The Birth of A Rivalry: Separated by a mere 40 miles, tensions have always run high between the Merseysiders and the Mancunians. These frustrations came to a boiling point in 1894 when the Manchester Ship Canal was built, effectively allowing merchants to bypass Liverpool and head directly to Manchester. Ironically, 1894 was the same year these two proud cities first met each other on the football pitch; a match Liverpool went on to win 2-0. Much has changed since that first meeting but one thing remains the same; a mutual distaste for one another embedded deep within each set of supporters DNA. This Sunday, the rivalry is yet again renewed for what is guaranteed to be another thrilling installment. With the racism row of last season becoming the most recent layer to the rivalry, lets take a look at 5 story lines from the upcoming encounter.
- Howard Webb - Since the announcement of Webb being designated to referee this fixture Liverpool fans have wasted no time attacking the 41 year old official, while United fans have been spending their time brushing aside any mention of alleged bias on Webb's part. Whether or not there is any truth to Webb calling past matches unfairly in United's favour, it will certainly be a talking point for all involved. Every decision will be over-scrutinized and fans will be hyper-sensitive to the calls that are made against their team. Whatever happens on the pitch Sunday surely won't end up staying there, and unfortunately neither will Webb's performance regardless of how he actually does.
- The New Boys - Both teams have gone out and purchased a new striker since the end of last season. For Liverpool it is the recently acquired Daniel Sturridge, and for United Robin Van Persie is the new man. These players are at different parts of their respective careers, but for both this will be their first taste of this longstanding rivalry. For Van Persie he is sure to start (barring an injury) while Sturridge inclusion in the starting 11 is less certain. Will one step up in this pressure packed cauldron, or will the stage be too big?
- Evra vs. Suarez - After the non-handshake that occurred last season Liverpool and Suarez put out statements apologizing that were accepted by United, but is it truly over? With the possibility of Sturridge starting in a central role that could push Suarez out wide where he could encounter the feisty Frenchman. I do expect them to shake hands and go about their business, but who knows what may happen when the emotion of the game takes over. Stay tuned.
- Manchester United formation/selection - With Wayne Rooney still not fit to play and dealing with a personal tragedy, that leaves Sir Alex with a bit of a selection dilemma. Does he pair Van Persie with either 'Chicharito' Hernandez or Danny Welbeck, or does he employ the recently fit Shinji Kagawa in the role just off of the lone striker. Kagawa looked poor in the West Ham fixture but for a player of his quality he just needs match time with his new teammates to build the chemistry he had in Dortmund. A game of this magnitude likely means Michael Carrick will be playing his usual holding role to provide a steadying hand over the team. In the back Ferguson will likely go with Rafael, Rio, Vidic, and Evra as those are his most experienced defenders.
- The "Special One" in attendance - Real Madrid manger Jose Mourinho has come out and said he will be at the match to scout United for their upcoming Champions League tie, but the conspiracy theorists may read more into this. Speculation has been running rampant about when Sir Alex will retire and who his successor will be. One of the frontrunners has always thought to have been Mourinho as it is known Sir Alex holds him in the highest regard. So, this routine scouting trip could turn out to be the future United manager watching his next team play against their bitter rivals
Thanks for reading, and if you agree/disagree with something feel free to leave a comment or you can find me on twitter @InOnGoal. Enjoy the game!
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