There are many rivalries in football but for the E.P.L. this is the big one, no other game comes close. A recent study found that Manchester United and Liverpool are the top two supported teams in England with a combined following of almost 9 million in the UK alone.
Last season the spoils were split, we beat them at Anfield and United won the reverse fixture at Old Trafford after Fernando Torres opened the scoreline. Of course many of us Kopites would like to remember when we trashed them at Old Trafford 4-1 just two seasons ago. Ironically that victory came a few days after we scored four against Real Madrid. Steaua Bucharest are no Real but after last Thursday’s performance by the Reds many of us have a renewed belief that we can upset our arch enemy at their home.
This is Roy Hodgson’s first game as the Liverpool gaffer against ‘his pal’ Alex Ferguson, Roy has had some success at Craven Cottage against United so he is pretty confident he can do the job.
Joe Cole returns to the lineup after being suspended for 3 EPL games, he had a fantastic game on Thursday and even scored his first Liverpool goal. Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard are both expected to feature as they were rested against Steaua. Dirk Kuyt is injured while Fabio Aurelio is doubtful.
Predicted lineup:
Pepe Reina, Glen Johnson, Jamie Carragher, Daniel Agger, Paul Konchesky, Lucas Leiva, Raul Miereles, Steven Gerrard, Joe Cole, Ryan Babel, Fernando Torres
For United, Fergie is without the services of Antonio Valencia. Although Rio Ferdinand is expected to return Nemanja Vidic will captain the Red Devils.
Kick off is at 1:30 PM BST