The Merseysiders have been in sensational form over the past few months since their previous meeting with United, which has resulted in a 3-0 defeat. In all fairness, the Reds performed well but were ultimately wasteful in front of goal in that particular match and were rightfully punished. However, since then, the Reds have gone 13 league games unbeaten, winning 10, drawing 3, scoring 24 goals and conceding just 8 goals in what has been a sensational revival under Brendan Rodgers.
Not only are Liverpool the form team in the Premier League, but are also among the top 5 European divisions alongside the likes of Wolfsburg, but even Dieter Hecking’s men suffered a league defeat to Augsburg recently. Despite the incredible form shown by Liverpool, they are yet to break into the top 4 places since the beginning of the season and only victory over United would change that scenario. The 3-4-2-1 system is one of the primary reasons for Liverpool’s renaissance and Rodgers deserves a heap of praise for finding a formula to suit his players after their horrendous start to the season. There were complications for the first time, though, which forced Liverpool into a change in Monday’s win at the Liberty Stadium. The Reds struggled with their successful formation in the first half as they lacked their usual pressing and couldn’t cope with Swansea’s diamond system implemented by Gary Monk. Simon Mignolet arguably kept Liverpool in the game. The Belgian has rediscovered his confidence ever since his indefinite exclusion from the team. Brendan Rodgers tinkered with his tactics in the second period, bringing on Steven Gerrard and switching his formation to match up with his opponents and it has proved to be an inspired change as the Reds narrowly beat Swansea to mount the heat on their rivals Man City, Arsenal, and of course, Man United.
Gerrard’s legendary status at the club will never be in question, but using him as an impact player is a logical move from now until the end because Liverpool have proven to perform brilliantly without their influential skipper, who is set to end his 17-year association with the club. As for Jordan Henderson, he is not world class, but that is not the main issue. What matters is that he is a better player than he was when he first joined from Sunderland. He is contributing more goals and assists and is gradually performing consistently in the league, not in Europe. He earned his luck. The real question was whether he was good enough to be a Liverpool midfielder and had the responsibility to become captain, and on current evidence, he has done enough to merit the status. Joe Allen has also warranted a place in the team with his recent excellent displays. The Ulsterman’s only real decision will be whether to play Raheem Sterling as a forward or stick with Daniel Sturridge, who still seems to be searching for his full-match fitness. Against City, Sterling was the striker and worked effectively as it brought the best out of Adam Lallana and Coutinho combining in two attacking roles.
Due to Pellegrini’s naive 4-4-2 system, Fernandinho and Yaya Toure quite simply didn’t know who to mark and left spaces between midfield and defence. In terms of team news, Lucas Leiva has stepped up his efforts to be available but this match may have come too soon. The key for Liverpool will be how they deal with the threat posed by Marouane Fellaini. Wayne Rooney may not be as deadly he was years ago, but will provide another degree of threat. The defensive trio of Emre Can, Martin Skrtel and Mamadou Sakho have built an understanding which should be a boost, but Can needs to be very alert as he isn’t a renowned defender and may have a difficult battle with Fellaini. The German youngster has been one of Rodgers’ best signings, showing class and versatility whenever required in defence. He typically moves forward with the ball from the back, and that is his midfield instincts talking over. It’s something Rodgers encourages in his style of play because it’s ingrained in his philosophy.
Daley Blind is much more suitable at left-back than in the holding midfield position where LVG has utilised him a lot. Ander Herrera must also be given more freedom to dictate games as he is a very technical midfield player, one with undeniable potential but his development depends on how van Gaal can maintain the Spaniard in the team on a consistent basis. Michael Carrick had a very good game against his former team in the shape of Tottenham, but can easily be undone by Liverpool’s attacking players, especially if he is isolated by Juan Mata’s lack of work rate off possession.
Angel Di Maria was not in the team in the victory over Spurs, which means Mata could be afforded another opportunity to start by LVG at Anfield, but as witnessed with David Silva, he needs to be concentrated off the ball to offer the necessary support for Carrick. For a number of weeks, Antonio Valencia has been exposed at right-back and one would assume Raffael needs to play, but more crucially, Chris Smalling and Jones will need to start defending otherwise it’ll remain to be seen whether they can handle Liverpool’s urgency in attack. If United can repeat a similar performance, then Liverpool will not have it all their way, but it promises to be a great match, one which neither side (especially Liverpool) can afford to lose. However, with daunting fixtures against Chelsea and Man City on the horizon, it is essential for United to wake up, smell the coffee and rectify their weaknesses in order to galvanise their top 4 hopes. Juju will not last forever.
(DaBallerKid)
