Liverpool vs. Manchester United match preview

The biggest rivalry in the English game is upon us. Liverpool vs. Manchester United. The Reds vs. The Red Devils. Liverpool, without a win in the Premier League, entertain a Manchester United side that hasn’t dropped a point since their opening day defeat to Everton.

Liverpool’s second string won 5-3 away in Switzerland on Thursday, but despite their best efforts it is highly unlikely Brendan Rodgers will start any of them on Sunday, as he recalls his first team players. 

That performance against Young Boys will have told Rodgers what players he can rely on to come in and deputise in the first team if required, such as Sahin, Henderson, Shelvey and Wisdom. The squad suddenly looks a little bigger right now. 

Both managers have called for calm and respect from their fans as this is the first game being played at Anfield since the Hillsborough documents were released last week.

Manchester United condemned the small minority of fans who shouted out sick chants at last week’s 4-0 win over Wigan. Hopefully this will not be a problem this weekend as last week’s events prove there are more important things than football. 

It is thought that we will have no replay of the ridiculous Luis Suarez snub of a handshake with Patrice Evra on Sunday. They are both expected to shake hands. 

Both teams look suspect defensively this season, but unerringly for Liverpool, Manchester United have not played well this season, yet they still find themselves second in the table. 

Liverpool are struggling up-front and require the midfield and Fabio Borini to start chipping in with goals to take the burden off Luis Suarez who so far this season has proven he is not a natural goalscorer. 

Prediction: Liverpool 2-1 Manchester United

The atmosphere is going to be electric and this will ignite Liverpool into a strong performance and their first league win of the season. 

Paul Jones, football correspondent