Liverpool vs Manchester United Pre-Match (15/10/11)

This is always the match for me. Its the one I lookout for every season. Just thinking about it, the Mancs haven't beat us for 3 seasons now at Anfield, right?

We always make them look so bog standard at home so I can't see anything other than a 2nil.

(Perfect day for me too - got a ticket for this then its straight off to the Echo to watch Bellew tear Cleverly a new one)

Kuyt

Downing - Suarez - Maxi

Lucas - Gerrard

Enrique - Skrtel - Carragher - Johnson

Reina

Basically, the same team and formation that we've played in March, with Enrique replacing Aurelio, and Downing replacing Meireles ...

Sorry to be the fly in the ointment (I would like nothing more than beating Manure) but we *always* lose after an international break.  

I hope that changes with this particular match since I would like nothing more than rub Slur alex's nose in the ground. 

If looking at united against Norwich is anything to go by, United looked far from convincing, the international break maybe came a game to early for us, but I'm fully expecting the Anfield crowd and Kenny to have the lads fully pumped up for this, take three points off United and we could strike an early pyscholigical blow to uniteds title chances whilst propelling ourselves up the table.

Kuyt for me is a definite starter, we'll need his graft and work ethic for this one so hopefully Henderson will sit this one out.

I'm going for a 2-1 victory for us.

the international break maybe came a game to early for us

When does it not come early?

And always when the mancs look sh*te too.

                   Reina

Kelly       Carra       Skrtel       Enrique

           Lucas         Gerrard

      Kuyt       Suarez       Bellamy

                   Carroll

A 1-1 result will be good for us. Can't see us winning in your back yard  De Gea is most certainly in for some trouble when those high balls come in with Carrol attempting  to be all over them

I would definitely avoid starting Carroll in this game ... We have beaten the Mancs on several occasions in the past few years, and the key to our victory was always the same: I high intensity pressing game ... The central midfield is definitely the weakest part of their team, and having Suarez and Kuyt pressing them upfront, with Downing and Maxi in the wide attacking positions, combined with Gerrard and Lucas in our central midfield, should be the best way to success in this game ...

                      Kuyt

       Downing - Suarez - Bellamy

              Lucas - Gerrard

 Enrique - Skrtel - Carragher - Kelly

                    Reina

Johnson, Coates, Carroll, Adam, Maxi, Doni, Flanagan

For this match, I just think that we have to fight pace with pace and with this set of players, we can see more option upfront. We got three players who can player as a striker (Bellamy, Suarez and Kuyt), also we have three players that can play in the hole (Suarez, Bellamy, Gerrard). Five players that can be flankers (Suarez, Bellamy, Gerrard, Kuyt, Downing). Three players that can bombard forward (Kelly, Enrique, Johnson). I can see lot of strategies and formations with this set of players. Plus we can interchange between players because with this squad I can see versatility.

Hope that our defensive line stay solid. 3-0 for me or at least 3-1.

I think well terrorise them. They are average at the back. Fully expect 3 points here 

I would definitely avoid starting Carroll in this game

I agree.

For me Lucas, Gerrard and Adam would be feeding a front three of Suarez, Bellamy and Kuyt. Those front three would also be very willing and able to defend from the front, if that makes sense.

Bring it on.  

First, let's hope all our international players come back safe and well.

Just like the derby, these games seem unaffected by form.  I wouldn't read too much in to us winning three games on the bounce, just as much as I wouldn't put too much thought in to United being 'unconvincing' in their last few games.

A decision here or there, a mistake or a goal of brilliance is all it takes to set the tone in these games.

A 1-1 result will be good for us.

A draw would be a respectable result for both teams looking over the course of the season.  By beating Everton the reds have eased the pressure slightly - not sure whether this is a good thing or bad thing.  I remember when the media were on one of their tirades against Rafa and said he 'must win' the United game - so we did.

Whether LFC perform better in these games when there is more pressure I don't know.

In a way it's a shame that we are the first game of the weekend.  Had Man City played and won, I think more pressure would have fallen on United's shoulders.

Looking forward to it though - bookies will be heavily behind United but it will be a big test for the new boys at Old Trafford, as well as our own.

A Liverpool win would be a very strong signal to the rest of the league.  If United win however, I don't think it will have too much impact on our ability to finish in the top four.

Out of the 2 games, Everton away and United at home, I thought we had a very good chance of getting 6 points. Still do.

The way we played against them last season was brilliant. I've said again and again that if all teams played with that belief against them and didn't treat them like royalty, they'd lose alot more games.

They'd be happy with a draw from this, but I'll only be happy if we end their unbeaten run. Start the same team that beat Everton if it's available, depending on how fit Gerrard is. Really hope Suarez having to come back from an International only a few days before the match won't affect how he plays. He should be in the mood to rip their defence apart regardless!

I reckon they'll be shitting themselves over this one. No doubt we'll play them without any fear- and I think we'll beat them.

A 1-1 result will be good for us. Can't see us winning in your back yard  De Gea is most certainly in for some trouble when those high balls come in with Carrol attempting  to be all over them

Attempting? Caroll WILL be all over them.

2-1 would do me nicely.

I think we will overcome the scum and beat them 3-1.

Bellamy,gerrad should start alongside suarez and downing,would throw maxi into the mix too.

Let's hope some of the fans behind De Gea's goal throw some doughnuts at him before kick off.

Maybe one of those huge flotation devices conveniently spray painted? That would be hilarious!!!

Why would ye frop Carroll now? Worst time to drop him would be now after him scoring on Saturday

Why would ye frop Carroll now? Worst time to drop him would be now after him scoring on Saturday

Carroll should start as the back like of the mancs is suspect.

Reina

Kelly
Agger
Carra
Enrique

Lucas
Gerrard

Downing
Suarez
Henderson

Carroll

thats if they all come back injury free

we'll f*** em over proper. my only worry is losing anyone to internationals, especially suarez playing so close to the big game.

and if that 4-eye douchebag even thinks about picking stevie for a sh*t a** game against montenegro or whatever, i'll personally go over and shove some wotsits down his throat.

hope carra gives nani a real reason to cry again

Why would ye frop Carroll now? Worst time to drop him would be now after him scoring on Saturday

On what i / we have seen of Carrol so far you have to be disappointed. I'm not having this bull$hit about settling in yet. For 35m he should be performing a lot better than he is has. However, he is a most for the United game from a Liverpool point of view. If anyone can take advantage of De Gea its him. If King Kenny doesn't play him from the off! BIG MISTAKE. 

Lets hope from my point of view he makes the mistake. 

Yeah we would have expected more (goals, perhaps) but to drop him after scoring in the derby would be ludicrous. Im sure hes feeling good at training today to drop him for utd would set his confidence back