Liverpool vs Manchester United - Premier League

Liverpool vs Manchester United
Premier League : Matchday 8
Date : 15. October 2011
Stadium : Anfield, Liverpool

In what is perhaps one of the most awaited matches of the season, defending champions Manchester United will travel to the cauldron that is Anfield to face off against rivals Liverpool. United have had a stellar start to the season although they have stuttered a little in the past few weeks. Liverpool on the other hand have had an ordinary start to the season, although for many it has been nothing short of a fantastic beginning in comparison to the travails of last season. However, the outcome of this game could set the tone for the rest of the season and both the rivals will be going all out to come out on top.

Last season in the league, these two sides first met at Old Trafford on the 19^th of September, with the hosts edging past Liverpool, largely due to a stunning hat-trick by Dimitar Berbatov. The return leg saw Liverpool trounce United, with Dirk Kuyt providing the fireworks with a hat-trick of his own.

Liverpool are likely to field an unchanged back four, with Jamie Carragher, Martin Skrtel, Jose Enrique and Martin Kelly all retaining their berth. The central midfield position is likely to have Lucas alongside Steven Gerrard, with Charlie Adam a possible casualty. Dirk Kuyt is also expected to get the nod to start on the right wing, with Stewart Downing on the left and Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez upfront. Another possible formation could see Charlie Adam retain his place, with Steven Gerrard replacing Andy Carroll and playing in the hole just behind Luis Suarez.

Both Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic are likely to return to the starting line-up, with Phil Jones at the right back position and Patrice Evra at the left. Anderson and Darren Fletcher could be deployed at the centre, with Nani and Ashley Young flanking them. Javier Hernandez is likely to spearhead the attack, with Wayne Rooney given a free role.

Head to Head :
Last Meeting : 22.05.2011: Liverpool 3 - 1 Manchester United
Wins Liverpool : 52
Wins Manchester United : 59
Draws : 43

Possible Line-Ups :
Liverpool : Reina - Kelly, Enrique, Carragher, Skrtel, Kuyt, Downing, Lucas, Gerrard, Carroll, Suarez.
Manchester United : De Gea - Jones, Evra, Vidic, Ferdinand, Anderson, Fletcher, Young, Nani, Rooney, Hernandez.

Betting Tip/Prediction :
Both teams have good attacks although United do have the edge in that department. However, both defences are vulnerable and given the fact that this is a home game for Liverpool, one can expect a draw, with both sides likely to concede more than once.
Our prediction : Liverpool 2 - 2 Manchester United