What: English Premier League
Who: Manchester United vs Liverpool
When: Sunday 16th March 2014, at 13:30 UK Time
Where: Old Trafford, Manchester, England
Spoiling Rivals’ Hopes
Manchester United may well have kissed their own title hopes goodbye long ago this season, but they will be keen to end Liverpool’s championship aspirations this weekend at Old Trafford. In one of English football’s fiercest rivalries, both sides will be playing for pride, but there is more to it than just that.
This marks yet another crucial week for David Moyes. Victory over Liverpool coupled with a comeback against Olympiacos in the Champions League – Manchester United are down 2-0 from the first leg – could be Moyes’ benchmark week of the season. However, defeats in one or both of those fixtures and the big pressure will return, testing the patience of supporters.
And the frustration of being far from where they are used to being has spread to the players, Wayne Rooney remarking: "To see [Manchester] City doing well, and particularly Liverpool, is really difficult. It's not nice when we know we are capable of being up there challenging and we haven't been doing that this season.
"However, it means we have to step up and get back up there because the feeling we've had this season is not a nice feeling at all to have. We have to keep working, keep progressing and finish the season stronger."
Title Hopes?
Liverpool have no room for error if they are to push the title race until the very end. A loss to Manchester United could be disastrous to Liverpool’s challenge, especially as making up points on Chelsea, who lost at Aston Villa yesterday, is essential. But the very fact that Liverpool are being considered genuine contenders is a big sign of progress under Brendan Rodgers.
Rodgers insists his side are not yet the finished product and may not win the title, but he is taking one thing at a time. Rodgers said: “I’m not focusing on the table to be honest. I’m focusing on winning the next game. We’ll just stay calm. Ten games to go and we’re in a good position and we’ll keep on working like that.”
After a two-week break it will be interesting to see what sort of form Liverpool will be in. Will they have difficulty shaking off the rust? Or will they have thoroughly enjoyed their rest and be ready to fly out of the blocks?
Recent form
Manchester United:
Crystal Palace 0-2 Manchester United (22/02; Premier League)
Olympiacos 2-0 Manchester United (25/02; Champions League)
West Brom 0-3 Manchester United (08/03; Premier League)
Liverpool:
Arsenal 2-1 Liverpool (16/02; FA Cup)
Liverpool 4-3 Swansea (23/02; Premier League)
Southampton 0-3 Liverpool (08/03; Premier League)
Key absences
Manchester United: Jonny Evans (doubt); Javier Hernandez (doubt)
Liverpool: Jose Enrique
Players to watch
Manchester United – Robin van Persie: The Dutch striker has been under the microscope in recent weeks as there have been suggestions he is unhappy at Manchester United. However, Van Persie attempted to clear the air just days ago, stating that he would be more than happy to extend his current contract at Old Trafford. The hope of everyone at Manchester United is to finish the season strongly and to do that they will need Van Persie to be at his clinical best down the stretch.
Liverpool – Raheem Sterling: Seemingly on the fringes earlier in the season with not a lot of playing time, Sterling has become an increasingly important figure in Liverpool’s campaign. The youngster is maturing fast and has scored some big goals in the last few weeks for the Reds. With Liverpool in contention for the title and with the World Cup on the horizon, Sterling has a real chance to establish himself for both club and country.
Match Prediction
Manchester United have seemingly turned the corner, but have they? This isn’t the first time this season that the Red Devils have looked to be in form ahead of a big match only to be beaten time and time again. This is the start of a massive week for Moyes with Liverpool coming to Old Trafford and the return leg against Olympiacos in the Champions League. Liverpool meanwhile have had an odd two weeks off which could work for or against them. There will be no shortage of fireworks on the pitch when these two meet, though it seems as though Manchester United will have it all to do to keep Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge in line. A rested Liverpool could take advantage and capture the three points. Manchester United 1-2 Liverpool.
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