This one is a season defining game as far as we are concerned. While both teams have stiff tests after the Old Trafford clash on Sunday, this game will set the tone for the season end.
If Liverpool manage a win, as they did so emphatically at Old Trafford in 2009, they will surely go on to seal Champions League qualification and, in so doing, consign Manchester United to the cheap seats for at least a year.
But, should Manchester United come out on top, we think that it will give them the sort of belief that they require to push for that final Champions League spot. As we have already opined this week, we think that Manchester United actually have more chance of catching Arsenal this season than Liverpool anyway.
FORGET LIVERPOOL – MANCHESTER UNITED ARE CHASING THIS LOT
So to the team. Liverpool’s has been pretty settled over the last couple of months as players like Raheem Sterling and Jordan Henderson have matured beyond recognition. But, if Liverpool decide to air on the side of caution they may go for an either/or policy on Coutinho and Sterling and include Joe Allen in the side, as they did at Southampton.
We would prefer to see both of these sparkling talents on show – they are two of the league’s most exciting players to watch on form – but feel that we may only see one from the off. But we believe the strongest team includes both of them and that Liverpool should try to rattle United from the off. It’s their best chance of victory.
But we think that Allen will start. And after that highly impressive win on the south coast we think that Rodgers may employ exactly the same team – fitness permitting.
So here it is:
Manchester United vs Liverpool – Sunday 16th March 2014 13:30
Liverpool: Mignolet, Flanagan, Skrtel, Agger, Johnson, Gerrard, Henderson, Allen, Coutinho, Suarez, Sturridge
Let’s have your thoughts
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