Team News Update 31/10/09

Saturday, 31 October 2009
21:54 Manchester United debutant Gabriel Obertan shakes off wasted chance
20:07 Blackburn’s disallowed goal an ‘unbelievable decision’ – Sam Allardyce
19:49 Dimitar Berbatov hails Manchester United defence after Blackburn Rovers win
19:28 Manchester United 2-0 Blackburn Rovers: Berbatov and Rooney on target for champions
17:44 Liverpool were in control of Fulham game before dismissals – Rafael Benitez
17:24 Premier League Player Ratings: Manchester United 2-0 Blackburn Rovers
17:21 Matt Monaghan's Manchester United Special: Berbatov brings United back to the boil
17:18 Fulham victory over Liverpool well deserved – Roy Hodgson
17:00 Premier League Player Ratings: Fulham 3-1 Liverpool
16:57 Neil Jones' Liverpool Comment: Jekyll & Hyde form continues as Liverpool unravel
16:50 Fulham 3-1 Liverpool: Cottagers stun nine-man Reds
15:27 Rafael Benitez admits Steven Gerrard is a doubt for Liverpool's 'must-win' Lyon clash
15:16 Media to blame for Rio Ferdinand's loss of form – Sir Alex Ferguson
14:53 Rafael Benitez keen to extend Pepe Reina's Liverpool stay
13:58 Sir Alex Ferguson confident Darren Fletcher will return for Chelsea clash
12:35 Carling Cup quarter-final draw announced
11:13 Rafael Benitez pleased with Gerrard & Torres FIFA nominations, praises Mascherano
09:55 Harry Redknapp rubbishes Rio Ferdinand to Tottenham Hotspur rumours
09:35 Rafael Benitez: Alberto Aquilani closing in on Liverpool start
07:35 Manchester United haven't reached their best - Paul Scholes
07:22 Wayne Rooney should join Real Madrid - Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo
03:41 Park Ji-Sung's knee causing headache for Manchester United


by goal.com

Team News Update 29/10/09

Thursday, 29 October 2009
15:02 Dirk Kuyt happy with Alberto Aquilani debut for Liverpool
13:59 Emiliano Insua looking to continue hot form with Liverpool
13:57 Ben Amos joins Peterborough on loan from Manchester United
13:11 Manchester United confirm they are to appeal Fabio booking
12:15 League Cup Player Ratings: Arsenal 2-1 Liverpool
12:07 Man Utd striker Michael Owen wants to be judged on more than just goals
11:55 Neil Jones' Liverpool Comment: David Ngog can be the player Ryan Babel should be
11:50 Liverpool plan £16.5m swoop for Valencia winger Juan Mata
11:14 EXCLUSIVE: FA must not make 'scapegoat' of Manchester United after 'diabolical' behaviour at Barnsley - Fanzine Spokesman
11:10 Manchester United's Rio Ferdinand Reveals Kevin Davies & John Hartson As Toughest Opponents
00:43 Pepe Reina rewarded with new Liverpool contract - report


by goal.com

Arsenal 2 Liverpool FC 1 - Ian Doyle's Carling Cup verdict

The end result could have been the same, but the emotions of the players as Liverpool were beaten by the meadow were significantly different.

A wild 6-3 defeat against Arsenal in the League Cup in January 2007 in a debate raging about the strength of the team of Rafael Benitez and his youth policy.

However, there should be similar post-mortem after taking Anfield slipped out of competition for the same opposition to the Emirates last night.

The frustration and humiliation is the dominant feeling among the fans who travel with a fortune of Liverpool have done them justice, supporting roles Benitez give grounds for hope.

And with 20 million pounds Alberto Aquilani make his long-awaited bow in a Liverpool shirt, there have been very positive for the Anfield manager.

There was some doubt on the commitment and application of the second string Liverpool last night. After all, progress in this competition represents the best chance of first team football for many of them.

However, the harsh reality is that Liverpool had lost five of the last six games, with their hopes in the Carling Cup Benitez came to an opposition in London for the sixth consecutive season.

But with a trip to Premier League Fulham on Saturday followed by a crucial Champions League showdown with Lyon, this unit is strongly priorities Benitez.

There was Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres, Jamie Carragher and Glen Johnson in group travel to Liverpool, with only Dirk Kuyt - appointed captain for the night - and Emiliano Insua survivor of the team that beat Manchester United, completely in the end week.

But this duo were among the seven international full-time starting line-up of visitors, a figure in line with Arsenal - a fact that probably overlooked by many because of the uproar surrounding the Gunners youth policy.

Young Danny Ayala, Stephen Darby and Nathan Eccleston were all on the bench for Liverpool, but his eyes only on Aquilani, available for the first time since his arrival was 20 million pounds of Roma.

The Italian has emerged over the last 13 minutes and was soon showing some fine touches, although it is clearly still some way short of full match fitness.

Liverpool could rejoice as they responded to ensure equality during the break after an entertaining and well fought first half.

Team News Update 27/10/09

Tuesday, 27 October 2009
23:36 Report: Manchester United close in on Valencia pair David Villa and David Silva
23:19 Lucas Leiva: Liverpool fans' criticism makes me stronger
22:55 Villarreal's Diego Lopez aware of Manchester United interest
22:16 Manchester United striker Michael Owen happy to knock out Barnsley
22:01 Matt Monaghan's Manchester United Special: Second string shines again
21:48 Sir Alex Ferguson praises Michael Owen's goal in Barnsley victory
21:40 Barnsley 0-2 Manchester United: Danny Welbeck and Michael Owen send Red Devils through
21:39 League Cup Player Ratings: Barnsley 0-2 Manchester United
17:56 Liverpool’s Steven Gerrard in line for return against Fulham
17:51 Andrea Dossena retains hope of first-team football - agent
17:28 Alberto Aquilani set for Liverpool debut against Arsenal
17:27 League Cup Preview: Arsenal - Liverpool
17:24 Arsenal starlet Francis Coquelin looking forward to Liverpool tie
14:13 Mark Robins' goal did not save my job with Manchester United - Sir Alex Ferguson
13:48 Spartak Moscow rule out Zhano Ananidze sale
13:45 Jean-Pierre Papin: Fernando Torres is worthy of Ballon d'Or
13:21 Anfield atmosphere during Manchester United clash inspired Alberto Aquilani
12:40 Wes Brown warns Manchester United youngsters against complacency in League Cup
12:33 Neil Jones' Liverpool Comment : The League Cup may be unfashionable but silverware matters
12:03 Matt Monaghan's Manchester United Comment: League Cup feeds Premier League ambitions
10:01 Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson admits FA charge of improper conduct
09:53 Rafael Benitez: Liverpool were always confident of Manchester United scalp
09:32 Hertha BSC refuse to rule out transfer for Andriy Voronin
09:24 David Ngog has 'undoubted potential' - Liverpool legend Ian Rush
07:57 Report: Rio Ferdinand set for Manchester United axe
00:03 Report: Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson pleads guilty to improper conduct charge


by goal.com

Team News Update 26/10/09

Monday, 26 October 2009
23:50 Gabriel Obertan to make Manchester United debut against Barnsley
22:15 Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson attacked by referees after Marriner outburst
18:10 Jamie Carragher scrutiny is unfair - Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez
17:47 Real Madrid to offer Rafael van der Vaart to Premier League clubs in January
14:48 Javier Mascherano warns Liverpool against complacency
13:15 League Cup Preview: Barnsley - Manchester United
12:48 Neil Jones' Liverpool Comment : Consistency the key after Manchester United triumph
12:18 Matt Monaghan's Manchester United Debate: Fergie's war of words with referees backfires
11:56 Video Exclusive: Fernando Torres reflects on Liverpool's 2-0 win against Man Utd
11:45 Ex-Liverpool midfielder Jamie Redknapp: Manchester United missed Darren Fletcher
11:11 Liverpool striker David Ngog: Manchester United goal best moment of my career
09:16 Fernando Torres confesses he was not over injury for Manchester United victory
00:34 Last-minute decision to play Fernando Torres pays off for Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez

by goal.com

Liverpool 2-0 Manchester Utd (25/10/09) - Fanzone

Fanzone for Liverpool 2-0 Manchester Utd

[VDO] Liverpool FC 2 - 0 Manchester United

1 - 0 (Torres)


2 - 0 (Ngog)

Liverpool vs Manchester United 2-0 English Premier League 25/10/09 Match Highlight

Liverpool show signs of life with victory over Manchester United

Liverpool 2 Manchester United 0

For the second time in five days, the strains of Rodgers and Hammerstein reverberated around this famous old ground, but this time the Liverpool supporters’ mournful tone gave way to one of euphoric celebration.

On days such as this, when it all comes together, nobody at Liverpool walks alone, least of all Rafael Benítez. The ones who walked alone were in Manchester United shirts: Nemanja Vidic, sent off for the third time in as many encounters against the Merseyside club; Gary Neville, raging against the home crowd from his seat on the bench; Michael Owen, for whom this was hardly the warmest of homecomings; all of them, in fact, as they made their way to the dressing room to face the wrath of Sir Alex Ferguson.

What a difference a goal makes — and what a difference it makes when Liverpool have, in Fernando Torres, a world-class forward who is capable of forcing that kind of breakthrough. Torres was absent through injury when his team suffered the defeats by Sunderland and Lyons that turned an earlier blip into a full-blown crisis, but, after taking a pain-killing injection to his groin before facing the old enemy, he more than made his presence felt yesterday, which was just as well, given that Steven Gerrard was missing through a groin injury of his own.

As Benítez put it afterwards: “Sometimes 80 per cent of Torres can make a difference.” That difference was made in the 65th minute. At that point the game was on a knife edge and Liverpool were still on the critical list. But when Yossi Benayoun stepped infield and threaded a perfect ball behind United’s two central defenders, Torres, leaving Rio Ferdinand in his wake, kept his feet and his head long enough to give Liverpool a lead that they did not dare to let go.

What a player Torres is. Ferguson must rue the day that, after pursuing him for the previous three summers, he passed up the opportunity to sign him in 2007 on the basis that the forward, then at Atlético Madrid, was not composed enough in front of goal. United have won two league titles and reached two Champions League finals since then, but, every time Benítez’s record in the transfer market is cast in an unflattering light against Ferguson’s, that £20.2 million deal is worth considering.

After a week in which his regime has been questioned like never before — although not within the club, where his relationship with the board is infinitely healthier than two years ago — Benítez was entitled to enjoy this. If the nightmare scenario for him was of a winning goal for United from Michael Owen, the player he sold to Real Madrid in one of his first acts as Liverpool manager and then neglected to re-sign this summer, the reality was of a well-earned victory that was embellished in stoppage time by David Ngog, Torres’s inexperienced understudy. That Ngog’s goal was set up by Lucas Leiva, Anfield’s butt of derision, will only have heightened the manager’s satisfaction.

Lucas has personified Liverpool’s problems, struggling to fill the void left by Xabi Alonso’s departure to Real Madrid, but here he embodied their battle to overcome adversity.

He is nobody’s idea of a Brazilian footballer — and how novel a sight it was to see Lucas and Javier Mascherano, Brazil and Argentina internationals respectively, outclassed for a period in the first half by Michael Carrick and Paul Scholes, two Englishmen — but, significantly, he fought harder than anyone in that midfield.

It seemed as if Liverpool wanted victory more. Too many of United’s players failed to engage with the game — Carrick, Ryan Giggs, the infuriating Dimitar Berbatov, even Wayne Rooney to a far lesser extent — whereas Liverpool, with Jamie Carragher, Daniel Agger and Lucas scrapping for every ball, showed a desire to go the extra mile in search of the victory they craved. No, make that the victory they needed.

Ferguson complained afterwards about his team’s lack of penetration. He was brave to do so, since it gave rise to all manner of awkward questions. The dissenting grumbles had been kept to a minimum in the previous 11 matches — ten wins and one draw since that surprise defeat by Burnley in the opening week of the season — but they do not look the same side without Cristiano Ronaldo.

The exception to United’s malaise for much of the game was Vidic, who seemed determined to prove a point after a couple of chastening experiences against Liverpool last season. For the most part, he and Ferdinand handled Torres extremely well, while blocking and intercepting everything else that came their way, but, as the game drifted away from his team, Vidic was harshly booked for a foul on Torres — perhaps the least of several robust challenges to that point — and then sent off in the 89th minute for desperately grappling with Dirk Kuyt as the forward ran clear. Déjà vu.

Ferguson’s complaint was that Liverpool should already have been a man short. He was right. Two minutes earlier Owen, racing on to Rooney’s pass, had got the wrong side of Carragher and was brought down just outside the penalty area. It was, as the rules say, the denial of an obvious goalscoring opportunity — leaving aside any discussion of whether the Owen of 2009 would have taken it — but Andre Marriner, who was otherwise excellent, showed only a yellow card for the Liverpool defender.

Liverpool did have a man sent off in stoppage time, with Mascherano picking up a second booking for an absurdly overcommitted challenge on Edwin van der Sar, but, as the clock ticked down, with nails bitten down to the quick, Lucas strode clear and, as the United defence opened up in front of him, he put in Ngog.

The young forward is no Torres, but he, too, kept his nerve and, as he rolled the ball past Van der Sar, the storm over Anfield made way for a golden sky. Crisis over.

Liverpool (4-4-2): J M Reina 6, G Johnson 7, J Carragher 8, D Agger 8, E Insúa 5 - Y Benayoun 7 (sub: M Skrtel, 90min), J Mascherano 6, Lucas Leiva 7, F Aurélio 6 - D Kuyt 6, F Torres 7 (sub: D Ngog, 81). Substitutes not used: D Cavalieri, P Degen, J Spearing, R Babel, A Voronin. Booked: Carragher, Mascherano. Sent off: Mascherano.

Manchester United (4-4-2): E van der Sar 6 - J O’Shea 6, R Ferdinand 6, N Vidic 7, P Evra 6 - L A Valencia 6, M Carrick 5, P Scholes 7 (sub: Nani, 74), R Giggs 5 - W Rooney 6, D Berbatov 5 (sub: M Owen, 74). Substitutes not used: B Foster, G Neville, J Evans, Fábio Da Silva, Anderson. Booked: Vidic, Evra, Berbatov. Sent off: Berbatov.

Referee: A Marriner Attendance: 44,188


by Oliver Kay timesonline.co.uk

Liverpool vs Manchester United update before the game.

Liverpool vs Manchester United


Whisper it quietly, but it is 56 years since Liverpool last lost five games in a row and it’s a record that Rafa Benitez’s side will be desperate to avoid on Sunday. The Reds’ team could be depleted by injury, though, and they couldn’t have picked much tougher opponents with Manchester United top of the table and desperate to avenge their two defeats to their arch rivals last season.

Liverpool

#Liverpool did the double over Manchester United last season.
#Fernando Torres has scored 33 goals in 34 games at Anfield.
#Winger Albert Riera is hoping to be fit after a hamstring strain.
#Defender Glen Johnson is expected to overcome a groin strain.
#Key players Steven Gerrard and Torres both face late fitness tests.
#Defender Sotiris Kyrgiakos is out with a long-term knee problem.
#Liverpool have lost their last four games in all competitions, their worst run in more than 22 years.
#The Reds have conceded ten goals from set pieces this season, the most in the Premier League.

Manchester United

#Leading scorer Wayne Rooney is hoping to return from a calf strain.
#Left back Patrice Evra should be fit after missing the midweek win against CSKA Moscow.
#Striker Michael Owen will face his former team for the first time in a United shirt.
#United have won seven of their last eight matches away from home.
#Sir Alex Ferguson’s side are unbeaten in their last seven matches.
#Giggs and Fletcher are both injury doubts while Ji-sung Park is out for another fortnight.
#United have kept just one clean sheet in their last six league games.
#The defending Premier League champions have conceded first in four out of nine games this season.


by topleague.co.uk

Liverpool Vs Manchester United – Sunday 25th October 2009

Kick-Off: 14:00 (UK)

Venue: Anfield

TV Coverage: Sky Sports 1

Liverpool

League Position: 8th

Recent Form: WWWLL

Where do we even start with Liverpool. Four consecutive defeats in all competitions, their worst run in nearly 30 years, and now Liverpool find themselves on the verge of capitulation. Their league title dreams were left in tatters as Sunderland, aided by a beach ball, sentenced Liverpool to their second successive defeat in the league while their woes were extended in midweek when Lyon scored late on to record a huge victory over Rafa Benitez’s side at Anfield, a venue which used to be a fortress on European nights.

Injuries is just one of the many excuses Liverpool fans may use but Benitez has signed well over 70 players during his five year stint at the club and we feel the blame falls mainly on his shoulders. The lack of depth within the club is incredible, and this shown in Liverpool’s defeat on Tuesday as they were a completely different side without their talismanic duo; Steven Gerrard & Fernando Torres. The former limped off after just 15 minutes and is a major doubt ahead of the arrival of Manchester United, while Fernando Torres, according to our sources anyway, has yet to even return to training and that’s disastrous news for Liverpool fans.

The bench on Tuesday consisted of Ryan Babel & Fabio Aurelio, we mustn’t forget Andriy Voronin, although, it was hard to notice him when he came on late into second half as his impact on the game was next to nothing. Aurelio was the only player who would get into Liverpool’s starting eleven for most games, the rest simply aren’t cut out for this level of football and Liverpool will continue to struggle unless they build an actual squad and stop concentrating on just the starting eleven.

So far Liverpool have won three out of four at home but their three victories have come over some of the leagues poorest sides in Stoke City, Burnley & Hull City. They were defeated by Aston Villa earlier in the season, losing 3-1, with Villa being the only side with genuine quality to play to Anfield thus far. United are a much better side than Villa and you could forgive us for having doubts over Liverpool’s credentials this weekend.

The confidence within the Liverpool dressing room must be at an all time low as the Reds haven’t suffered such a demoralising run in years. They look clueless without their captain, Steven Gerrard, leading them forward while their defence was non-existent at times, and while Benitez’s is still reluctant to bin his stupid Zonal marking policy, we won’t be backing them again against any of the big sides until we see some vast improvements. They have already conceded 13 goals in just nine games, an unheard of defensive statistic for a team that normally boasts one of the leanest defences come the end of the year.

Manchester United

League Position: 1st

Recent Form: WWWDW

It’s not often that the away side in a ‘Big Four’ clash is viewed as the favourite but that will be the case this weekend as Man Utd make the relatively short trip to Merseyside to take on their bitterest of rivals; Liverpool, at Anfield. The ‘Red Devils’ came up short in both meetings last season, losing 2-1 on Merseyside but then emphatically losing the reverse clash 4-1 at Old Trafford. It will be the latter result that will live long in the memory for the United fans but for all the wrong reasons. However, they can undo their wrong doings in that clash as they have a golden opportunity to hand Liverpool a hammering of their own, with their opponents struggling to field any world-class players for this clash.

There is no team in the country that Alex Ferguson hates losing to more than Liverpool, a club that has won just as many league titles as United, albeit with Liverpool’s last title coming over 18 years ago. Nevertheless, Fergie will have several ‘things to do’ this season and, although one of them will be to secure United’s 19^th league title, a feat which would take them above Liverpool in the all time league titles leader board, he will also be keen to exact some revenge on Liverpool’s rare league double of last season.

Manchester United look more than capable of beating Liverpool on their own patch with the form and momentum currently on their side. Their narrow 1-0 victory away in Moscow, on Wednesday evening, was ideal as it kept the United ball rolling but, more importantly, United have gone eight games without defeat back in the league, with seven of those coming in the form of wins. They have won on their last three away outings in the Premiership, all by comfortable margins, although, neither were against any of the ‘Big Four’ but the ‘Red Devils will certainly be full of confidence that they can put Liverpool back in their place and as good as bury their title bid for the season by humiliating them in front of their own fans.

Several key players didn’t travel to Russia for Wednesday clash with CSKA and that will mean that several will face late fitness tests ahead of this trip to Anfield. Wayne Rooney, Darren Fletcher, Patrice Evra, Ji-Sung Park & Ryan Giggs all missed the trip in midweek and, although several will return for this trip to Anfield, none are certainties.

Head-to-Head (Last 10):

Liverpool W: 2 Manchester United W: 7 Draws: 1

Liverpool have a dire record against the ‘Red Devils’ and were it not for their double victory over United last season, United would have had an even flattering head-to-head record over one of their bitter rivals. However, it’s recent form that counts and Liverpool will be buoyed by their league double of last season, beating United both home (2-1) & away (1-4), although, there is no getting away from United’s dominance in previous encounters.

Key Player:- Javier Mascherano

With the liklihood of both Steven Gerrard & Fernando Torres both missing this fixture, Liverpool will look ordinary at best, and United will look to attack Liverpool right from the word ‘Go’. Mascherano will form a defensive blanket over what has been an extremely vulnerable Liverpool back four and his input it’s imperative in how Liverpool will fare on Sunday. A bad day at the office for him and it could be goodnight for Liverpool and their bid to end their title drought.

Games between the two teams

	ALL	at Liverpool
Games	146	73
Liverpool	49	34
draw	42	18
Man Utd	55	21

Last 10 games this season

	Liverpool	Man Utd
OverallForm	WWWWLWL	WWWWWLW
Clean Sheets	2	3
NotScored	0	1

Liverpool vs Man Utd statistics this season

1x2

		1		X		2
Liverpool	all	5	71%		0%	2	28%
	home	3	75%		0%	1	25%
Man Utd	all	6	85%		0%	1	14%
	away	3	75%		0%	1	25%

Double chance

		1 or X		X or 2		1 or 2
Liverpool	all	5	35%	2	14%	7	50%
	home	3	37%	1	12%	4	50%
Man Utd	all	6	42%	1	7%	7	50%
	away	3	37%	1	12%	4	50%

Goals Under/Over (2.5)

		Under		Over
Liverpool	all		0%	7	100%
	home		0%	4	100%
Man Utd	all	3	42%	4	57%
	away	2	50%	2	50%

Goals Odd/Even

		Odd		Even
Liverpool	all	4	57%	3	42%
	home	1	25%	3	75%
Man Utd	all	5	71%	2	28%
	away	2	50%	2	50%

Statistics this season

		G	W	D	L	GF	GA	PTS
Liverpool	All	7	5	0	2	22	10	15
	Home	4	3	0	1	15	4	9
Man Utd	All	7	6	0	1	17	6	18
	Away	4	3	0	1	10	2	9

Goals / game this season

		GF+GA	GF	GA
Liverpool	All	4.57	3.14	1.43
	Home	4.75	3.75	1
Man Utd	All	3.29	2.43	0.86
	Away	3	2.5	0.5

Last games for

Liverpool

2009-09-26	Liverpool	(6-1)	Hull
2009-09-19	West Ham	(2-3)	Liverpool
2009-09-12	Liverpool	(4-0)	Burnley
2009-08-29	Bolton	(2-3)	Liverpool
2009-08-24	Liverpool	(1-3)	Aston Villa
2009-08-19	Liverpool	(4-0)	Stoke City
2009-08-16	Tottenham	(2-1)	Liverpool
2009-05-24	Liverpool	(3-1)	Tottenham
2009-05-17	West Brom	(0-2)	Liverpool
2009-05-09	West Ham	(0-3)	Liverpool

Manchester United

2009-09-26	Stoke City	(0-2)	Man Utd
2009-09-20	Man Utd	(4-3)	Man City
2009-09-12	Tottenham	(1-3)	Man Utd
2009-08-29	Man Utd	(2-1)	Arsenal
2009-08-22	Wigan	(0-5)	Man Utd
2009-08-19	Burnley	(1-0)	Man Utd
2009-08-16	Man Utd	(1-0)	Birmingham
2009-05-24	Hull	(0-1)	Man Utd
2009-05-16	Man Utd	(0-0)	Arsenal
2009-05-10	Man Utd	(2-0)	Man City

by matt soccerbetting.info , resultsfromfootball.com

Team News Update 24/10/09

Saturday, 24 October 2009
18:54 Manchester United is the “perfect game” for Liverpool – Rafael Benitez
18:48 Premier League Preview: Liverpool – Manchester United
17:49 Winning at Anfield would be 'shattering blow' for Liverpool – Nani
17:33 Book Review: When Football Was Football
16:45 Defeat to Manchester United could cost Rafael Benitez his job – Terry Venables
16:13 Wayne Rooney admits he was unhappy to see Cristiano Ronaldo leave Manchester United
15:17 Liverpool can draw inspiration from Argentina - Javier Mascherano
14:23 Lucas Leiva backs Rafael Benitez to turnaround Liverpool slump
14:03 Manchester United's Sir Alex Ferguson feels sympathy for Gareth Southgate
13:35 Manchester United's Wayne Rooney remains injury doubt to face Liverpool - report
13:11 Liverpool's Glen Johnson relishing Manchester United clash
12:53 Liverpool loss at weekend won't spell end of their title challenge - Arsene Wenger
09:13 Manchester United's Michael Owen Will Conquer The Kop - Sir Alex Ferguson
08:48 Liverpool's defensive woes a mystery - Daniel Agger
08:00 Manchester United's Paul Scholes cautious of Liverpool
00:28 Manchester United stopper Nemanja Vidic's Liverpool nightmares behind him

by goal.com

Liverpool FC ban all inflatables from Anfield

Liverpool FC have issued a ban on inflatables at Anfield ahead of Sunday's clash with Manchester United.
The Reds have taken the step following word that United fans were aiming to make fun of the freak goal which condemned Rafael Benitez's side to a third consecutive defeat last weekend at Sunderland.
A youngster in the Liverpool enclosure punched the inflatable onto the pitch during the game at the Stadium of Light where it was placed in the net by goalkeeper Pepe Reina.
However the ball floated out and deflected into the path of Darren Bent's goal-bound shot, deflecting it away from the arms of the Spanish stopper and into the net to gift the Black Cats all three points.
The beach ball, which was sold as part of a £10 gift set, has gained in popularity since the incident last Saturday and bids on internet auction site eBay have exceeded £40 for the ball alone.
Red Devils supporters who have tickets for Sunday's crunch Barclays Premier League tie have been warned by club officials not to bring inflatables of any kind to Anfield as they will be confiscated by stewards.
Several United websites had urged fans to bring beach balls to taunt Kopites and have bought up the entire stock of beach balls from the club's official website which has since removed the product.
Liverpool responded to these reports by revealing that all visiting supporters will be searched on their way into Anfield on Sunday.
Birmingham-born official Andre Marriner will oversee the match between the fierce rivals but referees' chief Keith Hackett has ruled out any possibility of beach ball-influenced goals being allowed.
He said: "Just as Liverpool will take care of security at the ground, so vigilance by the match officials is likely to go up after what happened.
"I haven't told Andre to keep an eye open for any balloons on the pitch because there is no need to. He is a very experienced, capable referee. He is mindful of last week's incident and is absolutely clear that any outside object interfering with play results in an immediate stoppage and a dropped ball being awarded.
"Games like Sunday's are a challenge but I am confident Andre will maintain his good form and that there will be no problems."
No one from Liverpool FC was available for comment at time of going to press

 

by Mark Lawless. (clickliverpool.com)

Team News Update 23/10/09

Friday, 23 October 2009
23:28 Manchester United stopper Nemanja Vidic's Liverpool nightmares behind him
18:23 Jose Mourinho dismisses Liverpool speculation
16:55 Rafa Benitez: My job as Liverpool manager is safe
14:57 Manchester United have nothing to prove at Liverpool - Alex Ferguson
14:39 Rafa Benitez: Liverpool are better than you think
14:22 Manchester City boss Mark Hughes will be watching Anfield closely on Sunday
12:15 Matt Monaghan's Manchester United Comment: Get on the front foot to hurt Liverpool
11:11 Neil Jones' Liverpool Poll: Shock results as fans hold Rafa Benitez 11% more responsible than owners for Kop crisis
10:51 Alex Ferguson: Manchester United against Liverpool is 'the game'
10:27 Javier Mascherano: Manchester United clash could change Liverpool's season
10:02 Wayne Rooney doubtful for Manchester United's trip to Liverpool
09:42 Manchester City boss Mark Hughes: Refs favour 'big four'
09:32 Liverpool still tracking Stoke City's Ryan Shawcross - report
09:22 Acquiring Liverpool still interests Robert Kraft
09:09 Liverpool lack depth - Chelsea skipper John Terry
07:24 Sami Hyypia 'very sad' over Liverpool's horror form
07:21 Pepe Reina: Manchester United clash is a final for Liverpool
00:05 Liverpool can still challenge Manchester United for the title - Gary Neville

 

by Goal.com

Benitez needs Liverpool rally against United

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez received the dreaded 'vote of confidence' ahead of Sunday's clash against Manchester United but the Spaniard knows kind words alone cannot do much for his side.

The Reds, who last won the English title back in 1990, go into this weekend's Anfield fixture on the back of four straight defeats and are eighth in the table, already seven points behind arch-rivals and Premier League leaders United.

Another defeat will likely spell the end of Liverpool's latest title challenge - a bitter pill for those fans who grew up lauding it over United during the Merseysiders' decades of dominance in the 1970s and 1980s.

And to make matters worse, Liverpool could well kick-off on Sunday without the star duo of Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard, both battling to overcome groin problems.

Liverpool's recent run has inevitably turned the spotlight on Benitez, in charge at Anfield since 2004.

He appears safe in his post for the time being, if only because it would cost feuding American co-owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks too much, at a reported 20 million pounds, to sack the former Valencia manager, who signed a new five-year contract seven months ago.

However, Gillett insisted both he and Hicks were united in their admiration for Benitez, saying: "We have just entered into a long-term agreement with Rafa.

"Our family is extraordinarily pleased with him, we think he is absolutely as good as there is in the business and I am sure the Hicks' feel the same way. We just extended his contract."

Gillett also told the club website, www.liverpoolfc.tv: "I think the run of results disappoints everybody. Certainly, it disappoints the fans and it disappoints Rafa. We are all disappointed, but we are in this together."

Liverpool were beaten in midweek in the Champions League by Lyon while United won away to CSKA Moscow.

But Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand said recent results would be an irrelevance this weekend.

"I think form goes out of the window in these games," Ferdinand told MUTV. "We all know that when there's a big rivalry between two teams, whether it's a derby or a big cup clash, form doesn't come into it.

"It all comes down to who performs best on the day and that's what we're looking to do," the England centre-back added.

United could find themselves kicking-off in second place if Chelsea win at home to Blackburn on Saturday.

The Blues' form away from Stamford Bridge has been patchy, with defeats away to Wigan and Aston Villa.

But they have been a different proposition back in west London, while a midweek success over Atletico Madrid maintained their winning start to this season's Champions League.

Ivory Coast striker Salomon Kalou, who scored twice in the 4-0 win over Atletico, said: "It was a very good opportunity for me, I haven't been playing lately and I scored two goals which is very good.

"It's very important for a player to get on the pitch and show what he can do."

At the other end of the table, basement club Portsmouth travel to fellow relegation candidates Hull City.

The teams have managed just three league wins between them this season, while Portsmouth, who have been beset by ownership problems so far this campaign suffered fresh off-field turmoil on Thursday when it emerged their chief executive, Peter Storrie, was in line to face tax evasion charges.

Birmingham, beaten 3-1 away to Arsenal last time out, welcome Sunderland to St Andrews for the Midlands side's first home match since the club was taken over by Hong Kong businessman Carson Yeung.

Saturday's other matches see high-flyers Tottenham taking on Stoke while Wolves play Aston Villa and Burnley face Wigan.

European commitments mean that, in addition to the Liverpool-United match, there are three other fixtures on Sunday with big-spenders Manchester City at home to Fulham, West Ham up against Arsenal in an all-London affair and Everton making the short journey to Bolton.

Fixtures (1400GMT unless stated):

Saturday

Birmingham v Sunderland, Burnley v Wigan, Chelsea v Blackburn (1630GMT), Hull v Portsmouth, Tottenham v Stoke, Wolves v Aston Villa (1145GMT)

Sunday

Bolton v Everton (1330GMT), Liverpool v Manchester United (1400GMT), Manchester City v Fulham (1500GMT), West Ham v Arsenal (1615GMT)

by sports.sg.msn.com

Liverpool FC must decide whether to risk Steven Gerrard against Man Utd

Oct 23 2009 by Ian Doyle, Daily Post

LIVERPOOL will decide today whether to risk Steven Gerrard in their pivotal showdown with Manchester United this weekend.

The Anfield skipper will undergo a fitness assessment on the groin problem he aggravated during the Champions League defeat to Lyon on Tuesday.

But while there is only an outside chance Gerrard will have recovered in time for Sunday, Liverpool are increasingly confident Fernando Torres will be available.

The striker is responding well to treatment on the adductor injury that has ruled him out of the last two games.

And Glen Johnson should also play having returned to training yesterday following his own groin problem which forced him out of the 2-1 Lyon loss.

However, Johnson’s replacement in midweek, Martin Kelly, is out after hurting his ankle when colliding with the goalpost while trying to keep out Lyon’s equaliser on Tuesday, with Albert Riera also sidelined.

Alberto Aquilani will also not be considered, but took a significant step towards a belated Liverpool debut with a 15-minute run-out for the reserves on Wednesday night.

It was the midfielder’s first action since his £20m arrival from Roma in the summer, with his last senior appearance coming in the Serie A side’s Champions League tie against Arsenal in March.

And Aquilani said: “I am happy to have made my debut. It’s been a very long time since I last played.

“Although I only played for 15

minutes, it is good for me and my fitness. I know I am not fully fit yet, but I hope to be soon.

“Of course, I cannot wait to make my debut for the first team now. Like every other player, I want to be playing, but the important thing for me now is to keep improving my fitness.

“I don’t want to stop now – I want to carry on working hard and improving for a long time.

“I have signed for Liverpool for five years and I want to play here for at least five years.”

Benitez has urged his team to show “character and belief” as they aim to resurrect their campaign with victory against United.

Liverpool beat Sir Alex Ferguson’s side twice last season, including a 2-1 home victory last September in which neither Gerrard or Torres started.

And Benitez said: “It is very important when you play against the top sides to show character and belief. That is what we must do on Sunday against United.

“We showed good character last season. We will need to do the same this year if we want to compete and be at the top of the table again.

“The main thing going into these games is you stay calm. You cannot afford to think too much about if you win or lose before you’ve even played the game. That doesn’t help.

“We can learn from the experience of last year. We have talked about the games we drew, but also know that United lost more games than us and still won the league.

“This is why I always talk about taking things one game at a time. You can’t start planning too far ahead.

“It’s really important to stay calm and think about one game at a time. That has always been the message and always has to be.”

by dailypost.co.uk

Manchester United won't underestimate Liverpool FC says Rio Ferdinand

Oct 23 2009 by Our Correspondent, Daily Post

RIO FERDINAND says Manchester United won’t underestimate Liverpool FC on Sunday despite the Reds’ appalling recent form.

The Red Devils visit Anfield in a much stronger position than their fierce rivals, with four straight defeats having piled on the pressure for Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez.

By contrast, United have won their last two games since a 2-2 draw against Sunderland at Old Trafford nearly three weeks ago.

However, Ferdinand knows Liverpool will be no pushover.

“We all know there is a big rivalry between the two teams, like you see in derbies or FA Cup games,” he said.

“But form just goes out of the window. It is about who performs best on the day and that is what we are trying to do.”

Ferdinand played down the significance of this individual fixture at this stage of the season, even though a win would lift United 10 points clear of a perceived title rival.

He said: “It is just another game to play. We want to win as many games as we can and this is just another one along that way.”

 

by dailypost.co.uk

Team News Update 22/10/09

Thursday, 22 October 2009
18:35 Ian Ayre Exclusive: Rafa Benitez’s Spanish connections help Liverpool score off the pitch
16:26 Rio Ferdinand: Antonio Valencia settling in well at Manchester United
14:59 Neil Jones' Liverpool Exclusive: Supporters union label 'liars' Hicks & Gillett as sole culprits for Reds' rut
14:43 Liverpool can recover strongly - Andrea Dossena
12:09 Matt Monaghan's Manchester United Comment: Squad game gives Ferguson winning hand for Liverpool clash
10:46 Rio Ferdinand: Form means nothing when Manchester United play Liverpool
10:37 Liverpool midfielder Alberto Aquliani pleased to be playing again
10:32 Tommy Smith: Hicks & Gillett have 'screwed up' Liverpool
10:08 Igor Akinfeev impresses Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson
09:00 Christian Purslow Exclusive: No better club to support than Liverpool
00:00 Manchester United defender Gary Neville pleased with CSKA Moscow win

Liverpool vs Manchester United - A recent history of the north-west derby

Liverpool vs Manchester United is always a game to savor. The historic rivalry between the two parties has ceased to have screens passionate and entertaining football game Sunday, we hope to continue this trend. Lega A Different Look at the last three fishing tournaments in the north-west at Anfield, before connecting this weekend.

March 2006/07 - Liverpool 0-1 Manchester United
Joined with the table top and continue his first title in four years, a victory at Anfield would put in an excellent location. Liverpool, however, were more focused on winning the Champions League, but with an important match against Barcelona on Wednesday manager Rafael Benitez resisted the temptation to play an under-strength team. After quiet first half was Liverpool who had the pace in the second. A number of opportunities for Steven Gerrard, John Arne Riise and Xabi Alonso have been denied by Van der Sar, and when Craig Bellamy scored a goal for offside excluded from the home crowd began to sense this might not be their day. However, things looked promising when a knee injury to Wayne Rooney, who was meant to be replaced and Liverpool have been equipped with the ability to win the match when Peter Crouch was put in just to be denied once again stop by Freestyle Van der Sar. With the game heading into injury time, which seemed destined to end in a 0-0 draw. Then, unexpectedly, United won a free kick from Ronaldo who fired Reina. The Spaniard has clumsily spilled the shot in the path of John O'Shea, who was buried in the roof of the net. The manager Sir Alex Ferguson celebrated wildly on the bench as Manchester United nine points clear of Chelsea to make the title virtually inevitable.

December 2007/08 - Liverpool 0-1 Manchester United
U.S. trying to win their second consecutive title, while Liverpool were behind and needed at least a draw to stay in the top four. An entertaining first half both teams going close collaboration with the clearing Anderson Harry Kewell header off the line before Fernando Torres heads wide from close up. United responded well and, in 42 minutes, Wayne Rooney shot was saved, but then fired home with the signing of new, Old Trafford, Carlos Tevez and Ferguson's team has been immersed in the first half with a 1 -- 0 lead. But the second half was a closer affair as the Reds tried to protect their lead. Liverpool forward has been ineffective and Benitez has decided to replace the disappointing Kewell with Ryan Babel. The switch seemed to have worked when Wes Brown head the ball in the path of Babel and the Dutch winger has produced more chance of Liverpool, the game, firing inches wide. However, the strength of the U.S. defense meant that it was not for Liverpool and the final whistle, Liverpool fans knew they could have blown the title hopes for another season. Benitez side was now outside the top four, when he was a good Christmas U.S. was high and continue to win the title.

September 2008/09 - Liverpool 2-1 Manchester United
Liverpool, once entered in the derby, the first unit and a win would see pass the table. However, players from Liverpool star Gerrard and Torres has started on the bench after his return from injury and that seemed to America to capitalize on this when, in the third minute, United debutant Dimitar Berbatov cleverly set up Carlos Tevez who opened the scoring in the at close range. But Liverpool responded correctly, when a deaf, Van der Sar made a meal of the Cross-Alonso, punches in Wes Brown, who could not help but divert the ball into the net to equalize Liverpool. Liverpool then proceeded to dominate the second half had few chances to win the game. And this time, their dominance paid Dirk Kuyt went from substitute Ryan Babel scored the winning goal from 10 meters.



Benitez was the first Premier League victory over his main rivals since arriving at Anfield in 2004 and the victory was made even sweeter as Liverpool went top of the table. Liverpool fans were treated later in the season, as did the double over United at Old Trafford he won 4-1. Ultimately, however, was United who won the title again

by Wilmers For Mischa (adifferentleague.co.uk)

Team News Update 21/10/09

Wednesday, October 21, 2009
23:20 John Arne Riise: Liverpool will bounce
22:54 Sir Alex Ferguson happy with Manchester United's away form
22:21 Alberto Aquilani made his debut for Liverpool reserves Cameo
21:02 Neil Jones' Liverpool Reserve Watch: Alberto Aquilani bow end of a welcome boost for beleaguered Rafa Benitez
20:14 Liverpool co-owner George Gillett insists Rafa Benitez has the full support of the club's hierarchy
19:25 Sir Alex Ferguson praises side after the victory at Manchester United in Moscow
19:25 Manchester United Matt Monaghan special: A tale of two wings
19:09 Champions League Player Ratings: Manchester United 0-1 CSKA Moscow
18:58 Roy Evans and Dietmar Hamann back under-fire Rafael Benitez
18:10 CSKA Moscow 0-1 Manchester United: Persistence pays later Antonio Valencia strike seals victory
16:16 Ewan Macdonald: Football in the groin - Liverpool lose their marbles in a more
15:23 Liverpool's Glen Johnson hopes to be fit to face Manchester United
14:03 Ian Rush: Liverpool should not sack Rafa Benitez
Exclusive for Liverpool 12:16 Neil Jones: Mark Lawrenson & Stan Collymore deliver the verdict on the two-man Liverpool 'team'
11:37 Manchester United coach Alex Ferguson warns against economic collapse in football
11:21 Manchester United Matt Monaghan Scouting Report: Plastic pitch puts pressure on players to Sir Alex Ferguson
10:38 Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson cools items Akinfeev
10:22 Liverpool problems are the fault of the players - Javier Mascherano
10:06 Fabio Aurelio Liverpool can still qualify for the knockout phase-out
09:17 Martin Kelly has mixed emotions after the defeat to Liverpool debut
09:02 Edwin van der Sar: Manchester United, Rio Ferdinand is "some character"
07:04 Sir Alex Ferguson: Manchester United, brought on CSKA Moscow
00:35 Graeme Souness has launched a ferocious attack against Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez
00:09 CSKA Moscow will go for the win against Manchester United - Juande Ramos

The week in betting: Liverpool vs Manchester United in the Premier League

The week in betting: Liverpool vs Manchester United in the Premier League
European matches on Wednesday precede the big clash at Anfield on Sunday. David Myers previews this, and the rest of the week's betting action


Liverpool host Manchester United at Anfield in the Premier League on Sunday

With both Chelsea (7/4) and Liverpool (14/1) faltering in the Premier League at the weekend, Manchester United are now 7/4 to win the domestic title, with Arsenal 4/1 and Manchester City 10/1.

I mentioned an interest in City several weeks ago and can't believe they are still such a big price considering their only defeat came in injury time at Old Trafford. They also showed character with a gutsy performance to secure a point at Wigan with only 10 men last week, but can take maximum points this Sunday at home to Fulham (13/2). Odds of 2/5 won't do much to pay the winter bills, though, so bigger odds about the double result (to be winning at half-time and full-time) make more sense at 9/10.

The big match of the weekend kicks off an hour earlier at 2pm when Liverpool (6/4) come up against old rivals Manchester United (8/5) at Anfield.

The Reds did the double over United in the league last year, but they have been below-par of late, failing to score on their last three outings. They also face a tough home tie against Lyon in midweek, which could dent confidence further if the French champions get a result.

With the last six corresponding Premier fixtures at Anfield finishing 2-1, 0-1, 0-1, 0-0, 0-1, 1-2, I can see Fergie's men stealing a narrow away win at 8/5, with the 1-0 scoreline available at 7/1.

Last week I mentioned Burnley's hot and cold form home and away, which predictably saw them lose at Blackburn – so why did I advise the draw? This week they host Wigan at home, who haven't won away since the opening day of the season and are a team that also rely on their home form. Burnley are surprisingly odds against (13/10) for this clash which looks a touch generous considering they have taken care of Birmingham, Sunderland, Everton and Manchester United at Turf Moor this season.

Of the remaining fixtures in the Premier this weekend, both the form teams, Aston Villa (19/20) and Sunderland (6/4), could return with maximum points on their travels to Wolves and Birmingham, respectively, while Arsenal (1/2) should land the honours at Upton Park against an unpredictable West Ham outfit.

The midweek action revolves around the Champions League on Tuesday and Wednesday, with the Europa League taking over on Thursday.

The Champions League sees Liverpool (3/4) host Lyon (16/5), while Arsenal (9/20) travel to AZ Alkmaar (23/4). Lyon are likely to prove a handful at Anfield, so instead, I'll look to Robin Van Persie (4/5) to score at any time in Holland.

Wednesday sees Chelsea (1/3) face a simple task at Stamford Bridge against Atletico Madrid (7/1), while Manchester United (evens) head east to CSKA Moscow (12/5) where a point for the draw is the call at 9/4, considering United could have Sunday's clash at Anfield in mind.

The punting pick in Thursday's Europa League fixtures is Hamburg (6/5) to triumph at Celtic (2/1). The Germans are unbeaten this season and will fancy their chances against a team that has only won three of their last eight matches, including a tame goalless draw at Motherwell last week. Celtic also have had their proud home record in Europe ripped apart by Arsenal and Dynamo Moscow of late.

Green is certainly the colour on Thursday as week six of snooker's Premier League takes place in Lincolnshire, while golf's Castello Masters gets underway in Spain.

Sergio Garcia will figure at the head of the betting in his homeland, but of more value could be Justin Rose, whose last victory came in Spain two years ago. The Englishman could well figure throughout the four days – he was an eye-catching sixth in last week's Portugal Masters and looks to be hitting form.

As for the snooker, defending champion Ronnie O' Sullivan takes on Stephen Hendry in a match that should provide a few big breaks. Anyone looking to take on the Rocket, however, should think twice as he has only lost once to the Scotsman in their eight Premier meetings since 2005, with five wins and two draws: 3-3, 5-1, 2-4, 4-2, 6-0, 3-3, 5-0 and 4-2.

The best bet of the night, though, is Shaun Murphy to beat Marco Fu, who hasn't been at his best for while, making correct frame scores of 5-1 and 4-2 a real possibility. Don't forget to check Sportingbet's site for the latest odds, including in-play betting.

In-play punting will also be available for the tennis this week, where Russia's Kremlin Cup takes place for both men and women, while the Paribas Open in Luxembourg has attracted some of the leading women players, including Kim Clijsters.

Clijsters plays here for the first time since her comeback victory in the US Open in the summer, and she has a fantastic record in Luxembourg, winning four titles between 1999 and 2003.

by David Myers
guardian.co.uk

Team News Update 20/10/09

Tuesday, October 20, 2009
23:42 Play Steven Gerrard was not a gamble - Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez
23:22 Sir Alex Ferguson is ready for CSKA Moscow, but with an eye on Liverpool
21:53 Brilliance Dimitar Berbatov concerns CSKA Moscow Juande Ramos
21:47 Liverpool, Jamie Carragher: We wound through
Special Liverpool 21:38 Neil Jones: Lyon-end presentation highlights the problems Reds'
21:00 Champions League Player Ratings: Liverpool 1-2 Lyon

19:43 Bolton Lee Chung-Yong: Patrice Evra is a really great player
19:42 Liverpool 1-2 Lyon arrest time strike stuns Anfield Delgado
18:04 Lyon manager Claude Puel wary of Liverpool match
17:41 Kop Liverpool have more fans in the world - Gérard Houllier
17:06 Champions League: CSKA Moscow - Manchester United
17:03 Michael Carrick: Manchester United Champions League 2008 in Moscow was the greatest moment of my career
13:45 Manchester United Matt Monaghan Discussion: Memories of Moscow inspire new batch
13:35 Sunderland were the better side against Liverpool - Lorik Cana
12:34 Neil Jones' Liverpool Comments: Burden of proof on Steven Gerrard as the Reds prepare for the French invasion
10:25 Andrea Dossena: Alberto Aquilani is ready to make debut in Liverpool
10:05 Lyon striker Sidney Govou: Pressure is on Liverpool
09h36 Daniel Agger: It 'nice to play for Liverpool again
09:12 Sir Alex Ferguson: no plastic CSKA Moscow is not a problem for Manchester United
09:00 FWA Weekly: Too many players make ordinary homes extraordinary treatment
08:58 Manchester United fans in search of beach balls in Liverpool - report
08:45 Champions League: Liverpool - Olympique Lyonnais
01:49 Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina: Beach-ball ref did not work
01:13 Rafael Benitez: Hard work will get Liverpool back on track

Liverpool v Manchester United Preview

With the latest games this weekend in the English Premier League was completed on Saturday, October 17th, it is time to consider the future with a certain flavor to the Top game next weekend. One of the most anticipated match-up of the season will be held Sunday, October 25

Liverpool v Manchester United Preview
Date: October 25, 2009
When Manchester United travel to Anfield to take on Liverpool, as shown by the BBC Sport Football. Manchester United and Liverpool are two giants of the game in English, and after winning any championship trophies and there is strong rivalry between the two clubs. Over the past 30 years, one or other of the teams was a dominant force in England. Liverpool was the best team in the 70 'and 80' with Manchester United taking over the mantle in the '90s and more recently. For fans of both teams is one of the games they want most to win matches and the atmosphere is always electric.
The beginning of the current Premier League has seen the shape of recent years has continued with the move to Manchester United at the top of the table behind Liverpool. United currently leads the way in England, with 22 points in nine games with Liverpool in eighth place, seven points behind their rivals, having played the same number of games. This is obviously worrying for Liverpool and the game Sunday is really a must win for them if they want to be considered serious title contenders as afford to drop c ten points behind United.

However, as recently supported Manchester United. They have lost only once in nine league games played this season, when they were beaten 1-0 by Burnley. Like Liverpool, on the other hand has been inconsistent and have lost games that on paper, would have been expected to win. Of the nine matches played this season, have lost four, and this is not the form that is difficult for the teams in the league. If they want the chance to win the English league this season, which should improve and this improvement really started playing Sunday against Manchester United.

Team News Update 19/10/09

Monday, October 19, 2009
14:21 Rooney, Giggs, Evra, Fletcher Park & Miss Trip to Manchester United at the CSKA Moscow
14:11 Rafa Benitez: Steven Gerrard is fit for the Liverpool game with Lyon, Fernando Torres would not have favored
Matt Monaghan Debate 12:28 Manchester United: Giggs on top of the heap of the Premier League for the Ballon d'
12:15 Neil Jones' Liverpool Scouting Report: Tevez and Lisandro big risk when Lyon come to Anfield

11:57 Manchester United coach Alex Ferguson has accused of misconduct of a speech by Alan Wiley
11:03 Liverpool Fernando Torres lack of training - Report
10:40 Premier League game with Liverpool confirm Sunderland will not play
10:01 Ryan Giggs of Manchester United's trip to CSKA Moscow
09:48 video: How Sunderland v Liverpool, 2007-08 FA Cup match to produce a balloon '' deflected goal
09:48 Liverpool sale F6 confirms talks on hold
09:34 Fabio Aurelio: Anfield Liverpool fans inspire
08:40 Report: Ref Mike Jones be abandoned on the beach, in Sunderland goal-ball

Manchester United update18/10/09

Injuries leave United with European worries

MANCHESTER, England — Manchester United have injury concerns over Patrice Evra and Ryan Giggs ahead of the Champions League game at CSKA Moscow on Wednesday.
Sir Alex Ferguson is hoping that Serbian defender Nemanja Vidic, who missed Saturday's 2-1 Premier League win over Bolton Wanderers here at Old Trafford with an ankle injury, will be fit enough to return in mid-week.
But he admits he has concerns over both Evra and Giggs after they sustained knocks against Bolton.
It was not a convincing performance from United but they returned to the top of the table thanks to Chelsea's loss to Aston Villa.
And although Ferguson is calling for improvements at the back - his defence have kept just three clean sheets in nine Premier League matches - he was happy to move back to the top of the table despite suffering further injuries.

by Graham Chase (AFP)

---

Manchester United moved top of the Premier League with a nervy victory over Bolton at Old Trafford.


The champions took an early lead when Michael Owen's header was deflected into his own net by Zat Knight.

After Antonio Valencia lashed home his first goal for United, the hosts looked to be cruising to the three points.

But Matt Taylor headed in from Kevin Davies' cross and Bolton began to flood forward in search of an equaliser, only to be denied by some dogged defending.

Sir Alex Ferguson's men will be mightily relieved to have secured the win, which was far from convincing but sees them go a point clear of Chelsea after the Blues were beaten at Aston Villa earlier on Saturday.

by David Ornstein (news.bbc.co.uk)

Liverpool FC update18/10/09

New injury scare for Liverpool FC skipper Steven Gerrard


STEVEN GERRARD handed Liverpool a fresh injury scare today when he limped out of an England training session after just 10 minutes.

The Reds skipper, who came off at half-time in Ukraine with a groin strain, has been receiving treatment all week but was rated an outside chance of being fit for tomorrow night's final qualifiying game against Belarus.

He left the training pitch today, however, after barely 10 minutes, accompanied by England head physio Gary Lewin.

It now seems highly unlikely that he will feature tomorrow and his club boss, Rafa Benitez, will be anxiously awaiting an update from the England fitness staff.

With Javier Mascherano and Lucas both not expected back from international duty until Friday, and Alberto Aquilani still a little way of match fitness, the Reds' midfield options would be severely limited should Gerrard be ruled out of the weekend trip to Sunderland.

by liverpoolecho.co.uk

---

The Oppo: Benitez reflects
Rafa Benitez refused to use Darren Bent's 'freak' goal as an excuse after seeing his team slump to their third straight defeat


Reacting to his team's 1-0 defeat to Sunderland at the Stadium of Light, Rafa Benitez refused to dwell on the circumstances surrounding Darren Bent's winner.
Bent scored the only goal after just six minutes when his shot struck an inflatable ball thrown on the pitch by a fan, deflecting the shot past a wrong-footed Pepe Reina.
Benitez told liverpoolfc.tv: "It was a special situation but we didn't play well. The goal changed the game but we didn't play well, made some mistakes and gave the ball away.

"After this they played well on the counter-attack. They had some chances and when we had our chances we didn't take them.

"These things can happen in a lot of games. It's a bad situation for us that the [inflatable] ball was in the middle and was influential but again I will say we didn't play well - that's the main thing for me.

"We had some players who we knew could be a little bit tired, and then conceding after four minutes it was even more difficult. We have to do better if we want to win these kind of games."

When questioned about the goal, Benitez quipped: "It's a very technical question but it could be because it could have been a goal anyway."
Liverpool now trail leaders Manchester United by seven points but Benitez remains upbeat about his side's prospects.
He said: "In a normal season teams at the top would be winning every game and it would be a long distance to the top now but Chelsea have lost two games and I think we'll see a lot of top teams lose games.

"Losing four games is bad but crucial? That depends on the next few games. If we can win two or three games in a row we can be at the top of the table."

by safc.com

Liverpool or Manchester United - Who's the best football club in England?

Liverpool or Manchester United - Who's the best football club in England?

OK, prepare to duel!

This duel is to finally decide who the best football club in England.

2 challengers for the honor are Liverpool and Manchester United.

They are the 2 most successful club in English football after winning the trophy in their illustrious history.

So begins the Duel!

Ticket 25th OCT 09 (LIV POOL vs MAN UTD)

Match: Liverpool v/s Manchester United
About the Match: Premier League Match between Liverpool v/s Manchester United on Liverpool Stadium.
Venue: Anfield,Liverpool
Anfield Road, Liverpool, L4 0TH
Match Date: Sunday, October 25, 2009

by footballticketshop.com

Manchester United 1 - 4 Liverpool (review)

Rafael Benitez could end up having the last word, after all, as his team Liverpool were back in the fight for the title with a decisive 4-1 hammering of 10-man Manchester United at Old Trafford.
The Merseyside giants fought back from a goal of exceeding the Premier League so clinical, Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard turned the game in the lead before the break, with Fabio Aurelio and Andrea Dossena Liverpool clear easing before the end.

However, this was a day to forget for Nemanja Vidic, with Torres that bind the target before being sent off against Liverpool for the second time this season that the half-Benitez Kingdom has reduced lead-up to four points, but after having played a game more.

Liverpool's victory was larger in Italy since 1936 and could trigger a resumption of the league incredible.

Liverpool are the ones who need this win and it soon became clear about them, especially Torres gave the Red Devils defense a torrid time.

Once Jamie Carragher had regained calm after being destabilized by a switch on the right back end due to late withdrawal Alvaro Arbeloa, who had the edge in areas of vital importance, guests do better than his nervous first half display against ' Inter in midweek.

Fact, it was a surprise when United went ahead.

Pepe Reina Carlos Tevez play a through ball to Park Ji-Sung pretty well, but it came too fast for his own good. When South Korea cut the ball, the Liverpool goalkeeper could not stop.

And while Reina has pleaded for clemency, the referee Alan Wiley pointed to the right place.

Ronaldo is not the type of player to waste these opportunities and duly sent his 17th goal of the season.

The men had Sir Alex Ferguson was able to hold their advantage for a sufficient period of time, the visitors could have panicked. But five minutes later Liverpool were well in a rare error of Nemanja Vidic.

The Serb has been almost perfect this season, so is the favorite to win the PFA player of the year.

But first, let Bounce Vidic Martin Skrtel long punt forward, when he might come back in half Liverpool quite easily. Then, he failed to rule on the ball, allowing Torres to nip and clear line, beating Edwin van der Sar with clinical efficacy.

Conceding a goal was quite surprising for the Red Devils, even before the break Liverpool had scored again.

Hull were the last team to score more than once against United in the Premier League battle - and that was four-and-a-half months ago.

But when Torres attempted to send Racing Gerrard in the box and Patrice Evra MIS shifted its face, the Liverpool captain finds converts the penalty with the same confidence Ronaldo had shown previously.

Gerrard joy was evident. Liverpool and the lead was fully deserved, condemning Ferguson for the first interval rally call to arms in the league at Old Trafford all season.

The Scot has injected a greater sense of urgency in his team, even if there is no improvement in their area of conservation.

Carrick, in particular, was really a pretty bad day, twice put in jeopardy his team goes from rebels.

United at least managed to generate some momentum, with Tevez approaching the end of a knock-back Wayne Rooney and equipment, then a shot on the turn narrowly wide.

After expressing his "hatred" of Liverpool earlier this week, the last thing I wanted was to suffer a defeat Rooney and immediate opportunity for Gerrard - a longtime friend - to gloat.

Yet, over time, which was the fate Rooney has been condemned, particularly as Ferguson has waited more than 20 minutes before it was made presentations of Dimitar Berbatov, Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs.

This is the kind of force Benitez did not, and one of the main reasons why Liverpool have found themselves on the wrong side of a 14-point swing fortunes United return from their campaign of Club World Cup in Japan just before Christmas.

Liverpool have managed to do what this season is to beat Chelsea and United, the two disadvantages that are now registered "double".

The U.S. had hopes, evaporated minutes to replace Ferguson as another spectacular triple dismal first contact, once again Vidic, left few alternatives other than the Serbian slaughter of Gerrard.

For the match against Liverpool in the second half, Ronaldo drove a red card and was still making its way through the tunnel, when Aurelio curled home a superb free-kick.

And Liverpool were not finished, as Andrea Dossena lob Van der Sar to complete a memorable victory, whose significance remains unknown.