH
