As annoying as the selection of referee is I don't see why we can't get 3 points there.
They're in very good form at the moment, top of the league, 5 wins and a draw in their last 6. The last time they lost a league match was on the 17th of November away to Norwich. They may be conceding a few goals (28) but they're also banging them in, scoring 54 in 21 games. Van Persie obviously is the danger man scoring 16 of those goals, but Rooney and Hernandez have scored 8 each. However Rooney scored 8 goals in 12 starts and 2 substitute appearances, Hernandez however scored his 8 in just 8 starts and 5 substitute appearances. Johnny Evans also has 5 goals, 4 of which came at Old Trafford.
So it's obvious that Van Persie is their danger man and Hernandez can't be afforded any space either. But in order to stop them we have to look to stop their supply. Rooney actually has the most assists this season for them with 7, Van Persie is second with 6 then Valencia and Carrick both have 4 assists each. 88% of their goals have come from inside the penalty area, including penalties. Looking at that I don't see too much of a threat from their wide players. The killer touches all seem to be coming through the center and pinning the opposition right back into the area.
I reckon they'll start with;
I can't see them using Vidic and Ferdinand against Suarez, they'll be killed for pace. Evans and Vidic will be tougher to get past. Luis will have to play off their shoulders and switch wide a few times to get the space he needs.
Kagawa and Valencia are fit but I reckon Giggs experience and passing accuracy will be used. I also see them using Hernandez and looking to hit us early on. 24% of their goals have come in the first 20 mins, they'll come out at a high tempo and look to hit us quick.
Looking at that team and those stats I think we have the players to win this. In September at Anfield they beat us 2-1 with a penalty in the 81st min. This was when we were down to 10 men after 38 minutes. We dominated that game, 53% possession, more shots, more crosses, more corners, fewer clearances, fewer saves. To say they rode their luck is an understatement, 11 V 11 and we would have twatted them!
And we will.
I would start with;
Subs: Jones, Coates, Carragher, Suso, Allen, Sturridge, Borini
I don't see Sturridge starting, he isn't it enough to go 90 mins, but until he is he can be a very useful impact sub. Taking off Downing or Sterling and bringing on Sturridge will put the shits up them a lot more than Suso or (previously) Cole. The same goes or Borini here. He isn't ready to start this but he can add some new options for us.
The mid field battle will be key here. Our 3 central mid fielders need to stop the supply to Van Persie and Hernandez and at the same time quickly get the ball up to Suarez and open up their back four.
Lucas needs to keep Carrick quiet. He is pretty much their distributor so Lucas will need to get a few interceptions in and cut out that supply. I know he hasn't been playing to well recently but he is key to this match. Give him one job and one job only; cut out the supply.
Gerrard and Henderson have been impressive the last few games and I expect them to keep that up. Henderson is fantastic at playing the pressing game, he'll run all day. And he'll need to, the second they have the ball in the middle of the park he needs to be on top of them and closing them down. Then when he wins it he needs to stay calm and play a smart pass. My criticism o him lately is that when he wins the ball he's just a bit sloppy in his passing straight away.
Gerrard's raw aggression and determination will be key in the pressing game. But most importantly is his distribution when we win it back. The assist or Suarez against Sunderland is a prime example, but even the passes that might go under the radar are equally as important. A ball out wide to Johnson that drags a defender out and leaves a gap can be just as important.
The back 5 pick themselves but Skrtle and Agger need to up their performances against Van Persie and Hernandez. They should be able to win the aerial duel but it's the link up play that will be our weakness. Sharp passing and movement of the ball is what United do well and whet the two lads struggle with. No nonsense defending is needed, keep it out of the area, keep the frontmen quiet.
The pressing game can make the difference for us here. I think our starting XI is set up to play that game, to hound them and win the ball back. Play at a high tempo, keep the ball, spread it around and make them chase shadows. Keep passing and open up gaps, the important thing is that the lads make the most of them gaps and run into the space to hurt them. Suarez, Sterling and Downing have the pace to get in behind them and cause havoc. They need to believe that and take the chances. Equally when they do get an attack everyone needs to contribute and defend. Track back, team up on the man with the ball and when the opportunity arises win the ball and counter with our pace.
If we play the way we can and control the game I see a nice 3 points for us here. I feel confident we have what it takes to win this so I'm going to say 2-0 win to us. Suarez and Henderson with the goals.
Come on redmen!
