Jamie Carragher couldn’t help but back his old club when asked about his feelings on the big game in The Premier League this weekend. With Liverpool in title form since the turn of the year and Manchester United showing little fluency until last weekend, many would of course favour Liverpool for a victory.
But, in the same way that fellow pundit Gary Neville will rarely predict a reverse for his beloved Manchester United, Carragher’s feelings possibly come from heart as well as head in relation to this clash. The Express quotes him as saying:
“I fancy Liverpool with the form that they are in but Manchester United did play really well last week.
“I just think it being at Anfield, and watching Liverpool beat Man City there a couple of weeks ago, if they put in the same performance they may just shade it, 2-1.”
In truth Liverpool have to be slight favourites, as much for the home advantage as anything. But the smartest money would have to be on a draw in a game that means so much to both sides. Victory would be a big bonus for both but a defeat, at this stage of the season, could have terminal consequences for Liverpool or Manchester United in the race for a precious seat at Europe’s top table next season.
We expect a lot of attacking intent to be shown in the first half. But the longer the game goes on without a goal the more both sides may look to protect what they have got and end the game with pride and hopes of a top four finish intact.
While El Classico will undoubtedly be billed as the glamour game of the weekend, Liverpool vs Manchester United is every bit as compelling and has so much resting on it this season. A 0-0 or 1-1 draw looks the most likely outcome for our money. But the unpredictability of this match is what makes it so special.
