Despite being unable to field big name signings such as Angel Di Maria, Radamel Falcao and Daley Blind in recent games, Manchester United have put together their best run of form since Sir Alex Ferguson departed. The win over Southampton on Monday night was their fifth successive Premier League victory and it moved them up to third, where they sit 11 points behind leaders Chelsea having played a game less. It’s unlikely they have hit anything like the form they are capable of yet, but the fact they are putting a run of wins together without hitting top gear will be pleasing manager Louis van Gaal.
As good a few weeks as it’s been for United, it’s been disastrous for Liverpool. Tuesday night’s 1-1 draw with Basel was not enough to see them through to the knockout stages, another blow in what has been a very disappointing season to date. Brendan Rodgers will point to some hard luck throughout the group stage but they have not been good enough and that’s been the case in their domestic form, also. Narrow wins over Stoke and Leicester cannot mask their limitations, especially at both ends of the field. They have not nearly been clinical in front of goal whilst they’ve been guilty of making too many mistakes in defence.
Despite another injury for Chris Smalling, United are beginning to get the majority of their squad back fit with the number of absentees down to four. One man who has played throughout is Robin van Persie and the striker is rediscovering the sort of form which made him an instant favourite with the support when he arrived two years ago. His winning double took his season tally to seven but it was his overall performance that will have delighted his manager, particularly the amount of pressure he put on the opposition’s defence.
There’s little doubt that the multiple injuries Daniel Sturridge has sustained this season has been a huge inconvenience for Liverpool. Without doubt the club’s most prolific striker, his absence has hit them hard, especially with the loss of Luis Suarez in the summer as well. Rickie Lambert has been deputising of late but his lack of mobility as a lone striker has been painfully apparent in the last couple of games. It could be that Raheem Sterling is deployed in that position, instead, on Sunday.
There’s not a bigger club match in English football and although neither side has realistic ambitions of winning the title this season, it still means as much to everybody involved. United certainly come into the game as favourites but they have not been convincing, and remain vulnerable in defence. The visitors may not have the same ammunition available to them but they can look to the likes of Sterling and Adam Lallana for the spark they desire, especially if played together. I couldn’t trust any of these sides and prefer the overs as the atmosphere will lend itself to a frantic pace, and an early goal will open this right up.
Over 2.5 5/6 @ Betfair
