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Today, at 14:30 Lithuanian time, the English Premier League match between two of the country's most titled clubs - Liverpool and Manchester United - will begin at Liverpool's Anfield stadium. You can watch live match commentary on our football portal - Eurofootball.com.
Facts
It must be acknowledged that in terms of the tournament, the most serious competitors for the "Red Devils" are not Liverpool, but Chelsea and Arsenal. However, matches with these London teams cannot be compared to the principled confrontation of these uncompromising teams. The clash of these two neighboring, most titled clubs in the country, regardless of the tournament situation and team compositions, always attracts special attention from both fans and the media. Even less football-interested people eagerly await this match. Not to mention the most loyal fans of both teams, for whom this is not just a battle for 3 points in the league - it is a battle for the right to be called the best when two of England's most powerful teams meet.
The first match on September 20th at Old Trafford ended with a 2-1 victory for the hosts. It is true that both teams have changed quite significantly since that match. Liverpool, led by R.Benitez, is playing stronger and becoming a tough opponent for any club after a not very successful season start. Similarly, the game of Man Utd has changed. One of the worst starts in Premier League history and a stronger game in the middle show that Sir Alex Ferguson's protégés are finally finding their game.
Last six matches
Liverpool: Win - win - win - loss - win - win.
Another proof that Liverpool remains one of the most serious contenders to enter the top four and therefore earn the right to play in the UEFA Champions League next year.
Man Utd: Win - win - win - draw - draw - draw.
It is somewhat worrying that the "Red Devils" have not scored in three consecutive matches. Nevertheless, their iron defense (not conceding a goal in the last six matches) has saved them from defeat. Knowing that after recovering from injuries, two club strikers W.Rooney and L.Saha, the goal-scoring problem should be solved.
Team news
Liverpool: undoubtedly the main and best news for the fans of this club is the arrival of last year's top scorer in the UEFA Champions League, Fernando Morientes. He should make his debut for the new team today. Another new winter signing M.Pellegrino is likely to appear on the bench.
Man Utd: Sir Alex Ferguson will have to decide who will form a partnership with W.Rooney - L.Saha or A.Smith. After successful matches against Chelsea, L.Saha is likely to take this position. Another good news is that R.Giggs and R.Ferdinand are fully fit and will appear on the field today. However, defender G.Neville will not play in today's match.
Player to watch
Liverpool: Fernando Morientes
The former star of Real and Monaco clubs is now cheaper than his colleague J.Beattie who did not even make it to the English national team. However, no one doubts the talent of the goal-scoring machine. This player is undoubtedly a great boost for the weak Liverpool attack. It is almost certain that he will start in the starting eleven today. The only thing that could hinder a successful debut is a lack of mutual understanding due to the short time spent in the team.
Man Utd: Louis Saha
The recently recovered French national team striker showed in the English cup match against Chelsea that he can become an important part of Man Utd. While R.van Nistelrooy is out due to injury, L.Saha and W.Rooney will have to take on his role in scoring goals.
Predicted starting lineups
Liverpool: Dudek; Finnan, Carragher, Hyypia, Traore, Riise; Hamann, Gerrard, Luis Garcia; Morientes, Baros.
Man Utd: Howard; P Neville, Ferdinand, Silvestre, Heinze; Ronaldo, Scholes, Keane, Giggs; Rooney, Saha
