Man Utd and Liverpool will renew one of the most heated rivalries in world football this Saturday evening. Both teams are level on seven points following two wins, a draw, and a loss. Neither Man Utd nor Liverpool have it together at this stage of the season and pressure is already building on Brendan Rodgers.
The 42-year-old appeared to have run out of time at the end of last season, yet managed to convince owner John W Henry to leave him in charge for a fourth season. Seven signings and a multitude of exits took place throughout the summer, which destabilised the Liverpool team and represents another list of transfers to question Rodgers on.
Louis van Gaal is not under the same level of pressure from his employers, but he is being questioned heavily in the media. A win for either of these managers will be an excellent opportunity to find form.
Expectations
Man Utd kept three clean sheets in their first four league games of the season, but the issue for the team is their blatant lack of creativity. After an own goal earned them victory against Tottenham and a goalless draw versus Newcastle, it was obvious that all is not well with Man Utd’s attack.
Wayne Rooney is the man who is suffering from Man Utd’s lack of creativity, while drawing criticism from all sides. It is true that Rooney has been deprived of quality service, but he has also been poor in linking up with his attacking-midfielders. Man Utd need to display a more ruthless edge in attack to beat Liverpool.
Rodgers oversaw two league losses to Man Utd last season. The fans will not take it well if they lose this heated rivalry. However, Liverpool are coming off a 3-0 loss at home to West Ham in which Dejan Lovren embarrassed himself and Philippe Coutinho was sent off. Expect Liverpool to be weak in defence and blunt in attack.
Match Tips
Tip one: Draw @ 3.40 with Betfair
Tip two: Under 2.5 goals @ 1.70 with Betfair
Combine Man Utd and Liverpool’s struggles and you have a game that could end in a draw. Each team will likely be happy for a draw just to avoid a demoralising loss.