There are few greater rivalries in the English game than that of Liverpool and Manchester United, scousers and mancs.

Although not a local derby in the truest sense, the pride and passion among both sets of fans sets it apart from the rest. Genuine disdain lingers between the supporters of the two clubs and the atmosphere on this occasion is never in doubt.

It is Liverpool who play host on this occasion and they will be looking to replicate the result in the corresponding fixture last year, where they ran out 3-1 winners. It was Dirk Kuyt who grabbed the headlines on that day with the first hat trick of his Liverpool career but in reality, it was Luis Suarez who was tormentor in chief.

The Uruguayan has begun this season quite well also and looks a decent price to be first goalscorer on Saturday at 5/1. Kenny Dalglish has a decision to make whether or not to start Andy Carroll up front with Suarez. The former Newcastle man hasn’t endured quite as sweet as start as his sometime strike partner and with the burden of a £35 million price tag, Anfield expects. I would quite like Carroll to start, as he is rubbish.

Liverpool’s form has been somewhat indifferent this season, having lost twice already as they sit in fifth place in the league. Fourth place and a champions league spot will of course be the minimum requirement and Dalglish will look to build on his side’s encouraging home form, where they are unbeaten this term to date.

United, on the other hand, sit at the summit of the Premier League with an impressive tally of 19 points from 7 games. An away draw to Stoke has been the only blip to United’s copybook this term; hardly a terrible result in itself.

There have been goals galore for Fergie’s side, including a whopping eight against Arsenal in Old Trafford and twenty-four overall. The signing of Ashley Young has been a revelation and the same can be said for Phil Jones who has performed admirably in an often makeshift United back four.

The continued absence of Rio Ferdinand and Vidic has meant the Red Devils have leaked some goals along the way but their firepower has kept them out of real trouble to date. The pillar of this attack has been Wayne Rooney who has enjoying a prolific campaign for his club, notching up nine goals and a couple of assists to boot.

Rooney, however, has endured a tumultuous week as his questionable temperament resurfaced while playing for England. The England striker kicked out against Montenegro and has duly received a three match ban, meaning he will miss the entire group stages of Euro 2012. Rooney’s father had been arrested the day before the Montenegro clash for being involved in irregular betting.

Given the former Everton’s striker’s heated relationship with Liverpool and his problematic week, it would not be surprising to him get on the score sheet. You can back Rooney to score first at 4/1 on Setantabet.

This famous derby continues at 12.45 on Saturday and we can expect no less fervour and passion that is generally associated with this fixture. Although a tough game to call, the draw looks good value at 9/4. United could eek out a win but our record in Anfield recently isn’t great and a draw would be a decent result by all accounts.

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You wouldn’t think only two points separate United and Chelsea in the league table given the contrasting starts to the season both clubs have endured since the opening day on the 13^th of August.

United have steamrolled their way to the top of the Premier League, scoring eighteen goals in the process and conceding just two. Notoriously slow starters, there has been no such sluggishness this time around with a fluency to United’s football, which in truth, hasn’t been so evident in a number of seasons at Old Trafford. 

The addition of Ashley Young looks to have been a shrewd move by Fergie, as the England winner has settled in with aplomb at United, central to much of their positive play thus far. The former Villa man has combined excellently with the in-form Wayne Rooney, who has looked imperious to date. The acquisition of Phil Jones also looks like a mean bit of business whilst the other new boy David De Gea hasn’t enjoyed quite as smooth a transition. Although it hasn’t been the disaster that it has been made out to be in some portions of the media either.

The fixtures weren’t especially kind to United at the start of the season either but the timings of the fixtures were. It was most certainly a good time to play Arsenal, who were in the midst of a crisis at the time and Bolton and Spurs didn’t put up much of a fight in all honesty. The point is that United have played superbly so far but have yet to face a real challenge and although Chelsea haven’t exactly been firing on all cylinders, they should at least provide a sterner test.

What of Chelsea? It has been a somewhat subdued beginning to the Andre Villa Boas’s reign at Stamford Bridge, certainly compared to that of his Portuguese compatriot, Joes Mourinho. Villa Boas is a different character to the ‘Special One’ but is no shrinking violet either. The Chelsea boss had no hesitation in dropping misfiring £50 million pound striker Fernando Torres for instance.

Torres’s problems are almost synonymous of Chelsea’s at the moment. The Londoners look a little blunt in attack, with a lack of creativity in midfield proving a hindrance. The arrival of Raul Meireles from Liverpool should go a way to rectifying this but the service to their front men has left a lot to be desired. Frank Lampard is not the fleet footed playmaker he once was and Florent Malouda hasn’t reached the heights of 2010. You do wonder how many problems they can pose United at Old Trafford.

United on the other hand, have plenty of weapons at their disposal and the pace of Javier Hernandez could well pose problems for the Chelsea defence. John Terry has lost a yard of pace over the years and Ivanovic isn’t lightning either.

A slight weakness for United lies in the middle of the park and it is through this avenue that Chelsea have had success in this fixture before. Tom Cleverley is out of this game through injury, which means a likely midfield pairing of Anderson and Michael Carrick – hardly a duo that will strike fear into the Chelsea side. Having said this, Chelsea’s midfield isn’t what it once was and the absence of players like Michael Essien is telling.

This encounter looks like being tight for a period before United’s youthful exuberance and dynamic football comes through in the end. Setantabet are refunding all losing first/last/anytime goalscorer bets if this one is goalless at the break.

Prediction: United 2-0 Chelsea

A new Champions League season is upon us and United will look to bring their strong league form into the European arena. Our man in Portugal, Nuno Barreto, gives us the lowdown on what we can expect from Benfica:

This is the the thoughest match-up of the group for United and if everything goes as expected for both clubs, this will only decide who will finish first and second in what looks like an easy draw for both clubs.

Although this Benfica side is not as strong as it was two years ago which included the likes of Ramires, David Luiz, and Di Maria; it is still a team to be reckoned with. 

Here is what United might expect:

In terms of defensive players Benfica might struggle against the pace of players like Rooney and Hernandez. Other defenders will have to compensate for Luisão’s slowness, and Maxi’s inability to stop creative wingers. I wouldn’t be surprised if Ashley Young had a great game playing on the left of the field against Maxi Pereira. The brightest spot from Benfica on the defensive end has been the goalkeeper Artur.

In attack United have to be particularly careful of Benfica’s creative midfield players. Aimar has been playing his best football recently since signing for Benfica, and new signing Alex Witsel has already proven to be a great deal for Benfica. Both of these players can open up a defence at a whim.

On the wings Fergie’s side can expect a difficult time handling Nolito; a David Villa type of player with great feet, it’s very difficult to take the ball from him. The down side is that he tends to be very selfish.

I expect these players will try to take advantage of the less experienced United defenders like Phil Jones and Evans, and I also expect our striker Cardozo trying a lot of powerful strikes to test an out-of-form DeGea.

In the end United are the favourites for this match especially considering their latest results. Hopefully my Benfica can give them a run for their money, it will certainly be a good match.

Rooney & Giggs Should Start

It all comes down to this. The title will be basically decided on this one game. A win or draw for United and league title no.19 is on its way to Old Trafford. If Chelsea prevail, it is difficult to see us recovering to regain the title. Not impossible but the momentum would certianly be with the Londoners.

The loss to Arsenal last week has offered Chelsea a glimmer of hope as they now sit just three points behind us in the league. A win would see them go level on points with United, although we would maintain a slight advantage in the goal difference, barring a disaster.

The point is Chelsea have nothing to lose, which makes them dangerous. Only a win will do for them whereas a draw would suit us fine. Expect Chelsea to arrive with the kitchen sink and throw it at us early doors.

Ancelotti is missing only Jose Bosingwa for the match, while Yury Zhirkov is a doubt. Neither player would have been likely to start the match.

The Chelsea manager’s most pressing concern is whether to start misfiring Spaniard Fernando Torres alongside Didier Drogba in the London side’s most crucial match of the season. He shouldn’t, of course, but it all depends on how much pressure is applied by Abramovich. He may also be swayed by Torres’s decent record against United.

We shouldn’t fear them though, far from it. Our home form has been near impeccable this season, having remained unbeaten. Similarly, we were by far the better side in both legs in the Champions League quarter final, having beaten them home and away. They will be hungry and aggressive but we are the better side.

Fergie’s altered selection against Schalke, in what was an impressive win, would suggest that we can expect near enough the same side which started those two Champions League encounters against the Londoners. I would expect the team read something like:

Van Der Sar, Fabio, Vidic, Ferdinand, Evra, Park, Giggs, Carrick, Valencia, Rooney, Hernandez.

It may differ slightly but this selection won’t be far away. It is important that Hernandez starts for me as he will play on the last shoulder and keep them honest. I also think he would have the measure of John Terry with his movement and pace. If picked Vanencia and Park’s industry would allow our full backs to get forward, whilst also provide some cutting edge themselves, particularly the Ecuadorian.

Chelsea will come after us; because they have to. We need to keep the ball and more importantly our composure. We are one game away from winning the league. Lets go out and prove we are worthy champions.

Prediction

United 2-1 Chelsea

United return to Premier League action on Tuesday following the FA Cup disappointment at Wembley on Saturday.

United’s FA Cup involvement provided the Gooners with the chance to move to within four points of the league leaders but Arsene Wenger’s side could only manage a point against Liverpool on Sunday, following another ‘bottle’.

The Emirates draw means United are six points clear of the Gunners going into Tuesday’s clash with Newcastle at St James’s Park and  Fergie will be looking for a quick response to their FA Cup loss by increasing the league advantage.

Wayne Rooney was a frustrated spectator at Wembley but he is available again following his two-match suspension for swearing into a television camera.

The striker is almost certain to return to the starting XI with Dimitar Berbatov likely to take his place on the bench.

Ferguson will not be able to call up Paul Scholes as the midfielder is suspended following his red car at Wembley, but Ryan Giggs is expected to make his return. Darren Fletcher misses out again because of a virus, while Jonny Evans is available following his ban.

Newcastle are six points clear of the relegation zone and Alan Pardew will be looking for a home victory to try and secure their premier league status.

Pardew has endured a frustrating time with Shola Ameobi but the striker is fit again following a knee injury and he could return, but captain Kevin Nolan misses out through suspension.

Stephen Ireland is fit and is included in the squad for the first time, but the loan star could be given the evening off as his girlfriend was involved in a serious car accident late last week.

We have a great record against Newcastle and expect a quick response to the FA Cup disappointment. I think we will get it would be surprised if Rooney wasn’t amongst the goals. He generally enjoys this fixture..

Prediction

Newcastle 0-2 United

United go into this Champions League quarter-final second leg against Chelsea with Rafael the only real injury doubt.

Rafael the only injury concern

The 20-year-old Brazilian dynamo suffered a knee injury in last week’s 1-0 first-leg win, and though a scan showed there was no ligament damage, Fergie remains  unsure whether to risk him.

The 20-year-old failed to take a full part in training at United’s Carrington training complex on Monday.

Big Johnny O’Shea is likely to deputise if the Brazilian does not make it.

“Rafael did a bit of jogging this morning,” Fergie said.

“Hopefully he will be able to be ready for tomorrow but I am not sure about it.”
Rio Ferdinand came into the side last Wednesday after a two-month absence with a calf problem, and Ferguson is delighted to see his first-choice pairing of Ferdinand and Vidic restored.

“I have to say that Smalling’s performances this season have been absolutely brilliant, but I was praying that he (Ferdinand) would be fit for the game at Chelsea.

“We don’t expect Chris Smalling at 20 or 21 to be directing and instructing players, but Rio does that really well.”

Chelsea right-back Jose Bosingwa is back in contention after missing the Premier League win over Wigan on Saturday with illness, but Sideshow Bob lookalike David Luiz is cup-tied having played for Benfica earlier in the competition.

One of the key battles will be Antonio Valencia’s with Ashley Cole. Only five games into a comeback from a broken ankle, the Ecuadorian’s form has been so effective that Ferguson has already publicly stated that he will start. He is going great guns and I have been genuinely surprised at how good he has been after such a long lay off.

Central midfield is likely to be key once again and United will have to be as good in this area as they were against Chelsea last week. They are physical here but we more than matched them in the 1st leg.

It is not done and dusted yet but we are in a great position. The crucial thing is not to concede early but at the same token, we can’t go out with a defensive mindset either. We must control the tempo and play on our terms. We will do it though. Oh yes, we will..

Prediction:

United 2-1 Chelsea

Scholes only goal this season

This is a game where no less than 3 points will do for United who look to take one more step towards their 19th league title. The earlier meeting between these sides at Craven Cottage saw United take the lead twice thanks to Paul Scholes and an o.g before Fulham equalized in the last minute of normal time.

Rio Ferdinand returned to the side in the win over Chelsea on Tuesday night but Rafael was injured so will be unavailable for this tie. Wes Brown, John O’Shea and Anderson all returned to training during the week and could feature but Darren Fletcher is still injured.

Paul Scholes also returns from his domestic suspension and he should resume his position in centre midfield after sitting out the midweek game. Michael Owen may also feature having returned from injury a few weeks back but seeing no game time. Hernandez could be rested ahead of the second leg of the Champions League game with Chelsea.

Manchester United have had an excellent run of games against Fulham at home beating them in the last 6 occasions and scoring 18 goals along the way.

As I said previously anything less than 3 points is detrimental to our hopes of winning back the title. Fulham always make it difficult for any team but I can see United winning this comfortably despite the loss of Wayne Rooney.

My prediction is 3-1 United with Michael Owen to get one.

Predicted Line Up:
Kuszczak, Fabio, Vidic, Ferdinand, Evra, Nani, Scholes, Carrick, Park, Berbatov, Owen

What score do you think it will be?

United travel to Stamford Bridge tomorrow looking for their first win there since 2001. It’s been a pretty miserable record over the past few years but there are positives to take from recent visits to the Bridge. United have been very unfortunate to lose the last two league encounters and there is a certain feeling of “our luck has to change sooner or later” coming from within the camp.

Playing Chelsea in the Champions League over two legs is something new and it promises to be an intriguing tie. United come into this game on the back of a great weekend in the Premier League but with a small cloud hanging over Wayne Rooney after he was charged for his outburst into one of the Sky Sports Cameras on Saturday. All eyes will be on Wazza on Wednesday night and hopefully the thoughts of potentially spending the next two domestic fixtures in the stands will spur him on to making a big impact in the tie against Chelsea.

Rio Ferdinand and Anderson returned to training and both are said to be in contention to play a part at Stamford Bridge. Ferdinand is still a massive player and when paired with Vidic earlier on in the season the defence looked water tight. In saying that, if Rio doesn’t quite make it back in time I will have no worries about Chris Smalling. The former Fulham player has been a revelation this season and having made 27 appearances in his debut season is beginning to look well settled at the club.

Ando is probably less likely to play a part as Sir Alex has a few more options in the middle. It will be interesting to see if Fergie goes for two up top as he did when we went to Stamford Bridge last month or if he decides to flood the middle. It was refreshing to see Rooney and Hernandez start last time out and they caused problems in the first half, but in the second half Chelsea began to take control of possession and we could have done with an extra body in the middle. With the recent return of Antonio Valencia I think Sir Alex could go for pace out wide with Nani and Valencia and play Ryan Giggs or Park Ji Sung behind a lone striker, most likely Wayne Rooney.

The biggest difference between this game and any other we’ve played at Stamford Bridge is that 0-0 will not necessarily be a good result. An away goal is of critical importance tomorrow night. With Rio potentially slotting back into the defence, confidence levels high after the weekends action in the Premier League and our forward trio scoring regularly I think a big result could be on the cards.

Possible Starting XI: Van Der Sar, Fabio, Vidic, Ferdinand, Evra, Nani, Carrick, Scholes, Valencia, Giggs, Rooney

Prediction: Chelsea 0-1 United

What do you think?

Will JT be crying again?

I sit writing this in Weatherspoons in Manchester, surrounded by buoyant Marseille fans. Having talked to a couple of them, there is a real belief among them that they are about to pull off a shock in the this Champions League 2nd leg encounter. The fact that United didn’t get an away goal in the Velodrome makes this somewhat of an uneasy tie.

Nana takes on Heinze in 1st leg

Having lost two on the bounce to Chelsea and Liverpool, the news has been better this week due to a much needed win over title contenders Arsenal as well as some good news on the injury front. Nani, originally though to be out until mid April, has recovered and is in the mix to start tonight, along with midfielder Michael Carrick, who has overcome a calf knock. aturday’s FA Cup win over Arsenal also saw 45 minutes of action for Nani’s fellow wide man Luis Antonio Valencia, who had not played since United’s first European outing of the season

Darren Fletcher will likely miss out again with a virus though, so Scholesy and Ryan Giggs may both start if Ferguson feels they have the legs for it. It would certainly be good to have their experience for such an occasion.

Fergies selection up front will be interesting with Rooney’s partnership with Chicharito looking sharp in its recent outings. Dimitar Berbatov will expect to play, but has only started one of the last four with the other duo offering more movement. The Bulgarian has not scored since late January, but has a habit of getting a few once he gets one, but it remains to be seen if that undeniable attribute will be enough for him to be restored to the team.

United have never lost to a French side at home and, despite some poor away form recently, their home form has been generally excellent. We have enough to overcome this encounter comfortably but will need to play at high tempo and go for it. Marseille will surely sit deep and look to defend. The likely selection of Mbia, formerly a centre back, in midfield would reinforce this.

The is room for concern here but lets hope a big performance awaits.

Prediction

United 2-0 Marseille