Liverpool vs. Manchester United – English Premier League – Anfield, Liverpool England 9 AM EST Sunday October 25, 2009
By By Jason Green of Predictem.com
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In a big England Premier League (EPL) match this Sunday a struggling Liverpool team faces rival Manchester United. Liverpool was shocked at home to Lyon in their Champions League match on Tuesday evening, which put their chances of making it to the knockout phase in jeopardy. On Wednesday night Man U beat CSKA Moscow in Moscow, which kept them in 1st place in their group and it looks as if they will make it out of the group.
Liverpool is not playing well to say the least, as they are on a 4 match losing streak, have only scored one goal in that span, and are only in 8th position in the EPL table. On the other side of the coin Man U is playing solid, as they have won 3 matches in a row and are in 1st place in the EPL with 22 points. There is a lot of pressure on Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez, as Reds’ fans are used to their team playing well in the Champions League and in the Premier League. To make matters worse for the home squad they may be without captain Steven Gerrard for this match. However, Liverpool is not out by a long shot, as the last time Man U visited Anfield the Reds were without Gerrard and star striker Fernando Torres and they still won.
Man U may have a little revenge on their minds, as the last time the Red played at Old Trafford, Man U’s home field, they schooled them winning 4-1. Both teams are dealing with injuries, but this game is more important for Liverpool, as they need to snap their losing streak and start to move up in the league standings if they want to fight for the league title or even finish in the top 4, which will ensure they will automatically qualify for the next Champions League season.
If Liverpool loses this match they will be 10 points back of Man U in the EPL, which may be too much to come back from.
Manchester United is the away favorite in this match posted at 2.50 with Liverpool as the home underdogs posted at 3.00 with a draw at 3.20.
Liverpool Recent Form:
10/20/2009 Liverpool 1 Lyon 2 (Champions League)
10/17/2009 Sunderland 1 Liverpool 0 (EPL)
10/4/2009 Chelsea 2 Liverpool 0 (EPL)
9/29/2009 Fiorentina 2 Liverpool 0 (Champions League)
9/26/2009 Liverpool 6 Hull 1 (EPL)
Manchester United Recent Form:
10/21/2009 CSKA Moscow 0 Manchester United 1 (Champions League)
10/17/2009 Manchester United 2 Bolton 1 (EPL)
10/3/2009 Manchester United 2 Sunderland 2 (EPL)
9/30/2009 Manchester United 2 Wolfsburg 0 (Champions League)
9/26/2009 Stoke 0 Manchester United 2 (EPL)
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The big news for Man U is the fact that star striker Wayne Rooney will probably not play in this match, as he has an injured calf. Midfielder Darren Fletcher (knee) and Park Ji-Sung (knee) are both out for this match. However, both Ryan Giggs and Patrice Evra are match fit and will play after missing their last match against CSKA Moscow.
For Liverpool David Gerrard is doubtful for this match and so if Glen Johnson, who has a groin injury. Sotiros Kyrgiakos is out with a knee injury. There is some good news, as Francisco Torres is expected to start in this match after missing the match against Lyon this last week.
Liverpool really needs some offense and they need Torres to come back to form and help the Reds up front. Despite the fact that Liverpool has gone flat on offense in their last few matches they still have scored the 2nd most goals in the EPL this season (22).
Man U goalie Edwin van der Sar is back in the net after missing a while with a wrist injury and if he is on form it will be difficult for Liverpool to score.
With Rooney out Michael Owen may get the start and it will be interesting to see how he will play against his former club. If Owen does not get the nod Dimitar Berbatov will be the lone striker.
The battle of the midfield is always important and if Gerrard misses this match Man U has the advantage in that aspect.
Man U’s defense has been solid, as they have only allowed 9 goals in 9 EPL matches.
Jason’s Pick: With a few stars out for this match this may be a defensive battle. Even with Torres back I think that Liverpool will continue to struggle, as I see Man U winning this game by a score of 1-0.