United boss Louis van Gaal
by WVDOCongres in Beeld
Manchester United and Liverpool both have their own huge derby games within their own cities to worry about but there is something very special about the rivalry between the two most successful sides in the history of English football.
The rivalry is a clash of two cities less than 30 miles apart, both with proud industrial roots and cultural heritage. As they prepare to meet again this weekend, this game isn’t just about who has the best team on the field, it is about who has the best city and who rules the North West of England.
Change of Fortunes
Last season saw Liverpool do the double over United in the league for the first time since 2008/09, recording a hugely impressive 3-0 victory at Old Trafford in March. Something says that this season won’t be quite such an easy ride for Brendan Rodgers’ men. In simple terms, United have progressed dramatically in the last nine months, changing their manager for Louis van Gaal and bringing in a number of quality signings whilst Liverpool have gone backwards, losing Luis Suarez, who scored one of the goals back in March, and failing to invest their funds wisely.
Fresh Legs
When the two sides last met Liverpool were high on confidence and challenging for the title, whilst United were in disarray. As defending champions, United found themselves scrapping to qualify for the Europa League and struggling for any consistency both in the league and Europe, whilst Liverpool were focused solely on their Premier League position. This time round it is United whose legs are fresh for the league campaign and it is Liverpool who will be arriving at Old Trafford having been dumped out of the Champions League on Tuesday night.
Tight Win for United
The swing in fortunes between the two clubs over the last few months has been remarkable. On paper the experts, like those at bluesq, are quite right to predict a big United win. Liverpool have no form and are low on confidence, whilst Louis van Gaal’s men will be looking to make amends.
In reality, though, these things are rarely so simple to predict and the possibility of the derby atmosphere lifting Rodgers’ team cannot be underestimated. United are a good bet for the win but it will be tighter than many people think.