This Sunday sees the beloved Redmen face the temperamental reds of Manchester at the theater of dreams known as Old Trafford. Liverpool are coming off of an away win where they humbled the young and energetic Southampton side 3-0. They are unbeaten in seven matches in the Premier League while winning five of those matches. A win for the Liverpool would further reinforce their unexpected title bid, as they could reduce the gap to four points between them and first place on the table.
Meanwhile, times are tough at Old Trafford as United have struggled mightily this season. United have won three out of their last seven matches, drawn two, and lost two matches. With just 11 points out of a possible 21, fans and management are desperate to end the disappointing season on a positive note. A win for Manchester United would be crucial in helping their fading Champions League hopes, which they sit nine points out of.
But let’s get to business. Big picture aside, this Sunday is about three points between Liverpool and a team I have many (not nice) words I could use to describe. One of which starts with the letter b and rhymes with the word “stitches”. Anyways, we obviously know about the big guns each team possesses, but who are the “other guys” that do not command a big name, but may play a significant role in attaining three points for their respective teams? Here it is, two from each side.
Up first for the mighty reds, Philippe Coutinho. Why? I just have to look at the other team sheet where Marouane Fellaini and Michael Carrick will be marking the silky smooth Brazilian. Fellaini and Carrick provide good passing options and physicality, but they lack the speed and agility that Coutinho possesses. Coutinho is also the pipline on the team which supplies the oil to a strong engine known as SAS (I’m sure you’ve heard of it/them). If Coutinho is able to utilize his movement and create space for himself (which seems inevitable), it will be bad day for the Manchester midfield duo.
The number one target for United will be Phil Jones. Expected to line up at center-back, he will be tasked with the difficult job of containing the threats of Daniel Sturridge and Luis Suarez. If I have to explain why this is a difficult job to you, you may as well refrain from reading this article.
For Liverpool, Martin Skrtel will need to be good to ensure a favourable result. Liverpool’s defence has been largely inconsistent this season. Many days the forwards have had to save their blushes to maintain the positive record they have. Manchester United have a clinical finisher in Robin Van Persie, and any opportunity he gets will likely end up in the back of the Liverpool net. The reason Skrtel needs to be good will also be explained when I talk about United’s final threat.
I know this article is supposed to be about the “other guys”. Problem is, United have had such a season that if their top players falter, no one else really steps in to fill the void. It is hard to pick from a team that has individuals who have pointed their fingers at external factors for their lack of success. I wrote an article a while ago about the lack of accountability I sensed amongst the United players. Regardless, I feel that Wayne Rooney will be monumental for United. When Manchester United wins, Wayne Rooney usually has a big part to play in the win. He is easily the engine that runs this team. The heart and soul of this team, Rooney will be a power that could win United the game.
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